DIY Related: Grouting and sealing Travertine Tiles

[Dustysettler]

Hello,

New here, great site.

I have just finished laying 3m^2 of 100mm *100mm travertine unfilled tumbled kitchen splashbacks. I have ordered 1 litre of Lithofin to seal it as I want a natural finish. From looking at previous posts, general consensus seems to be to seal, then grout, then re-seal. Before I seal how do I clean the tiles? Just with damp J cloth or do I need to do something else? Also once grouted and I am sealing for a second time, does it matter if I go over the grout lines as well? I'd imagine it's hard not to but just wanted to check.

many thanks

Dave

[bigandy]

First of all i hope the shop sold you white powdered adhesive otherwise you have a job on!second how much us there to clean off just bits?or lots?
Normally i just clean off with a sponge and warm water(i find warm helps remove the addy easier)then leave to dry seal grout leave to dry then seal as you say you can go straight over the grout(i find it handy to use an old clean t towel to remove access then throw it away)

[MICK the Tiler]

If it is unfilled trav and you plan to grout over the holes DO NOT seal it before you grout. Seal it after you grout, the reason being the grout will start to fall out over time as the stone has been sealed and the grout won't stick in the holes. Clean off any excess addy as you fix. If you have not cleaned as you go and there is glue on the tiles use a nail brush and warm water with elbow grease to remove.

[bigandy]

Thanks mick did nt read the unfilled bit ! As mick rightly said don't seal it first!

[Dustysettler]

thanks for replies.

Thankfully I checked which adhesive to use and yes I used white powdered adhesive you mix with water. What would have been the problem if I hadn't - and is that because of the porous nature of the tiles?There isn't actually any adhesive to clean off at all as I was very careful but I have been using the hob for cooking (nothing fatty so no spit marks on tiles) so am concerned that they may need cleaning. I know I shouldn't cook until sealed, tiles have been up for two weeks. I will just give them a dab with warm water, just wasn't sure if I needed speacial cleaning liquid.

It is unfilled trav but I like it that way. Not planning to fill in anything except the grout lines (obviously I will be careful where the pitholes on the tile are on the edge of tile). So I should seal first?

thanks again for replies

[bigandy]

The adhesive is important as the tubed (reay mixed) stuff is not suitable for natural stone.
Re splash back(from cooking) you may not see any now but if when you have sealed you may see the grease(i hope not)if you do just use a house hold degreaser then wash thouroughly then reseal
seal after grouting(there is no way you will stop some holes being filled thats life)
sorry for my first quote i should take my time reading more

[SlateR]

that will be a very hard thing to achieve to grout these tiles without filling the pits and holes. the only way i have seen this done is with whats called a self fill cartridge which is basically an empty silicone tube that you fill with grout and use a silicone gun to apply the grout directly into the grout lines. I personally think you would be better off filling the holes in the surface because if you dont fill them with grout, you will only fill them with grease, limescales and cleaning agents. also it looks much more authentic

[Sir Ramic]

What colour grout will you be using?i would get a close match myself and grout the holes too. Much better IMO.

[Dustysettler]

bigandy, thanks just to confirm - I should seal, check for grease, clean if necessary, grout then re-seal?

SlateR: I like the sound of using an empty gun to grout as this seems the easiest way to apply and avoiding as many holes as possible. I presume these self-fill tubes are available at the big DIY stores? When I tiled I tried as far as possible to avoid using some tiles which had excessive holes on the sides for this reason. Hopefully the problem isn't too bad.

I have bought white grout, I toyed with the idea of using a smililar colour as the tiles but thought it wouldn't look as good...

Starting to wish I hadn't used Travertine!

[SlateR]

I'm not sure how readily available these self fill cartridges are nowadays. When i worked for another tile retailer they used a brand called APL for tool supplies and they sold this item. Not sure how difficult it would be just to clean out an old silicone tube and use that but see if APL are still in business and ask them or just google it, im sure they are still available somewhere

[TilingLogistics]

Rubi sell them Contact Dave at Trade Tiler he will get you one

Kev

[medlar]

Dave actually stocks the grouting guns mate,read below,then check the link,its the 2nd item down the page



Specially designed for pointing and grouting. Fast and efficient dispensing - applies material accurately, so no mess. Choice of nozzles - fine for tile grouting; wide for pointing. Easy to use- simply fill the barrel, drop into frame and dispense. High quality joints - deep injection without voids.
Ideal for pointing slate
Comes with one pointing nozzle (black) and one grouting nozzle (grey)
mixing whisk also included


http://www.tradetiler.com/acatalog/G...lication_.html

[TilingLogistics]

Dave actually stocks the grouting guns mate,read below



Specially designed for pointing and grouting. Fast and efficient dispensing - applies material accurately, so no mess. Choice of nozzles - fine for tile grouting; wide for pointing. Easy to use- simply fill the barrel, drop into frame and dispense. High quality joints - deep injection without voids.
Ideal for pointing slate
Comes with one pointing nozzle (black) and one grouting nozzle (grey)
mixing whisk also included

[/URL"]www.tradetiler.com/groutgun.htm

I actually meant one of those

Kev