Granite Tiling - Sealing the Grout ?

[Richard Edwards]

Hi Guys

A client (trade) of ours has asked me to install 45m of granite floor tiles on UFH in the next month or two. - Now here's the question ----

They want it layed straight lay, joints at approx 3mm - Ok so far ---

Now they are planning on asking me to grout it in a light coloured grout even though the granite is nearly black - probably with the gold spangle in it. The idea is that the lay pattern is to be part of the design feature. Given that this is kitchen they want the grout sealed to help keep it clean.

Has any one any ideas as to how you might approach this task without causing the granite tiles to become smeared with sealant - bearing in mind that the granite cannot be sealed and does not need sealing. ?

If you have any ideas - ie special sealing / impregnator - maybe water based., please advise brand and appliation method.

Thank you for your help in advance

 

[DHTiling]

LTP have just brought out a new Aerosol sealer and it evaporates from surrounding field tiles..with no residue i am told by LTP director.

 

[Richard Edwards]

Thanks Dave - that sounds spot on if you don't mind the pun
I'll check that out and test a couple of pieces first.

If any one else has any ideas I would welcome your input too
Thanks

 

[Terry Cottar]

Aqua Mix have had an aerosol Same Day Grout Sealer for ages. But why would you not want to seal the granite as well?

tel

 

[jay]

epoxy grout with glitter is another option:8:laticrete dazzle
www.laticrete.com/homeowners/.../grouts/stain_resistant.aspx - Cached - Similar

 

[Ken Bruty]

Hi Guys

A client (trade) of ours has asked me to install 45m of granite floor tiles on UFH in the next month or two. - Now here's the question ----

They want it layed straight lay, joints at approx 3mm - Ok so far ---

Now they are planning on asking me to grout it in a light coloured grout even though the granite is nearly black - probably with the gold spangle in it. The idea is that the lay pattern is to be part of the design feature. Given that this is kitchen they want the grout sealed to help keep it clean.

Has any one any ideas as to how you might approach this task without causing the granite tiles to become smeared with sealant - bearing in mind that the granite cannot be sealed and does not need sealing. ?

If you have any ideas - ie special sealing / impregnator - maybe water based., please advise brand and appliation method.

Thank you for your help in advance

Hi Richard

I have used a product called Sealguard successfully, many times before, which is an aerosol that you can spray liberally onto the grout line without affecting the surrounding surfaces, it's very quick, and dries almost instantly, but whatever you do open the windows and don't light any **** though :lol:. The product is Australian and retails at about £30 a can, it's a blue can with a picture of a seal on it (don't ask).

Regards

Ken

 

[grumpygrouter]

I use a product called Universeal - it is available in an aerosol and is invisible on surounding surfaces. Not cheap but has an expected life span of 15 years.

http://www.universealsealants.co.uk/product_rapidallinone.html

 

[DHTiling]

LTP around £15 a can... basicly Mattstone in a tin..

 

[Rich]

As Jay said, epoxy would be worth looking at.

 

[Richard Edwards]

Thank you to those of you who have offered their experience with spray-on sealers. It looking like I will be going down that route, is just a question of which one?

Notes

Terry - Thanks for your advise re Aqua product. The reason why we don't 'want' to seal the granite is because this granite is polished to same standard as worksurface and I am of the opinion that the granite will not absorb anything - inc water/solvent etc - Do you agree?

Dylante and Jay - Thanks for the suggestion (inc the sparkly grout !) Have either of you used epoxy grout with granite and how difficult is it work with - I have the thought in my mind that it is tricky to get a good finish ?

 

[Rich]

I havnt used epoxy on granite but if it is that polished, I dont see why you would have a problem. Iv only used the Mapei Kepapoxy and its fine to work with and gives a lovely finish that wont stain. Its just knowing that it is different to work with than cement based grout. If you go down that route, stick a post up and get as much info from the experts on here as poss.
As for the spray sealers, I have used Seal guard in the past and strangly enough I used the LTP for the first time today. Very little between them, they both seem to work and both seem easy to use but to be honest I dont like using them. There is a lot of wastage and feels a bit messy. I will go back to using Lithofin grout guard again, you paint it over the joints with a fine brush. Takes longer but I just like it.