Please advise on sealing tile/grout kitchen backsplash (new) and terra cotta tile floor (quite old)? Backsplash; newly installed 3 months ago, both installer and big box store said "no sealing needed cuz all glass tiles" but stains have appeared. Already complained to store; No confidence in installer who has already come back once without sealing. Pic shows black and clear appear to be glass; but gray tiles are porous and have stained above stovetop.
1.) need recommendation of a sealer that won't haze glass
2.) plus how to wash stains first?
3.) Plus,

grout won't last at countertop; will caulk seal adequately?

Flooring:

8x8" 'terra cotta" tiles which have small holes; and ugly gray (prob from dirt) grout.
4.) best way to clean both tiles and grout?
5.) best sealer to use?
6.) any way to repair holes tile surface?
thanks!

 

All grout will need to be sealed, especially tile in a bathroom and kitchen. Most sealers are a silicon based material and you just brush it on with a paint brush and wipe off any excess.

For the floor tile, get a good grout cleaner, it's a mild acid but again, it's brushed on and wiped off. Let it dry and apply same sealer.

 

Thank you!
The sealer will not damage or put a haze on the glass tiles of backsplash?

 

Hi Doyle,

The grey tiles are probably porcelain/ceramic and shouldn't need to be sealed either, but they can be. You can't help but seal all the tiles when you seal the grout. Yes, unless that's one of the special grouts that shouldn't be sealed, you should seal it. Apply all over concentrating on the grout, allow to soak a few minutes, then wipe all the surface.

Sealing is not part of the installation as many people would rather save the $$$ and do it themselves. It can't be done until the final cleanup which can be 2-3 days after it's installed. This is not to say that final grout film clean up and sealing can't be made part of the contract, it surely can be.

I can see several flaws on the black tiles in pic #2, is that a concern? Has anyone tried to clean them? Also looks like grey thinset in the joint to the right side.

Counter/tile and corner joints get caulk, not grout.

What's wrong with the terra cotta tiles? They're a rustic type of tile, looks perfect from here.

Best sealer....hard to beat Miracle sealants. 511 Impregnator, solvent or water base. Go check. Miracle Sealants Company

Jaz

 

thanks JazMAN,
-haven't noticed flaws in black tiles; pls describe? thought those were perfect!
- by grey thinset, you mean caulk? yes that's all the installer used; it's Mapei Portland-based cement grout; Products
- So you're saying that Counter/tile and corner joints get caulk, not grout. Should we remove the grout or can we apply the caulk to the grout at those joints?
- i'm guessing we use the sealer; let cure, then apply the caulk afterwards.
thanks!

 

for a counter top caulking is not critical unlike a shower. Id leave it go until, or if, it shows any issues then you could remove loose material and caulk over the remaining grout.