Flooring Tile - Grout - White - Does it stay white?

I hope someone will answer this ASAP! I have been tiling my house - at husband's request using versabond white thin set. I have also been using white grout throughout. I purchased a product called block out to seal in the grout. I use a paint brush to seal all the grout lines. On my kitchen countertops I could not wait the 72 hours to seal it. I waited 48 hours instead. When I made coffee some spilled on the white grout. I cleaned it with soap and water and for the most part it came out. But will the grout lose its seal when I use something other than elbow grease and dishwashing suds? Can I regrout on a yearly basis? My kitchen looks great, but this grout may not hold up! I used polyblend nonsanded white for the 1/8 grout lines.

I am about to tile a very heavily trafficked area of my floor in white grout (I hate white), and am wondering about timing for sealing etc. I have two dogs and a son (5) and really cannot expect everyone not to walk on floors for 72 hours before sealing! Any feedback will help.

Aside - Mr. Bridges I looked for your book at the local bookstore and couldn't find it. Do I have to wait for snail mail? Let me know. Plan to do tiling on Saturday so time is of the essence!

Thanks!

Hi lacarbs,
With white grout on the floor and two dogs and a son your almost asking for it. :D
Yes, you should seal it but, this won't prevent it from getting dirty. Many times when I have a customer who wants white grout I try to get them to go with a gray instead. You will be cleaning it daily or more to keep it looking white.
Regards and Good Luck,
Rich Gately (Tileman1)

http://www.gatelytilecompany.homestead.com

How often do I reseal it? And should I stick with this Block out stuff or go for Tile Labs sealant? Also, I had a tile person tell me never to clean it with anything other than diluted dishwashing soap and water because the harsh products will ruin sealant. Is this true? Finally, if in the next couple of years I regrout - do I take all grout out? Thanks for your reply. And yes I know, I am completely nuts but plan to take pictures of how beautiful my tiles will look after I put them in! It won't last long -LOL.
lacarbs

In many localities, snail mail is the only way to get the book. You should try Barnes and Noble, though. They ususally have it.

I think Rich understated the white grout issue in order to be kind. It's just about impossible to keep it white. I would switch to gray on the floors at least. You can get a grout colorant the same shade as the grout to re-do what you've already done.

Regrouting entails removing all or most of the existing grout, and this should not be considered. It makes more sense to use the colorants.

John

http://www.johnbridge.com