Designing Kitchens and Bathrooms - Backsplash tile sealing question
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xroxer
03-16-08, 04:50 PM
We have recently installed a tile backsplash ourselves (first ever tile job). The tiles are polished marble. I am getting conflicting opinions on what to do about sealing and grouting.
1 – More than one expert has told me that there is not a need to seal “polished” marble as it won’t absorb the sealer anyway. I tried letting some water sit on a tile surface for a few hours and indeed it does not absorb into the tile. But I’ve also been told by another expert that you should always seal marble or any natural stone even if polished. So which is it? Who is correct?
2 – Only the surface of one side of the tile is polished and I was told that for this reason it is better to seal the marble tiles before grouting which may prevent the grout from discoloring the tile. Is this correct?
3 – Lastly, if sealing is necessary is the TileLab surface guard penetrating sealer from home depot good enough for the job?
1 – More than one expert has told me that there is not a need to seal “polished” marble as it won’t absorb the sealer anyway. I tried letting some water sit on a tile surface for a few hours and indeed it does not absorb into the tile. But I’ve also been told by another expert that you should always seal marble or any natural stone even if polished. So which is it? Who is correct?
2 – Only the surface of one side of the tile is polished and I was told that for this reason it is better to seal the marble tiles before grouting which may prevent the grout from discoloring the tile. Is this correct?
3 – Lastly, if sealing is necessary is the TileLab surface guard penetrating sealer from home depot good enough for the job?
thezster
03-16-08, 05:18 PM
Always seemed silly to seal my granite countertops when it seems nothing could possibly be absorbed into it... but - the experts say "DO IT"... which is good enough for me!! For the price of sealant - is it worth it not to apply it and risk damage to the surface? As far as sealants are concerned... use one that say's it's designed for marble or whatever surface you're working on.