Help!: Which is best LTP mattstone sealer or FILA ?

[timlee77]

Im quoting on a job for 10mm tumbled marble which sealer is best im told mattstone ltp but another supplier is saying that only last 6 months then needs re-doing? they said Fila sealer is better its £40 dearer but they say it only needs sealing once and last up to 4 years. i was advised to seal twice before and once after with the mattstone! help! ALSO which primer would be best ? its a concrete screed floor?
tim (QTiling)

[Sir Ramic]

LTP Mattstone will be fine and it will last a lot longer than these people say.

[doug boardley]

never used Fila, but mattstone is good. I guess the fila supplier must be thinking that mattstone is a topical rather than impregnating sealer.

[timlee77]

how many times should i seal ? before and after?

[Bri]

Fila products are a rip off and I don't rate them at all. LTP all the way for me.

[Sir Ramic]

how many times should i seal ? before and after?

I like to see the stone 1st before making that choice, It will make the cleaning process easier if you seal before grouting though. I personally wouldnt before fixing unless they were something really tricky. The PDF file here will give all the info you require.
http://www.ltp-online.co.uk/images/t...stone_2010.pdf

[Dave]

They are both good sealers but if the stone is sealed properly then it will last many years longer than they say.. but also this depends on how you clean the stone.. certain household cleaners etc shorten the sealer life span.. but anyway the advice you got is wrong...

[Dave]

Just to add though.. my main concern is that you are quoting for a large stone installation and you do not know about sealers..?

IMO you will be biting a lot more than you can chew.

[davemul]

I used LTP mattstone on the limestone floor I installed in the kitchen.

Sealed the stone before grouting, than again after grouting. Then a 3rd time.

I was able to tell when enough was enough when the stone stopped soaking up the sealer.

I expect to reseal every year to be honest. Not 6 months!

[timlee77]

I see where your coming from dave! but im not going in alone am having experienced tiler with me, didnt want yo turn down such a good job and good experience so teaming up! but im putting quote together as its my job and i want the challenge!

[doug boardley]

just re-read original post,,,should you not be using MPG rather than mattstone?

[Dave]

just re-read original post,,,should you not be using MPG rather than mattstone?

Nope , MPG is for polished materials Doug


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[Dave]

I expect to reseal every year to be honest. Not 6 months!

You seal properly and clean the stone with the correct products you will get 5+ yrs



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[doug boardley]

Nope , MPG is for polished materials Doug


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I thought MPG was marble, porc (polished) and granite.

[PHG Wetrooms]

extract from LTP's description of MPG Sealer

LTP MPG Sealer



Description: A colourless impregnating sealer especially formulated for use on tiles that have been mechanically polished. LTP MPG maintains a highly polished finish. Ideal for use on polished marble, polished porcelain, polished granite, polished limestone and polished slate.

[garybadger]

Here's a question for you. I tiled a travertine floor a couple of years ago and was supplied with lithofin stain stop and mapei jasmine grout by the customer, and was told to seal before and after grouting the tiles. Now the grout started peeling away from the edges of the tile but was still stuck soundly to the floor with the tiles. However the Mapei rep that was contacted by the customer was told that you shouldn't seal the travertine before grouting as the sealer slips down over the edge of the tile and stops the grout from sticking properly to the edge and therefore wont make it properly water tight! Ever since then I always make sure I double check with both technical and the tile shops that supply the tiles, what's the best way to go about sealing their natural stone!

[Sir Ramic]

I dont like sealing before grouting for the above reason. If I have to seal before then I dont go overboard with the sealer. I soak a clean cloth and wipe that lightly over the stone.

[Dave]

Some stones are ok to grout beforehand but this is by experienced stone installers.. A light coat of sealer will help prevent grout suction/drying out as you grout but as above i grout travertine's first.. You do right by asking first though..

[timlee77]

So im using fume tumbled marble tiles you can veiw them on Marble tiles leicestershire: Stunning in any light im being told to seal before and after? any thoughts also how many litres would i need of the mattsone to twice seal 80m2?

[Marble Life Ltd]

Here's a question for you. I tiled a travertine floor a couple of years ago and was supplied with lithofin stain stop and mapei jasmine grout by the customer, and was told to seal before and after grouting the tiles. Now the grout started peeling away from the edges of the tile but was still stuck soundly to the floor with the tiles. However the Mapei rep that was contacted by the customer was told that you shouldn't seal the travertine before grouting as the sealer slips down over the edge of the tile and stops the grout from sticking properly to the edge and therefore wont make it properly water tight! Ever since then I always make sure I double check with both technical and the tile shops that supply the tiles, what's the best way to go about sealing their natural stone!

There is nothig wrong with this sealing process even if you want to seal the sides it's OK provided you use a goood quality impregnating sealer and you allow to penetrate and clean off correctly it will not affect grout adhesion. Check with which technical? The Tile, Adhesive, Grout or Sealant Company???

Kevin

[Marble Life Ltd]

So im using fume tumbled marble tiles you can veiw them on Marble tiles leicestershire: Stunning in any light im being told to seal before and after? any thoughts also how many litres would i need of the mattsone to twice seal 80m2?

It is always safer to seal Natural Stone prior to fixing and or grouting unless you are experienced and convinced in your ability to work clean. Sometimes it can work in your favour as well even if you are experienced. The customer can mess up as well! I had a lady spilt chicken fat all over a white limestone I was laying one evening and denied it was her the next morning when i got there. I must have liked th job that much I probably creptback in there one night and cooked a chicken

Kevin

[Gustyturbine]

To confirm then guys the best option with trav is to use a cloth or sponge that is not dripping with sealer and seal the top of the tile only? I am half way through laying my trav and will need to seal soon. LTP MAttstone or Lithofin are fine then. I will seal once before grouting and once after. Should this be fine? Thanks very much,
Gusty.