How to tell if tile is waxed

[Mal G]

Hi, I am new to this having registered whilst studying the problems people have had with the large format B+Q tiles. I have 60 sq mts of beige polished porcelain to be laid and intend to seal before laying.

I don't want to have to clean them before sealing unless I have to. How can I tell if they have been waxed for transport protection?

What sealer should I use, B+Q sell a Plas Plug unpolished porcelain sealer or would you recommend a different make. I intend to reseal again after grouting so will be buying a lot!

I did think of taking the tiles back but the cost of replacement would be three times as much and most of the alternative tiles appear to need sealing anyway, is that the case with most unpolished porcelain?

Sorry for so many questions but all advice appreciated.

Mal G

[david campbell]

take them back!!! i have worked with them and customer wanted 2mm spacers between them(not a good idea),found out most weren,t even square and very banana shaped in all honesty i would never work with them again!! almost forgot,topps do an impregnator sealer for porcelain tiles that would work out a lot cheaper and would be better

[Mal G]

I have checked the tiles (2 out of 52 boxes) and they seem square but would appear to hollow by 1 or 2 mm, looks like I will be taking them back! Anyone any suggestions about a decent large format polished porcelain tile. Do they always need sealing?

Again if they come wax protected how do I know, is there a test I can perform?

Mal G

[doug boardley]

mal, you are spoilt for choice with large format porcelain,if the porcelain tiles are polished they do need sealing as the polishing process opens up pores in the tile, these are havens for bacteria,dust,grease etc unless they are sealed. Use a sealer rather than impregnator as impregnator is usually used for porous natural stone. Lithofin is a good reputable brand,your local tile shop should stock it or something of equal quality. Don't bother with the diy stuff! If the wax has left a residue on your tiles then it will need to be stripped off prior to sealing. Good luck,
Doug

[grumpygrouter]

mal, you are spoilt for choice with large format porcelain,if the porcelain tiles are polished they do need sealing as the polishing process opens up pores in the tile, these are havens for bacteria,dust,grease etc unless they are sealed. Use a sealer rather than impregnator as impregnator is usually used for porous natural stone. Lithofin is a good reputable brand,your local tile shop should stock it or something of equal quality. Don't bother with the diy stuff! If the wax has left a residue on your tiles then it will need to be stripped off prior to sealing. Good luck,
Doug

I use Lithofin FZ for porcelain Doug which is an impregnating sealer. It is very good.

[FreeD]

Hi there Wickes have got some polished porcelain tiles on offer at the moment cream or black. I've just been asked to lay them, they look good quality theres no wax on them and according to the supplier they don't require sealing, but it woiuld be wise to anyway. they work out about £16 m2 thats including 20% off.

[beanz]

theres no wax on them and according to the supplier they don't require sealing

Can you tell if there's no wax on them? I couldn't see the wax on the b&q tiles, but was assured it was there... If they are polished Porcelain, they must require sealing surely!?!

Not sure if i'd pay too much attention to a Wickes Store Monkey...

[Dave]

You are right grumps........Impregnating sealers for porcelain tiles.....Topical sealers are no good....and not all impregnators are suitable...check with supplier for suitability with fully vitrified tiles....lithofin Fz is spot on for them...

[TilingLogistics]

mal, you are spoilt for choice with large format porcelain,if the porcelain tiles are polished they do need sealing as the polishing process opens up pores in the tile, these are havens for bacteria,dust,grease etc unless they are sealed. Use a sealer rather than impregnator as impregnator is usually used for porous natural stone. Lithofin is a good reputable brand,your local tile shop should stock it or something of equal quality. Don't bother with the diy stuff! If the wax has left a residue on your tiles then it will need to be stripped off prior to sealing. Good luck,
Doug

You will never get a topical sealer to bond to polished porcelain (Not long term anyway). It has to be an impregnating sealer. Furthermore, you won't get an impregnating sealer in until you get the wax coating off!

Kev

[beanz]

You will never get a topical sealer to bond to polished porcelain (Not long term anyway). It has to be an impregnating sealer. Furthermore, you won't get an impregnating sealer in until you get the wax coating off!

Kev

So, are we saying that ALL polished porcelain tiles have a wax coating? If not, how do we know!?!

[doug boardley]

I always thought that 'cos porc was vitrified,and not very porous impregnator didn't impregnate, but happy to be informed otherwise, thanks GG and Dave

[Dave]

As i said though doug...not just any impregnator will do.......and yes fully vitrified tiles are of a low porosity and the Porcelain impregnators seal the pores of the tiles surface..thus making general cleaning of them easier......staining is really not a correct phrase you could say...,more like stubborn ingrained into the open pores you mentioned before type mark..lol lol....

[doug boardley]

FZ for me then,from now, is it also suitable for stone,trav etc guys?

[Dave]

NOPE!!!!....stainstop mn is though.....

[Dave]

Doug..just for you......some info to keep...


Lithon fz special impregnator........

For fully vitrified ceramic and porcelain tiles. Ready-to-use special impregnation fluid with special oil and grease repellent additives. Lithofin FZ Protective Impregnator creates an oil and water repellent zone, and is especially effective on low absorbancy surfaces. This helps reduce sensitivity to staining and makes stains easier to remove. Surfaces protected with this treatment are less sensitive to dirt and easier to maintain.

Lithofin stainstop mn impregnator.........

A spirit based, silicone impregnator that penetrates into the surface of stone and forms an invisible film within the pores and capillaries. Prevents staining from water, dirt and oil, allowing the stone to breathe, and aids maintenance. For use on all polished and unpolished natural and artificial stone.

[doug boardley]

I'm gonna get an application form for McDonald's!!

[windy]

how would you remove the wax on the tile,can you wash down or is there another method?

[TilingLogistics]

So, are we saying that ALL polished porcelain tiles have a wax coating? If not, how do we know!?!

Just do a test first a little sealing & coating remover or some brush cleaner or similar

Kev

[TilingLogistics]

how would you remove the wax on the tile,can you wash down or is there another method?

See the post above mate

Kev

[Mal G]

Thanks everyone for the information so far, however not sure that the question has been answered,- How do you tell if the tile has a wax coat? I have placed water on the tile and it appears to soak in, does this mean it is not waxed?

If it is waxed what will clean it best?

If it is not waxed should I still clean so that the sealer does not seal in general dust and grim? I will be sealing each tile before they are laid so in the case of no wax but just general dust what is the best cleaner.

From the posts so far it would appear that I need a polished porcelain impregnator sealer and that Lifoflim is recommended, getting the BAL adhesive from Topps and they have offered a Fila impregnator, anyone any opinion on this make?

Mal G