I am facing a tile project that includes tumbled 4×4 stone as well as split face 4×6 stone. The split face is naturally very uneven. I asked the design rep where the client bought the tiles if there was a problem getting grout on the face of the stone. She said to apply a grout release solution. (Never heard of it.) I asked if it is applied before or after setting, she said before. I asked if it affects the thinset, she said maybe, so apply after setting. I didn’t asked, but if it gets into the joints, won’t that affect the grout stickiong to the edges of the tiles?
Anyway, is there a trick to grouting split face stone and other porous tiles like travertines?
Do it right, or do it twice.
Replies
Yes. Our tilesetter applies a sealer to the faces of all travertine that will be grouted. Sometimes he applies the sealer before the tile is installed, sometimes after. It depends on the size of the job and sometimes how wet the travertine is if it had just been machined. The sealer prevents the grout from bonding to the face of the tile.
carpenter in transition
set the tile first and then use a light hand wiped layer of sealer.
Don't get all heavy with the first coat....makes it real easy to wipe the grout off later and the grout will have no problem adhering.
see pic below of my tumbled marble floor
Be well
andy
My life is my practice!
http://CLIFFORDRENOVATIONS.COM
Andy & Tim...recommendatyions on a brand of sealer?Do it right, or do it twice.
just get an expensive one..it goes reallyyyyyyyy far, but to tell you the truth, I think they're all pretty much the sameMy life is my practice!
http://CLIFFORDRENOVATIONS.COM