when the tiles are new, will they be stained by the dye in the grout mix?
If so, does the grout need to be closely matched to the tile color,
or is there another solution?
thanks
bill



"dadiOH" wrote in message
news:fCYSf.9921$bu.8600@trnddc04...
Dave Combs wrote:
The bathroom in our house has Saltillo tile which was installed
before we bought the house. It wasn't sealed properly and had some
stains but most particularly calcium deposits from a leaking toilet
when we bought the house. Are there any solutions to "bringing the
tile back to life" so it can be properly sealed?

Either they are on the surface or have soaked in. If they are on the
surface, they should wipe/scrub off. If interior, you might try a bit
of vinegar; if that doesn't work, you can sand them off/out...Saltillo
is quite soft and is easy to sand. Note that sanding will likely make
the sanded area red (if it is not already).

Regarding sealing, I use an water based acrylic (SealCrete) initially,
then 3-4 coats of oil based semi-gloss polyurethane. The acrylic is
just to seal and keep the poly from penetrating thereby making the floor
darker than I want.

Our tile has been down 10 years. The only place that has been redone is
part of the kitchen (needs it again). There are two tiles at the
entrance to the shower that need doing because they are almost
constantly wet. The rest of the floor (3000+) hasn't even had the shine
from the poly dulled...me, my wife, two dogs and two cats.


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dadiOH
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