Sealing bottom and sides of tile

[Jimmie]

Can the bottoms of granite 12x12 tile be sealed so that the tile will not wick the moisture out of the thinset or would it not allow the thinset to adhere? Also, I remember reading somewhere that a layer of roofing felt could be glued to the top of the cement board and the thinset put on it to prevent moisture from penetrating to the plywood. Have you heard of that.Thanks,

Jimmie

[Forum Administrator]

Don't put a sealer on the bottom of the granite tiles. You need to use a latex based thinset (white thinset). This is the recommended adhesive for granite tiles.I have never heard of using felt to absorb the moisture.

[Jimmie]

Thanks for your reply. I read a post that someone wrote that said his tiles looked spotted from the moisture in them after laying them on the thinset. I think they did say that the tiles cleared up after a while. I guess the moisture evaporated. Thanks again.
BTW, I bought the tiles,12x12, from marblewarehouse.com. They are called "Blue Pearl" and are absolutely beautiful.

Jimmie

[Mark D.]

Just use a white thinset (latex based), and when you are finished protect them with A good sealer like Hydrex. It's so simple a monkey could do it and it protects against acid etching the stone and dissolving the polish, plus it stain proofs it. A liter will do roughly 180 square feet.
Here is the link:
http://www.defusco.com/glues-epoxy-polyester-etc-hydrex-sealer-c-82_502.html

Glad to be of service,
Mark

[Jimmie]

Thanks Mark,
I have ordered the sealer via your link. I should have the tile soon after Thanksgiving and hope to start right away and be all finished for the Holidays. After that I will tile the kitchen floor.

Jimmie