Replies

1. 
   Rich_ | Feb 19, 2001 08:11am | #1

   *
   The way I read your post I'd say you are mostly concerned with a grouting technique. Why?

   Perhaps you're thinking the sanded grout will scratch the marble? If that's the case, I'd say no worry because the marble has been tumbled. Other than that I can't think of a reason why.

   OTOH, the marble should be sealed. But this only because it is a permeable stone used in a wet area.

1. 
   splintergroupie_ | Feb 19, 2001 08:39am | #2

   *Seal the surface after it's laid. Grout as usual, no bag needed. The excess grout will clean off the surface easily if it's sealed first, but don't scrub the sealer off--use a sponge to clean up.

1. 
   Dave_Day | Feb 19, 2001 10:39pm | #3

   *The tumbled marble has ALOT of "pits" that will trap grout and make cleanup a nightmare, unlike the other tile I've set in the past. It's about 100 sq ' 4" by 4" floor and wall. thanks

1. 
   splintergroupie_ | Feb 19, 2001 11:09pm | #4

   *Dave, if it's that pitted, won't regular clean-up of dirt and scum be a nightmare, too? It may not be a good choice of material for the location or for over-all use.

1. 
   Phat_Bastard | Feb 20, 2001 01:54am | #5

   *David,last job I was on the bath had tumbled limestone or tumbled marble or something with ALOT of pits. Stuff looked great... then .... the tile guy just rubber floated grout over the whole thing and filled in all the really nice little holes and pitts the owner paid extra for. The grout color matched real close, thank God, but I thought it was a real shame. Would have been way better to use a bag. Much more time on the knees, but why be a hack, just charge accordingly and make it look nice. Then seal 'er up good.BeWell, PB

2. 
   Dave_Day | Feb 20, 2001 02:14am | #6

   *BB you nailed it SC I told you so is going to hit them pretty hard anyway I hate using bags so I looked into a pnumatic grease gun, no good, going to try a suction gun in reverse who knows?? I just can't slop grout all over this stuff time & mat any way

3. 
   andy_clifford | Feb 20, 2001 03:48am | #7

   *empty out a tube of caulk and refill with grout from the back.It works

4. 
   Louis_Wilson | Feb 20, 2001 06:19am | #8

   *On a kitchen backsplash of the tumbled marble, I sealed the face a couple of times, let it dry well and taped over the deeper pits on the face of the tumbled marble, no fun. Grouted as usual, had to do some creative sponge work to get the grout out of the intersections where the edge of the tile was broken down. Pulled tape off as grout set and continued to clean up. Kept the pits free of grout. Real pain to do. I'd avoid the tumbled stuff next time. It's one of those products that is supposed to look centuries old, but you gotta install it to modern expectations. This worked on a small area, larger area would be real time consuming.

5. 
   Rich_ | Feb 20, 2001 07:39am | #9

   *There are grout releases available for this type of installation, just can't steer you to 'em. A cheap alternative would be to stuff bar soap or other into the pits before grouting.There are mechanical caulking guns available, works just like a grease gun, about the same size too. Fill from the back end and fire. Try a plaster, masonry, or paint shop.BTW: Phatty, it wasn't by chance that the tile guy used a similar colored grout when grouting the limestone.

6. 
   Mongo_ | Feb 20, 2001 04:30pm | #10

   *I find it hard to believe that anyone would want unfilled voids and pits in a shower install...especially on the floor. With all the soap scum, skin scale, and mildew that will collect and form you'll have your very own Evolution of the Species experiments going on in your shower. In a dry, decorative install, sure, let the pits remain. But intentional water pockets, with a soft, somewhat porous stone like marble?Most customers will choose a complimentary colored grout for this type of install and fill the tile voids and grout lines in one operation. When done properly it looks outstanding.

7. 
   Dave_Day | Feb 21, 2001 02:10am | #11

   *Mongo you're right, went to the tile store today and they said pour it on everything, samples looked good and I gave up questioning clients tile preferences years ago thanks everyone

8. 
   Mongo_ | Feb 25, 2001 09:40pm | #12

   *Dave, As a follow-up, I have seen other techniques used in installations such as yours, but they are more laborious.I've seen individual tiles grouted to fill the pits before installing on the wall, then sealed, then installed, then the entire wall grouted. This allowed one or more colors (subtle shade differences) to be used for filling the tile pits, and another color to be used for the grout.Someone once emailed me that when doing a wall install they installed the tile, then covered each tile with a cutout of plastic contact paper. They grouted the wall, sealed the grout lines, then peeled of the contact paper and grouted the pits in the field tile.Lots of techniques, lots of work. Still, it's a great looking stone, the extra effort can be worth it. Good luck, and high hopes to you for a successful job.

9. 
   Dave_Day | Feb 26, 2001 02:09am | #13

   *Mongo the job worked out great i.e. the homeowner loved it and that's what matters thanks

2. 
   Dave_Day | Feb 26, 2001 02:09am | #14

   *
   I'm installing a tumbled marble shower and floor. In the past jobs these were only used as accent areas and grouted with the other tile, no prob, however I'm thinking these should be sealed first then grouted with a bag or if posible a caulking gun loaded with grout (sanded) any thoughts?