Porcelain tiles - my dumb questions thread

[eljay]

You don't want to put sealer down before the grout is fully cured.

Which, to me, would mean no sooner than the 3 days. But there are usually temperature ranges for the quoted times. If you're below them, then the times would likely be extended.

The grout needs to do what it needs to do. Sealing it may inhibit that action from occuring properly.

Thank you.
I'll be patient then and just move stuff around once it cures.
I need to get stuff back into the garage before rain on Monday.

So, the job is finally finished!!!
I'll share pics etc.

Very happy with how it looks and hoping for solid performance too.

 

[Dakota00]

Which grout did you go with?

 

[eljay]

Which grout did you go with?

Ultracolor Plus FA

 

[eljay]

So, the guy didn't do all around the edge as he ran out of grout and I think work ethic (long story). If I knew I would have picked up another bag. But I wasn't home and finished and left.
So, I think I will see if I can pick up a bag and finish it up myself unless I can use something else. But I think grout is the way to go to give edge some strength in case shelf leg sits there, right?

 

[Dakota00]

So, the guy didn't do all around the edge as he ran out of grout and I think work ethic (long story). If I knew I would have picked up another bag. But I wasn't home and finished and left.
So, I think I will see if I can pick up a bag and finish it up myself unless I can use something else. But I think grout is the way to go to give edge some strength in case shelf leg sits there, right?

Ultracolor Plus, doesn't need to be sealed. But if you already purchased the sealer and would like to use it. Wait at least 72 hrs before applying the sealer.

Use a quality silicone instead of grout on the edge where it meets the wall.

 

[eljay]

Ultracolor Plus, doesn't need to be sealed. But if you already purchased the sealer and would like to use it. Wait at least 72 hrs before applying the sealer.



Use a quality silicone instead of grout on the edge where it meets the wall.

Hmm, duneslider suggest sealing it. Not sure which way to go. It would speed the move-in for me if I wouldn't have to wait. But I don't want oil to stain it either.
It's quite a light colour now that it's in there.

Yes, silicone would be easier for the edges. Some gaps are quite big. Let me get some pics.

 

[duneslider]

Sealing cement based grout will always benefit it in resisting stains. However, I’ve never sealed my own grout...

I too would use a good silicone around the edge.


Sent from my iPhone using The Garage Journal mobile app

 

[Dakota00]

Let me get some pics.

Yeah pics would be nice.

 

[eljay]

Alright guys... here comes the great reveal!

I'm super happy with the floor!

Now, to finish of the job, here are the pics of the edges that I need to sort out. Do you think a good silicone fill will take care of this?

Also, any recommendations to repair/seal the concrete just outside the garage door that is slowly crumbling? Maybe a dumb idea, but can I use some leftover thinset to go over it? It maybe too late in the season now, anyway as we're in freezing temps overnight.

BIG THANKS for all the help and guidance so far. I would not have even thought of porcelain tiles until I've read several of dakota's, duneslider's and others' posts.

 

[eljay]

Ultracolor Plus, doesn't need to be sealed. But if you already purchased the sealer and would like to use it. Wait at least 72 hrs before applying the sealer.

Use a quality silicone instead of grout on the edge where it meets the wall.

Would this caulk work for the edges?
https://www.canadiantire.ca/en/pdp/ge-silicone-sealant-for-masonry-grey-299-ml-0670877p.html

I found Aquamix Sealer's Choice Gold locally, so I'll go pick that up and apply it tomorrow evening.

 

[Angelfire]

Unfortunately I can't see any photos of the final install or the joint you are considering caulk for. Many of the grouts out there have a matching silicone caulk available that you could possibly use.
Cheers.

 

[eljay]

Unfortunately I can't see any photos of the final install or the joint you are considering caulk for. Many of the grouts out there have a matching silicone caulk available that you could possibly use.

Cheers.

Oh, I can see them fine. Maybe just imgur acting up.
I applied that GE silicone I linked above. It's a light gray colour and worked pretty well.

I picked up Aqua Mix Sealer's choice gold and will apply that tonight.
Then the move-in and sorting process begins!

 

[jayoldschool]

WE need PICTURES!! Congrats, can't wait to see it. I just downsized to a 2 car, might have to tile it.

 

[Dakota00]

Would this caulk work for the edges?
https://www.canadiantire.ca/en/pdp/ge-silicone-sealant-for-masonry-grey-299-ml-0670877p.html

I found Aquamix Sealer's Choice Gold locally, so I'll go pick that up and apply it tomorrow evening.

Yes this caulk is suitable for the application.

BTW, can't see the pictures either.

 

[eljay]

Alright guys... here comes the great reveal!

I'm super happy with the floor!



Now, to finish of the job, here are the pics of the edges that I need to sort out. Do you think a good silicone fill will take care of this?

Also, any recommendations to repair/seal the concrete just outside the garage door that is slowly crumbling? Maybe a dumb idea, but can I use some leftover thinset to go over it? It maybe too late in the season now, anyway as we're in freezing temps overnight.



BIG THANKS for all the help and guidance so far. I would not have even thought of porcelain tiles until I've read several of dakota's, duneslider's and others' posts.

That is weird that the pics are not showing.
Allow myself, to quote myself.

Here are the links:
https://i.imgur.com/YA53nlq.jpg



https://i.imgur.com/25eOZpO.jpg



https://i.imgur.com/psNjVUB.jpg



https://i.imgur.com/oc4Ea6a.jpg



https://i.imgur.com/ICExbzE.jpg

 

[ace10]

Dead links, too.

How large of a gap are you trying to fill?

As mentioned, there will be matching silicone caulk, but it's just a question of whether it's the right product for your application.

 

[Dakota00]

Turned out very nice, welcome to the club!

 

[eljay]

Thank you and thanks for fixing the pics.

Not sure what is going on with the links. I can see all of the images and the links work for me. Weird.

It seems like it takes forever to get the grout dust off the tiles. 3x wiped and still there's a dust film left over. Oh well, it's good enough now that the rest will just wear off.

Onto the grout sealing!

 

[duneslider]

Not sure how you are wiping but sometimes a final wipe with a dry terry towel will finish them up.

I usually do my last wipe with a damp microfiber cloth. Lay it flat on the tile and drag it over just a few pieces then rinse and repeat. If it has been several days since grouting was complete you might need a haze remover if a dry cloth buff doesn't work. One part vinegar to 4 parts water should work. Scrub it all with a white scrub pad and the water/vinegar then wipe off with the microfibers and clean water. Change the clean water fairly frequently, as you see the water getting hazy.

 

[Angelfire]

Looks Great! I think you'll be very happy with your decision. I know I am. And yes, welcome to the club!

 

[eljay]

Not sure how you are wiping but sometimes a final wipe with a dry terry towel will finish them up.

I usually do my last wipe with a damp microfiber cloth. Lay it flat on the tile and drag it over just a few pieces then rinse and repeat. If it has been several days since grouting was complete you might need a haze remover if a dry cloth buff doesn't work. One part vinegar to 4 parts water should work. Scrub it all with a white scrub pad and the water/vinegar then wipe off with the microfibers and clean water. Change the clean water fairly frequently, as you see the water getting hazy.

Thanks! Yes, once I switched to a dry wipe and a damp final wipe, it worked much better.

I'm still organizing stuff and working on another shelf "improvement" project and continuing to hack into my workbench and hope to have it back to BAU this weekend!

 

[eljay]

Clean-up completed (sort of!) and functionality restored!
Both my wife and I are loving the "new" garage!

Next test will be getting the cars lifted on QuickJack. I know I'll cringe the first time. Shall I get some heavy duty rubber mats to put under the contact points?

I don't know whether I'm worthy, but I may just start a thread in the Gallery and consolidate my threads.

 

[ace10]

Looks good. Congrats on being finished.

Regarding rubber pads...

I do have them under my 4 post lifts.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001AMJLBG/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Just to fully-ensure that I don't have any issues where there might be microscopic lippage bearing a heavy static load. And especially when there's just a hint of rocking that happens sometimes when lowering an unladen lift.

Be aware that this rubber product will shed some crumbs if it's being handled. Mine are basically "installed" so it's not an issue.

I bought the rubber in bulk and cut to fit the 12x12 post bases.

 

[eljay]

Looks good. Congrats on being finished.

Regarding rubber pads...

I do have them under my 4 post lifts.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001AMJLBG/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Just to fully-ensure that I don't have any issues where there might be microscopic lippage bearing a heavy static load. And especially when there's just a hint of rocking that happens sometimes when lowering an unladen lift.

Be aware that this rubber product will shed some crumbs if it's being handled. Mine are basically "installed" so it's not an issue.

I bought the rubber in bulk and cut to fit the 12x12 post bases.

Thank you!
I was thinking about this mat and cutting it up into 12x12 pieces under the four contact points:
https://www.homedepot.ca/product/trafficmaster-3-ft-x-4-ft-extreme-rubber-mat/1001002833
Or I might just go to Princess Auto and get a strip of their heavy duty floor liner cut.

 

[duneslider]

I would venture to say if you don't put something under the metal to tile contact you will get marks on the floor, they would probably clean off but sometimes not easy. Rubber would help with that but I would probably just cut some scraps of plywood to size and use that.

 

[eljay]

I would venture to say if you don't put something under the metal to tile contact you will get marks on the floor, they would probably clean off but sometimes not easy. Rubber would help with that but I would probably just cut some scraps of plywood to size and use that.

Hmm, I do have plenty of 1/2" plywood scraps. I think I'd still go for rubber, so there's no risk if slipping even though the tiles aren't any more slippery than the concrete was.

 

[drmarkr]

Clean-up completed (sort of!) and functionality restored!
Both my wife and I are loving the "new" garage!

Next test will be getting the cars lifted on QuickJack. I know I'll cringe the first time. Shall I get some heavy duty rubber mats to put under the contact points?

I don't know whether I'm worthy, but I may just start a thread in the Gallery and consolidate my threads.

Outstanding!! I recognize that pattern.....!!!!

 

[eljay]

Thank you!

I love the floor and it oerforms beautifully. Just did a seasonal tire changeover on my cars and rear brakes on one of them. When grease dripped on the floor, clean up was a simple wipe. No running fir brake cleaner to prevent staining on concrete.

 

[foodie]

Great floor eljay! You are going to love it more and more as time goes on. It was one of the best investments I ever made.