Question for Bill V or other gurus, seal marble tile pre-install?

14 years ago

Hi! Question for Bill or Mongo or anyone who cares to opin. First a brief background. You may recall I got a great deal on some WZ Tribeca mini-brick marble subways and hex tile because some of it was stained. I removed the stains successfully with a poltice (yea!). The tile was honed, but where I applied the poltice (talc and hydrogen peroxide), I can tell the finish is gone and the marble absorbs water big time in those spots. I'm afraid that during install those areas of the tile will get stained again (by thinset, grout, whatever). So, here is my question. Do you think I should apply marble sealer before I have the tile installed? If so, what brand?

(I have time and energy to do so, if it's a good idea...)

Thanks!

Comments (6)

bill_vincent
14 years ago
If you're looking for something just to use as a grout release, I'd go with any water based sealer (which works better than the solvent based sealers as a grout release). If you're planning on sealing everything once it's finished, though, go with solvent based, instead.
kimkitchy
Original Author
14 years ago
Thanks for responding, Bill. I will want it sealed when finished, AND I want to decrease the chance of staining from products used in the install (like grout). So, I should go with a solvent based sealer pre-install? Any particular brand you would recommend?
Appreciate your help here!
-Kim
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bill_vincent
14 years ago
So, I should go with a solvent based sealer pre-install?

yes. You don't want to mix the products, especially ones with different bases.
bill_vincent
14 years ago
Forgot recommendations! Miracle's 511 Impregnator or Stone Tech's Impregnator Pro.
kimkitchy
Original Author
14 years ago
THANK YOU, Bill! I appreciate the expert advice!
-Kim
P M
5 years ago
HI-old thread but wondering if there are any new product recommendations for honed marble? I would like to seal our marble pre-grouting. Then post-grout too unless that is not recommended?? Also-Is there any downside to sealing the marble before it is applied to the wall? Thanks very much!!!