Mosaic tile sealed before grout - can grout be applied over sealant?
11/16/2013 at 3:40:20 PM
Hello all,
Our contractor was not familiar with the mosaic-style tiles we bought:(http://www.porcelanosa-usa.com/home/products/tile/ceramic-mosaics.aspx/d=15271) and has sealed all the grout lines before installing them. These tiles are designed to be grouted over every part of the surfaces after they have been installed, then sealed.
Iinstructions here: http://www.porcelanosausa.com/Uploads/FileManager/Installation%20Iinstructions%20new%20generation%20of%20ceramic%20mosaics.pdf
My question is: if he goes ahead and installs the tiles now, then tries to apply the grout per the instructions, will the grout stick? Is there a sealant-stripping solution we can apply first? (Can't find anything in Home Depot!). Hoping that we don't have to buy a new set of tiles.
Any ideas would be much appreciated.
Thanks!
11/16/2013 at 6:08:44 PM
If your tiles are natural stone product, and many of them are today, the tile needs to be sealed prior to grouting. The reason is that grout will stain and get stuck to the surface of the stone and is very difficult to remove from the surface once the grout has dried. This is the case with Terra Cotta, Slate and Tumbled Marble, just to mention a few.
Your best bet is to check with the supplier as to the proper procedure to follow. If the grout lines are not filled up with sealer, there is no reason why the grout should not stick to the side of the grout lines.
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