Cement tile is blotchy before grouting

8 years ago

Had cement tile put down late last week - not yet grouted. Followed the sellers instructions and waited 48 hours for the thinset to fully cure before putting on a penetrating sealer. I wiped the tiles off (just a bit dusty) with a damp rag and waited for them to dry before putting sealant, and they were already kinda blotchy. After the sealant went on, still the same. It seems to be on the surface primarily, cause when I put a second coat, I was able to alter the blotches with a rag. Is this something minor that a good cleaner or haze remover could address?

Any advice would be appreciated.

Featured Answer

bobstrauss
Original Author

8 years ago

My pro turned out to be the problem. Though I'd given him information on the requirements for the install from the tile maker, and I'd expressly indicated that a water-based penetrating sealant was needed, it turns out he used a water-based matte finish surface sealer from Tile Lab instead. I spoke with people at the Tile Shop who recommended Superior "Pro Strip" Sealer & Adhesive Remover, and two rounds of that has done the trick.

Helps when the right product is used the first time.

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Comments (6)

PRO
Mint tile Minneapolis
8 years ago
Where is the tile installer and why did you touch their unfinished work?
PRO
Creative Tile Eastern CT
8 years ago
You would need to contact the sealer manufacturer directly to avoid creating more of a issue. Any advise would be purely speculative. It appears you did everything correctly. Yet obviously a detail is missing. Here's the catch. I second Tundra's point. Once you touched the work you now have the liability. A professional tile setter would never allow it. To much sealer a problem, to little a problem, sealer in the joints a problem. Grout comes out blotchy, cracks, loosens etc. Installer will say not his/her problem. Must have been the sealer application. You paid for a complete tile installation.
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PRO
Joseph Corlett, LLC
8 years ago
Bob:

My customers get where, what, when, and why, I keep how and who. You took how and who from your installer and luckily dodged a bullet.
PRO
Mint tile Minneapolis
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
@Joe. exactly. Hiring error? or my handyman doesnt know what their doing with tile.
bobstrauss
Original Author
8 years ago
You guys are some real studs.

Anyway, for whatever it's worth, things are now sorted.