Replies

1. 
   wango | Apr 23, 2005 06:35am | #1

   Using a sealer on tile prior to grouting helps in a couple of ways. First it will make the immediate clean-up faster and easier as the grout won't get a 'bite' on the tile surface. This means less time wiping and waiting (read more $). Second it gives a novice a bigger window to clean-up in. Should some missed grout set up, the sealer will help shed it.

   To answer your concern, YES, letting the sealer get on the edges of the tile WOULD prevent the grout from sticking, so only dampen a rag to the point of it not dripping so that you only wet the tops of the tile. Less is better. You need not use a high quality sealer for this step. Use the better stuff for after the grout has damp cured for at least 3 days.

1. 
   COremodeler | Apr 23, 2005 04:38pm | #2

   There has been a lot of talk about removing grout from tile over the past few days. I remember when I first started setting tile, there were instructions to the effect of leaving the haze behind and removing it w/ dry cloth later. Which is fine and easy w/ 4x4 glossy and such. But as we start getting into flat porcelain, slate, and other stones, there's this talk of presealing and I've done this step, it takes a while and you have to allow dry time. Years ago I found some steps that to me make the whole process easier. 1) I mix my grout a touch drier. 2) I dampen the tile before grouting. 3) Sponge the grout in the usual fashion. 4) My final step, once things are at a point where one would walk away. I take the ringed sponge and lightly drag it at a 45, no circling here. Not more than a couple feet, flip the sponge pull in a new row (like mowing the lawn) rinse and repeat. It creates a squeegee action. The water doesn't even have to be that clean. It just works, I've done thousands of feet of tile, slate, stone w/ great success and 99 percent of the time no grout or haze to clean the next day.