crackle glazed tile sealant

[2db]

I have a load of crackle glazed tiles that the store advised me needed sealing before grouting.

Going with their recommendation, I purchased some Lithofin MN stain stop, which is what they normally recommend for these tiles apparently.

On the way home, and stopping in another store, I came across some LTP Crackle Glaze protector ... something specifically designed for crackle glazed times (wipe on ... immediately wipe off so the instructions say!). The store said this is a new product (and I'm inclinde to agree as I can find no details about it on the almighty interweb).

Anyone any experience of using this ... I've tried on a few of the tiles, and seems to go on great and clean off fine - just curious for any feedback.

[timeless john]

Not sure what purpose a sealant would achieve on a crackle glazed tile!
Any high fired tiled can craze over time and this has always been an inherent feature of hand made tiles without affecting the overall appearance of the tile.
Soft glazes often crackle when grouting ( mexican tiles for example) and yet I've never found the need to seal them.

So in essence what is it sealing - the crack!

[Dave]

The sealing of these is to aid in the grout clean up, helps prevent grout grabbing in the crackles, coloured grouts can be hard to keep out of the cracks.

[timeless john]

That must be it - only ever consider white grout for wall tiling!

Suppose the people who choose coloured grouts buy those fake handbags as well.

[Stewart]

I did do a splash back with them and deliberately grouted the crackles in grey to give it an old looking effect. Have pics on computer and thought it looked quite good and so did the customer.....

[Dave]

That must be it - only ever consider white grout for wall tiling!

Suppose the people who choose coloured grouts buy those fake handbags as well.

So coloured grouts and fake handbags.. means..???


So does that mean any customer who has a coloured grout is a chav.... Snobby remark TJ..

[timeless john]

snobby

It's all down to Taste - and personal choice!

[GirlRacerRed]

snobby

It's all down to Taste - and personal choice!

so why did you need to comment in the first place John? you're just paid to stick em not have an opinion about the tiles or the owners.

[andy allen]

funny this as i did a small splash back on friday using tiles from 'fired earth' that were crackle glazed they had supplied some lithofin stain stop which i used to seal the tiles with, no problems using it and it should keep the cracks clean, these to crackled when grouting, im sure the customer thought i had a bowl of snap, crackle and pop for lunch.

[timeless john]

so why did you need to comment in the first place John? you're just paid to stick em not have an opinion about the tiles or the owners.

What next - thrown out of the Tilers Arms for responding

[Daz]

I used Lithofin Crackle Glaze Protector 3 years ago, so it can't be that new!

I've done a few kitchen splashbacks with Marlborough crackle glaze tiles that have a red clay biscuit. They have to be sealed prior to cutting as the water from the wet cutter penetrates into the cracked glaze and stains the face of the tile.

[Stewart]

funny this as i did a small splash back on friday using tiles from 'fired earth' that were crackle glazed they had supplied some lithofin stain stop which i used to seal the tiles with, no problems using it and it should keep the cracks clean, these to crackled when grouting, im sure the customer thought i had a bowl of snap, crackle and pop for lunch.

I find it a bit creepy, as when they start to change temperature they crackle like crazy.....

[GirlRacerRed]

What next - thrown out of the Tilers Arms for responding

of course not John. It will be because of your runaway mouth before anything else.

[2db]

well ... there was one useful comment in that hijacked thread ...

[Dave]

well ... there was one useful comment in that hijacked thread ...

You do get silly replies now and again, hope you got what you needed from the replies.

[tommyzooom]

I've just been reading a "Winchester tiles" brochure,
They reccommend sealing initially, then after 90 days (as the tiles will keep cracking for a while), then after 12 months!