Sealing query

[davidsmerv]

Guys, I'm currently doing a job for a customer with some Fired Earth metros with a crackled glaze. Question is do I need to seal them before grouting or after?? They are two tone with a pebble colour half way up the room and then white at the top, grout colour is going to be a silver grey. Just want to be sure but I suspect I might need to do it before grouting so theres no residue from the grout in the crackle of the glaze.................any suggestions or advice greatly appreciated. Thanks Mervyn

 

[Rich Midge]

I'd say your suspicions are right. I give them a wipe over with Stainstop before grouting.

 

[Lithofin BOB]

You will ideally seal them before and after, as above . After saturation/impregnating them , let it cure,min 12 -24 hrs before then testing the grout release/removal on a spare tile .

 

[J Sid]

don't they need sealing before fixing?

 

[Lithofin BOB]

i think some can - we would not recomend with our products- the fired earth tiles state the lay and leave for seven days as the crackle is a release area for the moisture from the adhesive behind. I have seen quite alot of these pre sealed and not left so these can retain moisture and staining can occur behind and in the crackle of the glaze ( a shadowing) and this can leave a permanent water stain unless you stripp them back and let them dry again, I Asume it depends on the tile structure and make up.