VCT Tile

[bglad]

What kind of sealer do I apply prior to installing either VCT or ceramic tile? I assume that there is some type applied to prevent seepage into the concete

 

[38D]

I didn't apply anything, just the glue. If you get the tiles nice and tight, there is almost no gap where oil/etc could seep down to the slab.

 

[SteveB]

My concrete floor was 15 years old and badly stained. I used a sealer as recommended by the Armstrong Dealer, can't recall the exact name but likely one of their products.

In really cold weather I can see a slight gap between some of my VCT tiles but in 6 years none have peeled, cracked or come loose. Once the temps warm a bit this gap disappears.

 

[JimVonBaden]

I didn't apply anything, just the glue. If you get the tiles nice and tight, there is almost no gap where oil/etc could seep down to the slab.

That is how I did it. But my floor was new.

Still, unless your floor is old, I wouldn't sweat a sealer.

I would suggest, after installation, adding some kind of top coat. Either Armstrong sealer or epoxy.

Jim

 

[bglad]

Wouldn't it better to put sealer on the concrete itself? I'm in kind of a bind. Originally I was thinking of an epoxy but from what I read in the forum they don't last too long. Maybe putting an epoxy down first and VCT tile over it? I have to get this done ASAP. My biggest worry is having oil and other fluids seeping into the concrete which is about 2 months old now.

 

[38D]

My concrete was new and I've had no issues sans sealer. I do strip and re-wax it each year, and clean up spills rather than letting them sit on the floor.

 

[JimVonBaden]

Wouldn't it better to put sealer on the concrete itself? I'm in kind of a bind. Originally I was thinking of an epoxy but from what I read in the forum they don't last too long. Maybe putting an epoxy down first and VCT tile over it? I have to get this done ASAP. My biggest worry is having oil and other fluids seeping into the concrete which is about 2 months old now.

The sealer is to protect the VCT, not the concrete.

IMHO, and having a VCT floor, I would pop for Porcelain tile instead. About the same cost, and waterproof, so no issues with sealing.

Jim