Need help vinyl floor tile question..
 

A few years ago, we got (even though it is not what I requested) those
square vinyl floor tiles in our kitchen and bathroom. I wanted the sheet of
vinyl (no cracks to allow spills in), but since MIL was paying for it, I
agreed to the squares.
None of the tiles are loose.. as I've been extremely careful and driving
everyone nuts with obsessing 'dont spill on the floor'.. ugh.
I want to get it sealed so that spills don't seep under the floor tiles..
how can I do this?
A coworker said polyurethane.. and to use a roller to apply a few coats,
letting it dry in between. I went to home depot and the guy looked at me
like I was stupid and said they don't 'have' that stuff.. but offered to
sell me a brand new ceramic tile floor. (ugh.. the economy is so bad
everyone is all about upsell upsell upsell)
But then again, I usually don't get decent help at places like that, I think
because I'm female.. who knows.
So.. how can I (frugally) seal that tile so that spills don't seep under
them?
Thank you all so very much in advance,
lucy

"Lucy" wrote:
A coworker said polyurethane.. and to use a roller to apply a few coats,
letting it dry in between. I went to home depot and the guy looked at me
like I was stupid and said they don't 'have' that stuff...

Eh? There should be plenty of polyurethane over in the paint aisle (next to
the varnish & such).

Can't comment on the wisdom of coating vinyl tiles with poly, 'tho...might be an
expensive way to ruin a perfectly good floor. Hopefully you've got some
leftover tiles that you can experiment on before you go after the the real
thing.

Andy,
Thanks for responding.. I appreciate it.
What would you recommend then, to seal it?
Thanks,
lucy

"Andy Hill" wrote in message
...
"Lucy" wrote:
A coworker said polyurethane.. and to use a roller to apply a few coats,
letting it dry in between. I went to home depot and the guy looked at me
like I was stupid and said they don't 'have' that stuff...

Eh? There should be plenty of polyurethane over in the paint aisle (next
to
the varnish & such).

Can't comment on the wisdom of coating vinyl tiles with poly, 'tho...might
be an
expensive way to ruin a perfectly good floor. Hopefully you've got some
leftover tiles that you can experiment on before you go after the the real
thing.

On Mon, 03 Jan 2005 22:11:10 GMT, "Lucy" wrote:

Andy,
Thanks for responding.. I appreciate it.
What would you recommend then, to seal it?

Nothing. My experience with these things is that there's really no
good sealant, and you are probably just better off cleaning with
appropriate products that won't upset or deteriorate the glue used
with the tiles. MIL paid for it, just relax and enjoy it. You might
get really lucky and have no chipping or peeling problems, which does
happen, as long as you can live with the visible seams. Spills won't
hurt much of anything with this kind of product.

"Lucy" wrote:
Andy,
Thanks for responding.. I appreciate it.
What would you recommend then, to seal it?
Thanks,
lucy

In the kitchen, I probably wouldn't seal it with anything -- the adhesive isn't
going to dissolve with a little moisture. Just don't leave any spills sitting
there (and if you have a cat or dog, don't put their water dish on the tiles).

I'd be real tempted to price out a sheet vinyl floor for the bathroom, 'tho.
IME, vinyl tiles near a tub or shower are just a way to have your subfloor
silently ruined. If you do it yourself, a small area like a bathroom can
usually be pulled off pretty inexpensively.