I would love to show you pictures of our tile being installed and all the work that went into it but, it happened so fast that I didn’t have a chance to photograph it. I know…bad blogger. Here is a little photo evidence of the install
As my apology though, I will share how to seal newly installed tile! {Disclaimer: I am NOT a tile expert. Before applying anything to your tile, please check with a professional. The products shown here are just what our professional adviser recommended.}
Your supplies:
– Tile Sealer
– Plastic scraper
– Vacuum
– Mop
– Water
– Paper Towels
– Toothbrush {or similar}
Let’s start with the floor tiles. Our tile has a small amount of grout that didn’t get scraped off when the tile was being installed. I started by vacuuming the tile to get the surface dust and dirt off.
From there, I went on to mopping the tile with a small amount of water.
Then, using a vegetable brush, tooth brush and cup of water, I went tile by tile to scrub off any extra grout. I used paper towels to wipe up the water immediately after my scrub.
Once that was done, I vacuumed the tile again to make sure it was nice and clean.
After the tile was cleaned, I poured some of my solution into a bowl and grabbed my sponge. I started in the back corner and worked my way out wiping the tiles with the sponge.
The key is make sure there are no sitting puddles as you go along. I waited 1-2 minutes for anything that looked like excess to seep in. If there was still excess after that time, I wiped it up with a paper towel.
Once you are done, stay off of your tile for about 12 hours. Then, apply a small amount of water to the tile and check to see if it seeps in.
If it does, you need to apply a second coat. If it doesn’t, you are good!
Now, the wall tiles! These are MUCH easier since our guy recommended to just seal the grout versus the entire tile.
Grab your solution and a small paint brush. Paint the grout lines with your solution.
Let sit for 12 hours and you are done.
© 2012 Just Us Four. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
Bethany Lee says
Were there any weird fumes with this or any warnings that you might die on the bottle? LOL. I bought grout sealer for my sunroom floor, but never sealed it because of the SCARY warnings on the bottle. 🙁
Carrie says
Looks like lots of work but I’m sure you’ll love the results!!
Would love for you to share this at my very first linky party. My sister and I are working together over at “Think Tank Thursday”…hope to see you there!
http://www.saving4six.com/2012/10/welcome-to-think-tank-thursday-1.html
How2home says
Nice post! Oh boy, tiling seems like its something some one either can/can’t do. How long did the whole process take? Came across an interesting article about unique bathroom tiles, thought it may interest you (eieihome.com/blog/2013-bathroom-trends.html) have a wonderful weekend!
......Michele @ Portlandia Vintage says
I love the look. You are so diligent with this project! Tile floor in a basement, smart way to go!
Kerry F says
Does anyone know what to use to remove sealer stains from my shiny new tile?