When you have just completed a tile job, it is absolutely essential that you go in for a tile grout sealer to finish the job. Tile grout sealer is required when you have set your tiles with cement. Those that have been set with epoxy do not need a sealer.
The main reason a tile grout sealer is used is to prevent your tiles from absorbing moisture. Cement, just like concrete is porous and if exposed to water, it will absorb it. If a grout sealer is not placed, then this water can seep under the tiles and lead to a number of complications such as mildew and fungus. The main part that gets affected is the substrate or the layer exactly below the tile. Depending on the materials used here, the damage to your home can be significant. Read the rest of this entry »
One really can’t name one product as the best grout sealer. Depending on what you are using the sealer for, there are a large variety available in the market. There are different ones for granite and for marble. The one’s used for tiles that are laid down in the kitchen and restrooms too vary.
Among the best grout sealers are the following – Stone Tech Sealers & Cleaners, under this brand name is a product titled Bulletproof and this has by far garnered the best response. The only drawback with the product is that it has to be shipped to you and many people do not want to wait for that long. The brand Tile Labs have come out with a product titled Surfacegard. This comes fortified with DuPont Teflon and comes with a 20 year written guarantee. A product can’t get better than this. Read the rest of this entry »
The bathroom is often the most used room in the house. Thanks to the moisture and its constant job of having to keep its occupants clean, bathroom tiles can get extremely dirty. The first thing to turn ugly is the bathroom tiles. They tend to get discolored and will have mold and mildew developing on them. This is especially around bathroom tile grout. Cleaning bathroom grout is especially important because if left unattended this could be a health hazard. Here are some ways in which you can do this.
Step into your kitchen and get your hands on some baking soda. This can easily help you in cleaning bathroom grout. Use the baking powder to make some paste along with water. Apply this to your tiles and use a damp cloth on it to wipe away the dirt. Read the rest of this entry »
Once you install slate tiles, an important aspect is sealing them so that they do suffer from any staining or cracks. Most slate tile installers do not seal them, but this is a task that can easily be accomplished at home. Also depending on the variety of sealant that you use, your tiles can get a new look each time.
A slate sealer generally comes in a one-pack use and can be used over natural and quarry stone as well. It gives slate tiles a glossy surface, but this depends on how porous the tile is, its texture and the method of application. A slate sealer is useful in enhancing the original color of the stone. Being very simple to apply, it can easily be used for the interiors as well as exteriors of your home. Slate sealers dry up fast and are long lasting. Read the rest of this entry »
Most people feel that applying grout to a tile is a tedious process and needs a professional. But a little bit of knowledge and a steady hand is all that is required for you to get this job done by yourself. Once tile cement has set, you will need to fill in the spaces around the tile so that it doesn’t shift around.
To do this task, take water in a bucket. The quantity will be dependent on the area that you have to cover. Check the instructions manual of the grout that you have purchased to get a correct idea on the quantity you will require for the space you have. Always have latex or rubber gloves on your hands to protect them while doing the job.
Mix the grout powder with the water till you have the required amount of grout ready. If you have small grout joints to fill in then Read the rest of this entry »
With time and with a certain amount of wear and tear, grout tends to grow old and will need to be replaced. This however, does not mean that you have to get your tiles replaced as well. There are several ways in which to remove and replace old grout. You could use some hand tools to do it or the newer powered tools to do the jobs. Bottom line is that all you need are some grout removal tips to get you going.
The most important aspect of grout removal tips is to first cover the floor, your bath tub and the surface around the tiles to prevent any damage from occurring. Another great tip to protect the edges of the tile immediately next to the grout is to line it with some masking tape. Read the rest of this entry »
There are a variety of tiles in the market today. They range from regular tiles to marble, ceramic, linoleum, vitrified and so many more. The issue with all of them remains the same – cleaning. While there are many ways to clean the surface of the tiles, it is the grout space in between that often causes the problem.
If you have mildew or mold growing between your tiles, then you will need something alkaline based to stem the growth. Use some chlorine bleach or grease to get rid of the mildew. Chlorine works amazingly well on the mildew and also helps keep grout clean thanks to the oxidizing elements in it.
If you are dealing with hard water stains then you will need a full bodied vinegar which is almost equivalent to minor acid. Read the rest of this entry »
Most people feel that applying a seal to grout is a difficult process and many a times enlist the help of a professional to get the work done. However, a bit of a DIY attitude and a steady hand is all needed. Once cement around the tile is set, you will need to fill in the spaces around the tile with grout so that the tile does not shift. Once this is done, the final task is to seal the grout. This will make your tiles waterproof and will not allow any moisture to seep into the tiles and create havoc underneath them.
After you finish grouting a tile, you will need to sprinkle dry grout on the joints. To get a smooth surface, rub this in a circular motion. Also make sure that the temperature in the room is maintained at an even keel. Read the rest of this entry »
The grout sealer is an important aspect of setting tiles. For a better understanding, grout is a substance that has a porous texture. The main reason grout is applied is that once it is dry, it will absorb any moisture that comes over it. To make it more effective you will have to apply a grout sealer. There are two kinds of grout sealer and these are based on the way they need to be applied. One with a spray and the other is with an applicator. It is a rule that the smaller the tile size you have the more grout you will need.
The two different means of applying grout sealer is primarily for you to be able to save on time. The spray type of grout sealer is used for larger spaces, while the applicator is where you have a lesser floor space to deal with. Read the rest of this entry »
