kitchen backsplash issue- please help!

[jadnashua]

It appears that either the (clear?) tile with a back coating have a different color, or the glaze is from a different color lot. I can't think of a good reason why there'd be a difference unless you used different batch of thinset underneath.

[espo21]

Hi guys sorry for the late response.
CX I took a look on the box as well as the spec sheet online for the tile but I don't see anything referencing the ANSI spec you mentioned.
I've attached a photo of these tiles from the website. it looks like there is supposed to be some variation in color so I think I got exactly what I was supposed to. unfortunately I wasn't told this upfront. I was only shown one tile as a sample.
The problem is depending on the different lighting conditions, the variation goes from not noticeable at all to extremely obvious. So without dry fitting these and looking at them under multiple lighting conditions you run the risk of blotches and patterns (which is what I got to some extent).
I still have a few rows to go (moving along very slowly lol) and I dry laid the rest so I should be good from this point forward.
thanks for all the help guys - as always... much appreciated.

[cx]

Meeting ANSI A137.1 doesn't necessarily make the tiles any better, Marc, but it would have told you whether you should expect the color variations you see in your tiles.

[espo21]

makes sense, thanks CX. appreciate all the info.

[espo21]

Hi everyone, I was hoping I could ask a question on different types of grout. For my kitchen backsplash (3x12 subway tile / shiny glazed ceramic / 1/8" grout lines but the tile has kind of a scalloped edge so some joints are more like 3/16" or so).

I planned on using Mapei ultracolor but now I'm hearing it's not the easiest to use for a beginner. I'd like to use Mapei Keracolor but because some joints are over 1/8" I was told I'd have to go with sanded which #1 I'm not sure how that would look on a backsplash, and #2 I'm not sure if it would damage the glazed surface.

Does anyone know of a good grout to recommend for a beginner in this situation. I'd love to use a premixed if possible to make it a little easier. I don't mind paying extra.

I was looking at Laticrete spectralock 1 since it's pre-mixed but reviews on that seem iffy with the stubborn haze, and again... worried about the sand damaging the glossy ceramic.

any recommendations??

thanks so much as always
Marc

[cx]

For 1/8th" grout joints I would always use a sanded grout. The only way to tell if the grout will scratch your tile surface is to make up a small test board and grout it.

The newer single-component grouts aren't necessarily easier to use, except for the lack of necessity to mix them. The application and cleaning are different from those for cementitious grouts, but if you're not very familiar with cementitious grouts already, that won't mean much to you at all. But you do need to read and follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully to avoid problems. No rocket surgery involved, just a need to pay attention to the instructions.

But you still need to make a test board if you have any doubt about scratching. Always a good idea anyway when using a new product.

My opinion; worth price charged.

[ss3964spd]

Marc, I recently used Spectralock 1 on some white, glossy, glazed bathroom tile and had no issue with it damaging the tile surface. I also had no challenges with cleaning it. Getting the haze off a smooth, glossy, glazed tile entails following the cleaning directions and buffing with a micro finer towel.

Nevertheless, as noted above testing it first will remove all doubt.

[espo21]

Sounds good, thanks guys. I’ll make up a test board first.

Dan quick question on spectralock if I may- while I have no experience with epoxy grouts, I’ve heard some negative reviews on epoxy grouts that they have a bit of a plastic-like appearance. Assuming that’s true, does spectralock 1 have that appearance as well? I’d hate to destroy this backsplash with an unappealing grout.
Thanks!

[Davy]

Use which ever one you want but Prism is the easiest grout I've ever used and I've used all of them over the years. Just mix in small batches. To be safe, I'd make a sample board like Cx mentioned.

[ss3964spd]

I don't think Spectralock Premium Pro epoxy looks all that plastic-like. Photo below, just taken, is a grout line from a bathroom I finished 3 some years ago.

If ease of mixing and installing are drivers SL epoxy probably isn't going to be your jam. It isn't really any more difficult to mix up than regular grout (but more difficult than simply opening a bucket, natch). In my limited DIY experience it doesn't flow as easily into grout joints as does a cement based grout so you need to work it a little harder. Pot life is short and a little abrupt, like an avocado (it's fine-it's fine-it's fine-it's dead). Of the relative few grouts I've tried it is still my favorite.

Have to admit, though, my experience with the single component SL-1 was very positive on glossy glazed tile.

[cx]

Originally Posted by Dan

In my limited DIY experience it doesn't flow as easily into grout joints as does a cement based grout so you need to work it a little harder.

In my experience, if a cementitious grout is flowing easily into the grout joints, it's probably been mixed with too much water.

[ss3964spd]

Likely true. I keep seeing photos of grouts being applied simply by holding the float at about 45* to the tile face and dragging a blob across the joints at an angle, probably while simultaneously reducing the float to tile face angle.

In my limited experience I've never been able to install SL epoxy like that. But I've also only installed it into 1/8" joints once, all the rest were 1/16" joints.

[espo21]

Great, thanks for all the info guys. I really appreciate it.