I noticed that someone else had posted a question about why the grout was white after drying. We have the same problem in various places. How can this be remedied? Also wondering about sealing the tile. Tile is very textured and seems pretty dense. Seal grout definitely, but tile?

Thanks for your help!

 

Hi Marti,

The white deposits on the surface of your grout are probably what is called efflorescence. It's a process whereby mineral salts are conducted to the surface during the hydration (curing) of the grout.

If you can scratch through it easily, it can be removed with special tile cleaners available at tile and marble supply stores. In severe cases, sulfamic acid crystals can be used.

Generally, floor tile grout joints are sealed, not the tiles themselves. Check into the Aqua-mix products.

http://www.aquamix.com

John

http://www.johnbridge.com

 

If tiles are not glazed, seal or not?

 

Hi marti,
If they are not glazed I would seal them with a penetrating sealer not a top coat sealer. What do you think Mr. Bridge?
Regards,

Rich Gately (Tileman1)

http://www.gatelytile.com

 

What type of tiles are they? Porcelain, other clay, quarry?

John

 

I used the Tile Lab sulfamic acid crystals on my floor this weekend to remove the effloresence as wells as the grout haze. I figured it would be easier to do both at the same time. Just want to say it worked beautifully! I had been real discouraged to think that we had spent so much money and this is what the floor looked like. Not anymore. Thank you!

In reference to sealing the tile...the tile is ceramic. I don't think it's glazed - it's not the slick tile. Has a lot of texture and not real shiny. When you say a penetrating sealer do you mean the same type you would use on the grout? A few more answers and we'll be able to get this floor fininshed! Also, would you recommend these finishes that are available for tile floors? I notice that Tile Lab has a matte-finish as well as a high-gloss finish.

Thanks for all your wisdom of the trade!

Marti