Sealer suggestion for saltillo, Tekkor?

look 171 · 02-23-2009, 09:38 PM

I installed Saltillo tiles in the front of my parent's home. Over time, they just get beaten by the sun and little rain we have here in So cal. I sealed them with a Glaze and Seal's Ole' saltillo sealer. They just look like crap after 6 years of light use. I gotta do the back with a fountain because my dumb sister is getting hitch bach there. I have put them in client's home and still they look like crap over time but they love them. I am look ing for a commerical sealer of some type they use in restaurants or light traffic public places. I know the sealer will wear through, and it had to be reseal. I just can't deal with the ground in dirt. anyone? I don't want the thing to look like plastic. I usually seal it with 511 sealer on the back and edges. 3 coats of Ole' on the top.

Jeff

trekkor · 02-23-2009, 10:03 PM

The problem with using 511 first, is nothing else will bond to it.
I think Ole' is water/acrylic based, while 511 is solvent based.

You should acid wash/strip the whole installation. Let it dry for at least three days, then apply a new sealer.

The biggest problem with the exterior applications is they do not look very good for very long if you want the more attractive high gloss finish.

I suggest you do a test area first to be sure you like the results.

If a natural finish is OK, just use several coats of 511 or Porous Plus.
Check with 'Miracle' sealers, as they may have a high gloss solvent based penetrating sealer that would compatible with 511 or used stand alone.

KT

trekkor · 02-23-2009, 10:06 PM

Researching...

KT

trekkor · 02-23-2009, 10:13 PM

It's going to be tough to find a durable high gloss sealer for exterior use.
Miracle has 'Mira Shine', but it is specifically formulated for interior.

I used 511 on an exterior slate patio. It has held up nice for the last couple years.
Mop it on.

KT

look 171 · 02-23-2009, 11:01 PM

I really like Miracle products on slate and stone. I use it inside and out it hold up pretty well. 511 is now water base. You can still get the little in solvet Too bad. This is a new install for my parents, so I am not worry about call backs. I just don't want to go and fix things because I am installing them and everything is free. What is it that they use in those commercial light duty application? I can deal semi gloss but not high gloss.

Do you normally seal the back before an install on Saltillo tile. Should I say what type of stone do you seal before you install. I, well, my installer do it to marble or lime stone only. Is that correct?

trekkor · 02-23-2009, 11:18 PM

The saltillos should only be sealed on the top.

No sides or backs.

Some people seal dark or green marbles prior to install, due to their reactions to water and water/acrylic based adhesives. It's better to just use compatible adhesives.

KT

look 171 · 02-23-2009, 11:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by trekkor

The saltillos should only be sealed on the top.

No sides or backs.

How come?

Some people seal dark or green marbles prior to install, due to their reactions to water and water/acrylic based adhesives. It's better to just use compatible adhesives.

KT

I have use Marble Set or Versabond, or megaflex. what do you think of those?

trekkor · 02-23-2009, 11:23 PM

Plus, Miracle sponsors a DP race car.

KT

trekkor · 02-23-2009, 11:26 PM

I don't know Marble Set or Megaflex.
Versabond is garbage.

Use Hydroment Tile-Mate with 100% acrylic admixture or Mapei 'Kerabond/Keralastic'.

KT

look 171 · 02-24-2009, 12:07 AM

Why do you think Versabond is garbage. I had to really beat on some tile with Verasbond to get it off. That Mapei stuff is great for glass tile.

trekkor · 02-24-2009, 12:22 AM

I guess garbage is harsh.

It's being peddled as an acrylic modified thinset when it just have the stick or flexible properties. I'll never use it, as i have to stand behind my work for at least ten years.
It's not worth the risk. It's a Home Depot DIY'ers short cut as far as I'm concerned.

I tile contractor friend of mine had an entire floor fail that was set over radiant heat.
He redid the job with Mapei.

I used to use Mapei for every job. The stuff is probably overkill for most jobs.
The only thinset that I have seen that is rated ( in writing ) to set over metal, glass or cut-back asphalt adhesive.

KT

trekkor · 02-24-2009, 12:27 AM

Quote:

I had to really beat on some tile with Verasbond to get it off.

That's just it. You did get it off, right?

Try sticking two pieces of tile together with Mapei, let it cure and see if you can get them apart with either one in one piece...

I doubt if Versabond is rated for 'tile over tile' installations or even porcelain tile.
I'd be very surprised.

I do like Custom's grouts and 'Level Quik', however.

I'm set in my ways. No job failures can't be all wrong, right?

KT

trekkor · 02-24-2009, 12:33 AM

I'm not trying to bust you. I'm just some tile guy that is happy in his ways, that's all

KT

trekkor · 02-24-2009, 12:40 AM

I just read the spec sheet on Versabond.

http://www.custombuildingproducts.com/ProductCatalog/SettingMaterials/LatexPortlandCementMortars/VersaBondFortifiedThinSet.aspx?USER=pro\&LANG=en&user=diy&lang=en

They claim 'all of the above'.
I've seen otherwise and am steering clear.

KT

look 171 · 02-24-2009, 06:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by trekkor

I guess garbage is harsh.

It's being peddled as an acrylic modified thinset when it just have the stick or flexible properties. I'll never use it, as i have to stand behind my work for at least ten years.
It's not worth the risk. It's a Home Depot DIY'ers short cut as far as I'm concerned.

I tile contractor friend of mine had an entire floor fail that was set over radiant heat.
He redid the job with Mapei.

I used to use Mapei for every job. The stuff is probably overkill for most jobs.
The only thinset that I have seen that is rated ( in writing ) to set over metal, glass or cut-back asphalt adhesive.

KT

I will start to spec Mapei from now on. I can't have just one tile fail on any of my jobs. Its cheap enough insurance. Verse bond was brought ot my attention from one of the tile contractor years ago on a big res. job. I always call the Mfg on all glass installs.

look 171 · 02-24-2009, 06:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by trekkor

I'm not trying to bust you. I'm just some tile guy that is happy in his ways, that's all

KT

Hey thanks for the tip. don't worry about that. I don't know everything, so all advice is very welcom. There are so many glue, paint and what have you in construction, I am trying to learn them all but not always possible. I go to trades shows and material seminars but still not enough.