Does Sealing The Back Of Stone Impair Adhesion? - Tile Advice

[Gazzer]

What are your opinions regarding sealing stone by sealing the full tile, front, back and sides before fixing. Do you think it would impair the adhesive bond ?

 

[Tony73]

no need to seal back

 

[Mr Tiler]

if you are supposed to re-seal tiles in a wet area every half year then the bond to the tile cant be all that so what I would be thinking is only seal up the face and sides

 

[The D]

I think it will not adversely affect the adhesion in any way

 

[Gazzer]

I have to admit that I have never sealed all the tile but recent conversations have me curious about this........watch this space but first I need to gather more info from all of you.

 

[peteablard]

^^^^^What he says!!^^^^^
Sorry Neale I'm not going to keep following you around copying your answers but er..... I am on this one! Should be interesting! I've answered this based on how I've always previously done it.

 

[Tony73]

when you use akemi stone adhesive, it will stick better to unsealed stone

 

[Rookery]

I've never sealed the reverse. It seems pointless as its main function is to help prevent stains on the surface. I dont know for definite but I would expect addy to stick better if the stone wasnt sealed on the back, provided it wasnt dusty.

 

[The D]

when you use akemi stone adhesive, it will stick better to unsealed stone

Never heard of it

 

[Tony73]

Never heard of it

well I work with natural stone a lot , I also have few friends (stone masons) , they work with stone every day for many years, and they say the same thing. But let's see what other members say

 

[Gazzer]

Keep your thoughts coming...remember this will be a debate not an argument. All will be revealed in time but I will need your help once again before that can happen.

 

[Concrete guy]

There are reasons why you don't pre seal stone products, most of which are to do with adhesion and water dispersion.

Most stone is wet cut at the production plant and unless it's a particularly hot country is often packed wet.

In an ideal world any case of stone should be unpacked and allowed to dry/settle in the room in which it's being fitted. But that's not practical in the real world.

So you fit the stone raw, with a suitable adhesive and allow it all to dry, then use sealing products.

I can see your thought process Neale, but in the real world it's very unusual for a stone tile delivery to be free from moisture. Any moisture content would inhibit the effectiveness of chemicals applied to it.

 

[The D]

well I work with natural stone a lot , I also have few friends (stone masons) , they work with stone every day for many years, and they say the same thing. But let's see what other members say

lol done a bit myself m8

 

[Tony73]

I did a lot of stone work for "ideal stone interiors" years ago. And they have drying room, so we used to dry stone properly and then seal. But I agree with you ATS , many stone suppliers bring vet stone tiles to site.

 

[Tony73]

lol done a bit myself m8

I know deano, you have much more years then me , in tiling . And I have learned something from you already mate. Only saying my opinion about this