My Friend's Bathroom

[Snets]

I did a little calculation and I'm averaging 12 hours/week working on this job...hey, it's a retirement job....and there was a vacation in there too! (144 hours up to this point)

Made some good progress in the past two weeks. Windows and niches take a ton of time with subways, for sure...so many cuts and measurements to get it just right. Today, I made all of the (hopefully) correct calculations in regards to the mud pan and curb height to:

1) To have a full tile above the floor tile, and;
2) Have a full tile above the marble curb cap.

Fingers crossed. Deck mud pan is my third, and for sure my best yet. For anyone contemplating their first one, just slow down and pay attention to every inch of your screed, filling in, packing and re-screeding those low spots. Don't mix over 50% of the total amount at a time and get the first 50% right before mixing the rest. Make your packed perimeter first a few inches wide then fill in from there, pack, screed, pack.

[cx]

Floor mortar looks very dark, Snets. What did you use?

[Snets]

Probably just my buddy's iPhone camera. You know, all those built-in algorithms to make things look good instead or capturing reality. Looked like deck mud when I left - Sand, Portland Cement and a lil water.

[cx]

Understand. Nice work there, no matter how long it took.

[Snets]

Originally Posted by CX

Understand. Nice work there, no matter how long it took.

Thanks, CX.

[ss3964spd]

Looking good, John, that's a whole lot of grouting! Prism, right? How do you like it?

[Snets]

Originally Posted by ss4964spd

that's a whole lot of grouting! Prism, right? How do you like it?

I did grout some of the job earlier because she was having a party and wanted the bathroom useable (toilet, vanity, mirror, new vanity light, etc) so I grouted behind the toilet and installed the new toilet, and grouted above the vanity. I like the Prism. I had no issues with it. I did maybe 20-30 sq/ft in one shot and I think I'll stick to that size area. I was very manageable, but my tiles are very glossy too so that helps. And the tiles are wavy both on the edge and surface at the edge, so it's what I would call a rustic grout line. She was very happy with it.

It is definitely a "fine" grout. very smooth. And, it mixes wierdly. It takes a few seconds with a drill mixer for the powder to start incorporating with the water - like they stay separated for the first few seconds of mixing. Strange.

Oyster Grey is the color in case anyone was wondering.

[ss3964spd]

Had the same mixing experience with Mapei's Ultracolor FA. 10 seconds in and was definitely thinking this so doesn't look right. Went from weird to what I expected a few RPM later. Fast setting, but easy to clean.

[Snets]

A little progress...after waterproofing pan and successful 24-hour flood test, floor tiles and curb done. Mathematical success with bottom course subways ending up (mostly) whole - couple spots needed a 1/16" to 1/8" shaved off - not noticeable with that pebble floor. Got the White Carrara Marble curb cap in as well, Versabond a 1/2X1/2 notched trowel and a bunch of pressing down and moving back and forth perpendicular to the trowel direction to get full mortar coverage. I had earlier cut my curb 1/16" shorter on the inside leg to achieve the proper slope toward the drain - checked Marble, all good

Question: I sealed the stone pebble tiles with 511 impregnating sealer prior to install, doing my best to keep the sealer only on the top of the stones. Is one application sufficient before grouting? (Prism)

[cx]

If you're concerned with being able to clean your stones after grouting, John, I'd recommend you use a grout release. I've never found penetrating sealers to do much in regards to grout cleaning.

My opinion; worth price charged.

[Snets]

I thought I was Ok with this product. here are the instructions:

NEW INSTALLATIONS - APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
Read entire label and PDS/MSDS before using. 511 Impregnator should not be diluted or thinned in anyway. 511 Impregnator should be used as is direct from approved container.

Before Grouting: Apply 511 Impregnator to all surfaces prior to grouting. This step will allow quick and easy cleanup after grouting. Grout can stain many surfaces if this procedure is not used prior to the grouting process. Apply 511 Impregnator using a Mira Brush or a clean towel. Apply enough to wet the surface. (See coverage charts)

Be careful not to saturate the open grout joints. Allow511 Impregnator to stand for approximately 3 - 5 minutes for maximum penetration. All excess must be removed at this time by buffing surface with a clean dry towel. This is very important on polished, glazed and porcelain surfaces. Allow 511 Impregnator to cure for 6 - 12 hours before continuing with the grouting procedure.

After Grouting: Once grouted, make sure that all grout residue is removed from the surface with a clean sponge and water. Allow grout to cure per manufacturers specification. If grout clean up is not performed effectively, an additional cleaning may be necessary to remove remaining grout residue or haze. For this procedure use Phosphoric Acid Cleaner,(GCFR) Grout & Concrete Film Remover(Hydrochloric Acid), Sulfamic Acid Crystals or Epoxy Grout Film Remover following the instructions carefully. Once the area has completely dried, proceed with the sealing of the grout

For water and stain resistance. Apply 511 Impregnator to all grout with a paint brush. Any excess sealer that gets on the surface should be wiped off with a clean towelbefore it dries. On larger jobs grout can be sealed by retreating the entire area including the tile or stone surface a second time. Be careful not to allow the sealer to puddle or dry on presealed surfaces.

[cx]

And, of course, Miracle Sealants Company, being a manufacturer of sealants, presumes that sealing the tile and grout on a shower floor is absolutely mandatory, Snets.

Can't say I've ever done any testing with that particular sealer in regards to it acting as a grout release, but in general, I've found a grout release to be much more effective in that application. And I've never really seen the benefit of sealing shower floor tile and grout. YMMV.

My opinion; worth price charged.

[Snets]

I appreciate the advice, CX. I have never grouted natural stone such as these stone pebbles. I did notice today that a few places I got some thin-set mortar on the face of a few pebbles and it did come off with no stain or residue. None the less, I will be doing a test board with a leftover half-sheet that was treated with the 5-11 and move on from there depending on the results.

[cx]

Well, I hope it works well for you. I like being wrong sometimes.

[Snets]

I looked up the directions for Custom's AquaMix Grout Release, thinking I may have to buy some if my test board is problematic with the 511 Penetrating Sealer.

At the end of the "Instructions" paragraph, it says, "For most
smooth porous surfaces, an application of sealer may be used in lieu
of Grout Release prior to grouting."

I'm optimistic that all will be good.