vinyl tile question

I am in the process of completely remodeling my kitchen. I am building cherry cabinets. I wish to use vinyl tile, that looks like stone, for my countertops. I have purchased them and will be installing them over 3/4 plywood and will finish them off with a cherry backsplash and a trim along the front edge. Recently saw a do it yourself show, they installed vinyl tile on a floor and put a sealer on it. I can't find a sealer in our local home store. Does anyone have any suggestions on what I can use. I am really just concerned with the area around the sink.

 

huh... Never considered VCT for a counter top. Anyhow, you need to be concerned about sealing ALL of it. VCT no longer has to be stripped, but it does need to be sealed or it stains easily. After it's sealed, it needs two or three coats of wax. All this seals the pores, protects the surface, and seals the joints where each tile butts to another. At least, that's how floors are done. I don't know if there's a better product than wax for a counter top, but it does need something or it'll get dingy and be unsanitary quickly. I know Ace hardware carries the sealer.

 

Thanks for the reply and the information. I know this isn't the conventional avenue to take but it is a cost savings and the tile is what we like, close to the look of stone. There are only two of us and we aren't rough on the kitchen counter so I will check out Ace Hardware. Are we referring to regular past wax?

 

There are liquid cleaners, sealers, and polishes available for vinyl. The professional quality from the janitorial supply will likely give you better performance. You can use paste wax after sealing with a couple coats of sealer. Paste wax will require buffing.

 

Thank you also for your reply and assistance. I am not sure where to locate a professional janitorial service in our area but will look. Thanks again for the help. I am anxious to get the tile installed. Can't wait to see what it will look like. Thanks again.

 

Jeff Campbell has these products available at www.thecleanteam.com
Remember, you will have to be ever vigilant of moisture if using VCT as a countertop. Make sure tile is allowed to acclimate (adjust) to room temperature before installation.

 

I have had the tiles in the house for several weeks now so they should be ready to go. Hope to have the cabinets and top ready for installation this week-end. My biggest concern over moisture is around the sink. Except for wiping them off elsewhere I have planned for moisture. The coffee making will sit on a tray. I will get in touch with Jeff tomorrow. Thanks for the help.

 

Did you complete the project??? How did it turn out?