Let the sealer dry completelythis usually takes two to four hours. Now youre thinking about how to protect it from grout stains. We recommend LTP MPG impregnating sealer for polished natural stone such as Stonestores Italian classic Bianco Carrara, and LTP Mattstone for tumbled natural stone tiles such as Dijon limestone and natural stone tiles with a honed finsh such as Tuscan Grey. Allow the sealer to set into the marble for about 15 minutes. 
After your sealant has fully cured you can get started on your grouting process. Because in case you miss a spot the tile might stain when grouting. I didn't ask regarding color choice as a google search indicates it was by preference related to grout? Answer: You should seal your marble tile every 6 to 12 months. (which you should never do), it'l be fine. However, make sure you use grout and not silicone instead. Question: How can you tell if marble is sealed? I guess the only issue would be staining from the grout. Or I have done slabs of marble in showers. 
Otherwise, itll turn into a darker shade which means its not sealed. The white will stand out against the marble. Is that because honed has a higher tendency to stain? Again, dont step on the floor while it dries. By using our services, you agree to our use of cookies. I have read multiple sources that it can be done before and/or after. Oh boy, there's a shower too. By logging into your account, you agree to our. Interior Flooring, Floor Coverings and Coatings Center, http://miraclesealants.com/msds/s_511_porous_plus.pdf. From other reading, it appears that it is moisture which will take days to dry to come to correct color. 
I suppose grout can be used around the edge of the trim piece but not sure it would work for fixing that corner cut. What is the correct method to finish the trim piece? Copyright Usually there is no need to seal before grouting unless you're using a contrasting color which isn't a great idea. Open stairs - glue and screw, or just screw? We recommend to use caution and seek the advice of qualified professionals. Apply Grout to Ceramic Wall Tile Like a Pro, How to Clean and Remove Stains From Slate Floor Tiles, The Best Grout Sealers to Prevent Stains, Mildew, and More, Keep Your Marble Shower Stall Sparkling Clean With These Tips, Everything You Need to Know About Flooring Sealer, 8 Ways to Cover Kitchen or Bath Countertops, Grout Sealer: Basics and Application Guide, Replace a Broken Slate Floor Tile in a Few Simple Steps, Make Marble Floors Last By Learning How to Clean Them Correctly, Learn How to Repair Cracks in Concrete Floors. 
What's the reasoning for sealing before? He did say he would be careful to not touch the grout lines though. As long as you don't select a contrasting color grout. This stage of preparation is often overlooked and tilers will simply wipe the surface with water. I am using a grout from a store I never used before and they told me to seal the marble before grouting because the grout might stain the tile. Cultured Marble - Huge Grout Mistake - Help!!! To test the surface to see if it requires a fresh coat of sealer, pour a teaspoon of water on the surface and let it sit for about 20 minutes. Are there any books to be recommended for DIY tile work? If the sealer creates dramatic color differences, you should try another type of sealer. These tiles are also prone to water damage. I did do a light colored marble tile in a shower once --- I'm getting off the point. In other words, most of the tile work I have done is ceramic and travertine. However, before you grout, wait at least 5 days. Question: How often should you seal marble tile? However, the cut is off as you can see from the pictures. Then, again wait for another 15 minutes. The current plan is to complete the grouting on Monday and install the vanity either Monday or Tuesday morning. 
The only difference should be that the sealed surface is slightly glossier than the other areas. This is for green marble and certain black marble. Its better if you stick with the time limit mentioned there. 
Wipe off the excess after that. We recommend one coat before and one after grouting. The process for sealing a marble floor is relatively simple. Do I grout between the tiles (next to the panel) and the panel, with grout touching the panel? Thus will keep your tiles spotless and brand new! I have been removing wallpaper under kitchen cabinets and I want to install tile between cabinets and countertop. Before sealing your marble floor, thoroughly clean it with a pH-neutral cleaner made for marble. Follow the sealer label instructions regarding the method of applicationsome prefer foam brush application, others suggest using a cloth. Gather your tools and lets get started. 
The point is that I laid the tile, came out nicely (I was a little worried), and I have to go back to grout tomorrow. Using a sponge, apply a thick, even layer of marble sealant to the stones. I assume he would install the vanity on Tuesday morning to give the grout 24 hours to dry before installing the vanity but I am not sure. We welcome your comments and I asked what species of green marble and what you used to set it because green marble is water sensitive and should be installed with epoxy or special mortar. Repeat the same process of using a sponge to apply sealant. And will increase its longevity. 
Company Reg No. Because sealing before grouting will work as well! These tiles tend to be fairly porous. Now, you need to be careful about this step. The product specifications state to seal BEFORE grouting: Apologies for questioning everything but I have read such conflicting opinions on this from 1) You need to seal before, after, and then a few days later 2) seal BEFORE to avoid "seal haze" 3) seal afterwards (as in this thread). All natural stone tiles, polished (shiny), honed (matte), or tumbled (antiqued) are porous, therefore sealing before grouting is essential to fill these pores with protective sealer. 
that color blends in better. Then wipe the floor with a clean cloth. My question though is, what is the specific name of this green marble and what did you use to install it and what is underneath? Cracked grout and tiles are not a good thing. [Why & How], 2 Methods On How To Fix Uneven Grout Lines [A Simple Guide]. I will be starting my bathroom reno in a few months and need to get thinking about what I need and how to do it. OK, OK, I don't mean to blame you unless you searched all over for the cheapest price or? 
After that, wipe it down once more with a dry cloth. Thanks to everyone for their good advice. Nester, you used a reddish brown grout on textured light colored porcelain tiles. Thats the end of it. We hope we cleared your burning question: should I seal marble tile before grouting? He is a license contractor in NJ with 15 years experience but that doesn't mean what quality. First, fill a spray bottle halfway with your preferred cleaner. Then use a damp washcloth to wipe your tiles. Does The Toilet Flange Need to Be Bolted? When the sealer is completely dry, repeat the application to the marble and the grout joints. And apply the sealant as per required! However, if you havent done that, dont worry. Then allow it to set for an hour or so. These are basically all the steps you need to follow to apply the seal by yourself. Master BA on 2nd floor. Is that normal? Prior to fixing, and ideally at the quoting stage, its prudent to discuss sealing of your tiles with your tiler to ensure this vital process is incorporated into your budget and the work schedule. You must have a double ply subfloor + the joists need to meet higher standards. This is because these tiles are fairly porous. To keep your tiles from getting dirty, you can use a carpet as well. Sealing it first has nothing to do with this issue. DoItYourself.com, founded in 1995, is the leading independent You may freely link 
Nothing jumped out. Unlike a ceramic or porcelain tile floor, it's not just the grout lines where sealing is critical, but the entire surface. However, you have to maintain it properly to keep it looking shiny. If the water has been absorbed, it will leave a dark mark on the surface, indicating that the marble needs to be resealed. Or, do I leave a slight gap between the tiles and the panel? 
Our articles, products and services are for informational purposes. 
Because whatever color grout youre using, the edge of the tile might change color to that. I just installed marble tile in an entryway -- dark green with dark grout. Now after the 15 minutes tile period has passed, its time to take it off. Do not use cleaners containing acid (including vinegar), which can etch the stone. He also said he puts some sealant in the grout mix. 
Dont walk over it, otherwise you might get dirt, or debris over it. Use the broad edge of the brush to wipe up any excess. No, he was not the cheapest by far. What is your definition of 'special mortar'? Went back a few days later and sealed again. Hey mattcoops, type the following into google searchbar and then click on the "image results for, Contractor Talk - Professional Construction and Remodeling Forum. With utmost respect for the knowledge and experience of the others posting in this thread, if'n it wuz my house, my floor and my money, I'd want to seal the tiles before grouting, then grout, remove any grout discolouration on the tiles, and then seal again. Ceramic Tile Advice Forums - John Bridge Ceramic Tile. Epoxy doesn't necessarily play well with stone. This is particularly relevant if the installation dictates the need for numerous cuts, as the cutting process exposes the tile to dirty water from the cutting machine and residues on drying out. After that, you can start grouting the marble tiles. Not sure that tile would take in much sealer, being polished. Marble tiles are comparative very up there in price. Questions of a Do It Yourself nature should be He doesn't know what color I am using so I wonder why he has no concern. He also said he puts some sealant in the grout mix. Just have to say.Jaz is the man for tile! Of course, you didn't know green marble falls in this category. I ended up caulking all edges of the backsplash with the sanded color match caulk. It wouldn't hurt to seal both before and after. I meant special mortar as in made for moisture sensitive natural stone which most if not all green marbles are. Website operating All rights reserved. You have 0 of a possible 2 FREE samples in your sample cart. Now, lets check out how to seal marble tiles! More pictures of the bathroom including the shower. I could perform a 2nd layer of sealant. The goal is to create a very thin layer that evaporatesin a matter of minutes. home improvement and repair website. Its going to start getting dirtier soon and look bad. I have always sealed after but I have also done very little work with marble tiles, esp dark colors, esp on a floor. From here, it can be walked on after a minimum of three hours but ensure to protect the surface from water for 24 hours and dont clean for three days. Or is that staining from the bottom?! One more key thing before proceeding to the sealing stage is to check residual moisture in the tile. 
This was the 1" gap that I referred to but it was more like 1/4" I would guess. grout haze)? Let the floor dry completely. For advice on which type of natural stone tiles are most suitable call Stonestore on 0161 277 6850, for technical information and to restock on LTP products visit http://www.ltp-online.co.uk or call 01823 666 213. Get daily tips and tricks for making your best home. But if the tile starts to dry before that, add another layer to maintain the glossiness. You can walk on the floor within a few hours, but wait until the sealer has fully cured48 to 72 hoursbefore resuming normal cleaning of the floor. He also owned a flooring materials store specializing in natural stone floors. The tile was laid between 9:30AM and 4PM today. That's a completely different situation. Does that go away? Sorry for the slow response. You don't have any concern over staining during grouting (e.g. Do not allow the sealer to puddle. They didn't have the unsanded. Marble tiles are natural stones. 
I don't know to be honest. Overall, I think the floor came out better than I initially thought. In his youth, he began working in his family's tile import business, learning every aspect of the flooring industry, from design and fabrication to maintenance and repair. Please accept the terms of service before the next step. 
So what are you waiting for? To remove chance of staining I believe. It should take less than an hour for each application. This layering will make the marble sealant work better. All information is provided "AS IS." I guess it is possible that the darkness is from the moisture and it will "dry" back to the lighter color. If this is not done, minute particles of grout will sit in the pores and result in a hazy surface appearance. I'll tell him it is a more gray color to see if he thinks differently. It tells you on the bag to check with the fabricator of the marble to see if it's moisture sensitive. Come join the discussion about the industry, trades, safety, projects, finishing, tools, machinery, styles, scales, reviews, accessories, classifieds, and more! After 3 or 4 days of applying the grout you need to layer a coat of sealant. We're done installing and planning on grouting in the morning. Is it OK to walk on in the morning? TILE GUY - retired- TROY, MI - Method & Product suitability consulting. Lets get right into it. Here is the list of tools that are required for the process: Thats everything you need to go through these steps smoothly. Feel free to join our email list to receive our latest news and offers. You should use an impregnating sealant for the process. My bathroom is small and will be primarily tiled on the floor. All rights reserved. I have read that polished marble shouldn't need to be sealed first. Moreover if you have too many pets, make sure to install a barricade. Moreover, this sealant will also keep spills, dirt, and debris out of the tile. This is why you should seal your marble tiles with a sealant before grouting. Marble is a fairly porous natural stonematerial that readily absorbs moisture, which means that it can be stained quite easily. I'll talk it over with the wife. You just renovated or installed new marble tiles in your bathroom. Failing to check for sufficiently dried tiles will result in the sealer failing to protect the tiles and a patchy, uneven colouration. Apply the sealer to each tile individually, using a foam brush or soft cloth dipped in the sealer. I didn't ask regarding color choice (of the thinset) as a google search indicates it was by preference related to grout? If you try removing any discolouration on the marble with acid, then you're going to muck up the surface of the marble. Sealing the tiles will make daily maintenance easier. He doesn't know what color I am using so I wonder why he has no concern. You might also have a hard time cleaning the stain. Was the "special mortar" pre-mixed in a can? I can't see any reason why the same kind of staining wouldn't happen on a marble tile floor. Allow the sealer in the test area to dry thoroughly, then compare its appearance to the other tiles. When you visit this site, it may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. He is a license contractor in NJ with 15 years experience. For this time along, allow at least 40 minutes for the sealer to dry. Carrara marble grout issues - double grout needed? Also, often natural stone tiles are fitted throughout the downstairs living area from the kitchen, through into the dining area, and maybe continuing onto an external patio or walkway. You should definitely seal your marble tiles before grouting. I'm wondering how to do the tiling next to the stainless steel panel. Installer is confident no issue will occur while sealing after grouting. Blot up the water with a paper towel and examine the surface. I'm not kidding, you do not use thinset with green marble. He's using white unsanded grout, right? 
Test a small amount of the marble sealer in an inconspicuous area to make sure the sealant will not discolor the stone. This will protect your tile from stains and discoloration. Itll take about 3 days for it to dry completely. Hence retiling might be very costly for you. I am nearly positive it is unsanded Bostik in "Silver Bullet" to match the marble. You have to reapply the sealant again, once it has set. Heres The Answer, How to Replace the Rusted Toilet Flange: Do It in 5 Easy Steps, Stone Cleaner or A Light, pH-neutral Cleaner. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. He is a member of The Spruce Home Improvement Review Board. Apply with a purposeful pad or cloth, allowing to absorb into the tile for 20 minutes, buff away any excess before it dries. Is that normal? Why Should You Seal Marble Before Grouting? Check it out! I found a few issues such as the "opening" for the tub drain was cut too big so the trim piece won't cover it and one cut around the shower wall wasn't cut well. After that, repeat the same process of applying the sealant! Tomorrow we will grout the rest of the tiles and maybe I'll seal it after Turkey day. Wash the floor and allow to dry no need for rinsing, although polished finished will benefit from buffing with a dry soft cloth. Are there any issues with sealing AFTER grouting? Answer: For this, you need to spill some water over the tile. For me, if I had 1/8" or smaller joints with polished marble, I'd use unsanded. Answer: Yes, marble is a great tile for shower walls. My concern is bleeding from the grouting. 
After your sealant has fully cured you can get started on your grouting process. Because in case you miss a spot the tile might stain when grouting. I didn't ask regarding color choice as a google search indicates it was by preference related to grout? Answer: You should seal your marble tile every 6 to 12 months. (which you should never do), it'l be fine. However, make sure you use grout and not silicone instead. Question: How can you tell if marble is sealed? I guess the only issue would be staining from the grout. Or I have done slabs of marble in showers. Otherwise, itll turn into a darker shade which means its not sealed. The white will stand out against the marble. Is that because honed has a higher tendency to stain? Again, dont step on the floor while it dries. By using our services, you agree to our use of cookies. I have read multiple sources that it can be done before and/or after. Oh boy, there's a shower too. By logging into your account, you agree to our. Interior Flooring, Floor Coverings and Coatings Center, http://miraclesealants.com/msds/s_511_porous_plus.pdf. From other reading, it appears that it is moisture which will take days to dry to come to correct color. I suppose grout can be used around the edge of the trim piece but not sure it would work for fixing that corner cut. What is the correct method to finish the trim piece? Copyright Usually there is no need to seal before grouting unless you're using a contrasting color which isn't a great idea. Open stairs - glue and screw, or just screw? We recommend to use caution and seek the advice of qualified professionals. Apply Grout to Ceramic Wall Tile Like a Pro, How to Clean and Remove Stains From Slate Floor Tiles, The Best Grout Sealers to Prevent Stains, Mildew, and More, Keep Your Marble Shower Stall Sparkling Clean With These Tips, Everything You Need to Know About Flooring Sealer, 8 Ways to Cover Kitchen or Bath Countertops, Grout Sealer: Basics and Application Guide, Replace a Broken Slate Floor Tile in a Few Simple Steps, Make Marble Floors Last By Learning How to Clean Them Correctly, Learn How to Repair Cracks in Concrete Floors. What's the reasoning for sealing before? He did say he would be careful to not touch the grout lines though. As long as you don't select a contrasting color grout. This stage of preparation is often overlooked and tilers will simply wipe the surface with water. I am using a grout from a store I never used before and they told me to seal the marble before grouting because the grout might stain the tile. Cultured Marble - Huge Grout Mistake - Help!!! To test the surface to see if it requires a fresh coat of sealer, pour a teaspoon of water on the surface and let it sit for about 20 minutes. Are there any books to be recommended for DIY tile work? If the sealer creates dramatic color differences, you should try another type of sealer. These tiles are also prone to water damage. I did do a light colored marble tile in a shower once --- I'm getting off the point. In other words, most of the tile work I have done is ceramic and travertine. However, before you grout, wait at least 5 days. Question: How often should you seal marble tile? However, the cut is off as you can see from the pictures. Then, again wait for another 15 minutes. The current plan is to complete the grouting on Monday and install the vanity either Monday or Tuesday morning. The only difference should be that the sealed surface is slightly glossier than the other areas. This is for green marble and certain black marble. Its better if you stick with the time limit mentioned there. Wipe off the excess after that. We recommend one coat before and one after grouting. The process for sealing a marble floor is relatively simple. Do I grout between the tiles (next to the panel) and the panel, with grout touching the panel? Thus will keep your tiles spotless and brand new! I have been removing wallpaper under kitchen cabinets and I want to install tile between cabinets and countertop. Before sealing your marble floor, thoroughly clean it with a pH-neutral cleaner made for marble. Follow the sealer label instructions regarding the method of applicationsome prefer foam brush application, others suggest using a cloth. Gather your tools and lets get started. The point is that I laid the tile, came out nicely (I was a little worried), and I have to go back to grout tomorrow. Using a sponge, apply a thick, even layer of marble sealant to the stones. I assume he would install the vanity on Tuesday morning to give the grout 24 hours to dry before installing the vanity but I am not sure. We welcome your comments and I asked what species of green marble and what you used to set it because green marble is water sensitive and should be installed with epoxy or special mortar. Repeat the same process of using a sponge to apply sealant. And will increase its longevity. Company Reg No. Because sealing before grouting will work as well! These tiles tend to be fairly porous. Now, you need to be careful about this step. The product specifications state to seal BEFORE grouting: Apologies for questioning everything but I have read such conflicting opinions on this from 1) You need to seal before, after, and then a few days later 2) seal BEFORE to avoid "seal haze" 3) seal afterwards (as in this thread). All natural stone tiles, polished (shiny), honed (matte), or tumbled (antiqued) are porous, therefore sealing before grouting is essential to fill these pores with protective sealer. that color blends in better. Then wipe the floor with a clean cloth. My question though is, what is the specific name of this green marble and what did you use to install it and what is underneath? Cracked grout and tiles are not a good thing. [Why & How], 2 Methods On How To Fix Uneven Grout Lines [A Simple Guide]. I will be starting my bathroom reno in a few months and need to get thinking about what I need and how to do it. OK, OK, I don't mean to blame you unless you searched all over for the cheapest price or? After that, wipe it down once more with a dry cloth. Thanks to everyone for their good advice. Nester, you used a reddish brown grout on textured light colored porcelain tiles. Thats the end of it. We hope we cleared your burning question: should I seal marble tile before grouting? He is a license contractor in NJ with 15 years experience but that doesn't mean what quality. First, fill a spray bottle halfway with your preferred cleaner. Then use a damp washcloth to wipe your tiles. Does The Toilet Flange Need to Be Bolted? When the sealer is completely dry, repeat the application to the marble and the grout joints. And apply the sealant as per required! However, if you havent done that, dont worry. Then allow it to set for an hour or so. These are basically all the steps you need to follow to apply the seal by yourself. Master BA on 2nd floor. Is that normal? Prior to fixing, and ideally at the quoting stage, its prudent to discuss sealing of your tiles with your tiler to ensure this vital process is incorporated into your budget and the work schedule. You must have a double ply subfloor + the joists need to meet higher standards. This is because these tiles are fairly porous. To keep your tiles from getting dirty, you can use a carpet as well. Sealing it first has nothing to do with this issue. DoItYourself.com, founded in 1995, is the leading independent You may freely link Nothing jumped out. Unlike a ceramic or porcelain tile floor, it's not just the grout lines where sealing is critical, but the entire surface. However, you have to maintain it properly to keep it looking shiny. If the water has been absorbed, it will leave a dark mark on the surface, indicating that the marble needs to be resealed. Or, do I leave a slight gap between the tiles and the panel? Our articles, products and services are for informational purposes. Because whatever color grout youre using, the edge of the tile might change color to that. I just installed marble tile in an entryway -- dark green with dark grout. Now after the 15 minutes tile period has passed, its time to take it off. Do not use cleaners containing acid (including vinegar), which can etch the stone. He also said he puts some sealant in the grout mix. Dont walk over it, otherwise you might get dirt, or debris over it. Use the broad edge of the brush to wipe up any excess. No, he was not the cheapest by far. What is your definition of 'special mortar'? Went back a few days later and sealed again. Hey mattcoops, type the following into google searchbar and then click on the "image results for, Contractor Talk - Professional Construction and Remodeling Forum. With utmost respect for the knowledge and experience of the others posting in this thread, if'n it wuz my house, my floor and my money, I'd want to seal the tiles before grouting, then grout, remove any grout discolouration on the tiles, and then seal again. Ceramic Tile Advice Forums - John Bridge Ceramic Tile. Epoxy doesn't necessarily play well with stone. This is particularly relevant if the installation dictates the need for numerous cuts, as the cutting process exposes the tile to dirty water from the cutting machine and residues on drying out. After that, you can start grouting the marble tiles. Not sure that tile would take in much sealer, being polished. Marble tiles are comparative very up there in price. Questions of a Do It Yourself nature should be He doesn't know what color I am using so I wonder why he has no concern. He also said he puts some sealant in the grout mix. Just have to say.Jaz is the man for tile! Of course, you didn't know green marble falls in this category. I ended up caulking all edges of the backsplash with the sanded color match caulk. It wouldn't hurt to seal both before and after. I meant special mortar as in made for moisture sensitive natural stone which most if not all green marbles are. Website operating All rights reserved. You have 0 of a possible 2 FREE samples in your sample cart. Now, lets check out how to seal marble tiles! More pictures of the bathroom including the shower. I could perform a 2nd layer of sealant. The goal is to create a very thin layer that evaporatesin a matter of minutes. home improvement and repair website. Its going to start getting dirtier soon and look bad. I have always sealed after but I have also done very little work with marble tiles, esp dark colors, esp on a floor. From here, it can be walked on after a minimum of three hours but ensure to protect the surface from water for 24 hours and dont clean for three days. Or is that staining from the bottom?! One more key thing before proceeding to the sealing stage is to check residual moisture in the tile. This was the 1" gap that I referred to but it was more like 1/4" I would guess. grout haze)? Let the floor dry completely. For advice on which type of natural stone tiles are most suitable call Stonestore on 0161 277 6850, for technical information and to restock on LTP products visit http://www.ltp-online.co.uk or call 01823 666 213. Get daily tips and tricks for making your best home. But if the tile starts to dry before that, add another layer to maintain the glossiness. You can walk on the floor within a few hours, but wait until the sealer has fully cured48 to 72 hoursbefore resuming normal cleaning of the floor. He also owned a flooring materials store specializing in natural stone floors. The tile was laid between 9:30AM and 4PM today. That's a completely different situation. Does that go away? Sorry for the slow response. You don't have any concern over staining during grouting (e.g. Do not allow the sealer to puddle. They didn't have the unsanded. Marble tiles are natural stones. I don't know to be honest. Overall, I think the floor came out better than I initially thought. In his youth, he began working in his family's tile import business, learning every aspect of the flooring industry, from design and fabrication to maintenance and repair. Please accept the terms of service before the next step. So what are you waiting for? To remove chance of staining I believe. It should take less than an hour for each application. This layering will make the marble sealant work better. All information is provided "AS IS." I guess it is possible that the darkness is from the moisture and it will "dry" back to the lighter color. If this is not done, minute particles of grout will sit in the pores and result in a hazy surface appearance. I'll tell him it is a more gray color to see if he thinks differently. It tells you on the bag to check with the fabricator of the marble to see if it's moisture sensitive. Come join the discussion about the industry, trades, safety, projects, finishing, tools, machinery, styles, scales, reviews, accessories, classifieds, and more! After 3 or 4 days of applying the grout you need to layer a coat of sealant. We're done installing and planning on grouting in the morning. Is it OK to walk on in the morning? TILE GUY - retired- TROY, MI - Method & Product suitability consulting. Lets get right into it. Here is the list of tools that are required for the process: Thats everything you need to go through these steps smoothly. Feel free to join our email list to receive our latest news and offers. You should use an impregnating sealant for the process. My bathroom is small and will be primarily tiled on the floor. All rights reserved. I have read that polished marble shouldn't need to be sealed first. Moreover if you have too many pets, make sure to install a barricade. Moreover, this sealant will also keep spills, dirt, and debris out of the tile. This is why you should seal your marble tiles with a sealant before grouting. Marble is a fairly porous natural stonematerial that readily absorbs moisture, which means that it can be stained quite easily. I'll talk it over with the wife. You just renovated or installed new marble tiles in your bathroom. Failing to check for sufficiently dried tiles will result in the sealer failing to protect the tiles and a patchy, uneven colouration. Apply the sealer to each tile individually, using a foam brush or soft cloth dipped in the sealer. I didn't ask regarding color choice (of the thinset) as a google search indicates it was by preference related to grout? If you try removing any discolouration on the marble with acid, then you're going to muck up the surface of the marble. Sealing the tiles will make daily maintenance easier. He doesn't know what color I am using so I wonder why he has no concern. You might also have a hard time cleaning the stain. Was the "special mortar" pre-mixed in a can? I can't see any reason why the same kind of staining wouldn't happen on a marble tile floor. Allow the sealer in the test area to dry thoroughly, then compare its appearance to the other tiles. When you visit this site, it may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. He is a license contractor in NJ with 15 years experience. For this time along, allow at least 40 minutes for the sealer to dry. Carrara marble grout issues - double grout needed? Also, often natural stone tiles are fitted throughout the downstairs living area from the kitchen, through into the dining area, and maybe continuing onto an external patio or walkway. You should definitely seal your marble tiles before grouting. I'm wondering how to do the tiling next to the stainless steel panel. Installer is confident no issue will occur while sealing after grouting. Blot up the water with a paper towel and examine the surface. I'm not kidding, you do not use thinset with green marble. He's using white unsanded grout, right? Test a small amount of the marble sealer in an inconspicuous area to make sure the sealant will not discolor the stone. This will protect your tile from stains and discoloration. Itll take about 3 days for it to dry completely. Hence retiling might be very costly for you. I am nearly positive it is unsanded Bostik in "Silver Bullet" to match the marble. You have to reapply the sealant again, once it has set. Heres The Answer, How to Replace the Rusted Toilet Flange: Do It in 5 Easy Steps, Stone Cleaner or A Light, pH-neutral Cleaner. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. He is a member of The Spruce Home Improvement Review Board. Apply with a purposeful pad or cloth, allowing to absorb into the tile for 20 minutes, buff away any excess before it dries. Is that normal? Why Should You Seal Marble Before Grouting? Check it out! I found a few issues such as the "opening" for the tub drain was cut too big so the trim piece won't cover it and one cut around the shower wall wasn't cut well. After that, repeat the same process of applying the sealant! Tomorrow we will grout the rest of the tiles and maybe I'll seal it after Turkey day. Wash the floor and allow to dry no need for rinsing, although polished finished will benefit from buffing with a dry soft cloth. Are there any issues with sealing AFTER grouting? Answer: For this, you need to spill some water over the tile. For me, if I had 1/8" or smaller joints with polished marble, I'd use unsanded. Answer: Yes, marble is a great tile for shower walls. My concern is bleeding from the grouting.