Pink in caulk from tile
#1
08-03-17, 08:05 AM
Pink in caulk from tile
I tiled one bathroom and had a pro tile another. One thing I see in both is pink in the caulk (which is white). It is from ceramic tile that is made of terracotta. Though it is only in a couple small areas, I am wondering if there is some technique to avoid this.
Maybe be putting the cut side of the tile away from anywhere needing caulk when possible?
Maybe be putting the cut side of the tile away from anywhere needing caulk when possible?
#2
08-03-17, 09:36 AM
Group Moderator
If the tile is not rinsed after cutting, especially with a diamond or carbide saw, the dust can get into the grout and/or caulk.
#3
08-03-17, 09:52 AM
Thanks. I guess I can remove the colored caulk and probably use a spray bottle and rag on the tile edge and recaulk.
#5
08-03-17, 03:25 PM
The front is smooth ceramic (I think). The back is not sealed and looks like a terracotta pot.
The caulk is where the floor and wall meet.
The caulk is where the floor and wall meet.
#6
08-03-17, 03:53 PM
Member
But are the sides sealed' during the firing process? That's what Marksr is referring to. If they are not, I don't know why one would use it. Can't say I picture any place a non-fired (on the sides) tile would be used.
#8
08-03-17, 05:35 PM
Member
So that is usually the side that will but up against a corner or will be hidden by molding. But if it's clean and dry it should not bleed into the caulk. I never had that phenomenon happen.
#9
08-04-17, 02:37 AM
I was basing the unsealed question off of a terracotta floor I laid in my house in fla along with some fireplaces on houses I painted [30 yr ago] They were all unfinished terracotta that required a coat or two of sealer before they were put into use.
I missed where you said ceramic 
ceramic tile that is made of terracotta.
#10
08-04-17, 03:44 AM
Member
I was basing the unsealed question off of a terracotta floor I laid i
#11
08-04-17, 04:09 AM
I don't have a lot of experience with terracotta. I had a bunch of boxes given to me so I put it down in my dining rm. The houses I painted that had it on the floors were professionally done although some builders used it on fireplace hearths and the firebox surround. If that was the only terracotta in the house I was usually called on to apply the finish. Even painted one terracotta surround at a customer's request.
My main complaint with the terracotta floors is they aren't all that even as each tile is a little bit irregular.
My main complaint with the terracotta floors is they aren't all that even as each tile is a little bit irregular.
