After quite a few tests of the grout in the kitchen, we went with an Antique White Non-Sanded Grout. Gino grouted all of the seams and little cracks yesterday…and this morning I am sponging the entire floor tile by tile. I am using two buckets of water and one sponge to clean the thin film of grout from the tile surface…one dirty water bucket that I use to dip the sponge into after wiping one tile and then the smaller bucket to dampen the sponge in clean water so I can get started on the next tile with some relatively clean water (I breaded chicken in a similar fashion when I was a line cook….clean hand…dirty hand).
Here are some pictures after one round of sponging. It will probably take three meticulous passes with the sponge to get the grout residue off of the marble before we are able to seal it with the 511 Impregnator. It took me about 40 minutes to go tile by tile…and my back is feeling real nice. It really makes me appreciate the hard work Gino has put in to get the floor completely flat and the butt joints to line up so well.
It’s hard to see the film from this angle, but it’s there
You can see the thin film from this angle
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The floors look freakin’ awesome!!!! Did you get the paint book I sent? I think we should do a cool subtle texture on the walls…
Hi!
Just following up on your sealant shipment. Here’s a tip to make cleanup MUCH easier - but from your recent entries, might be a little too late… You should seal your tile before installing it. You will be amazed at how easy the grout will wipe off. Just be sure not to get the sealant running down the sides of the tile or you may have problems with grout adhesion - applying with a wide spone brush works best.
Hello there, hey not sure if you tried this yet? But the best way to get the grout haze of the tiles is to use vinegar.. Works a charm! I have installed my share of tile and one thing for sure, make sure to get all the haze off the floor before you use any sealer.. In fact my MO is not to use use sealer on anything natural!
Just wash it once a week or so with good old vinegar!
If you do seal it, Just make sure the sealer is made for natural stone, if that is a marble or slate floor…LOL
Have fun!
Darn, I see my tip came a day too late.. I read above, the sealer is applied now! LOL
Well, you will know what to use now to clean your floors now anyway.. Just throw about a cup of white vinegar in a 5 gallon bucket with two gallons warm clean water. Use sponge and wipe floor real good with mixture.. After that use clean water and wipe it one more time.. Leave a sweet natural glow on it when it drys..
With some things mother nature still rules.. even with all the human technology…LOL