Grout lightened after sealing

SueT

Hello. I just had an outdoor patio tiled by a pro (he did a fantastic job by the way). I decided to seal the grout myself and after doing some web research, decided upon Aqua Mix Choice Gold sealer, one of the most expensive options. My grout was a terra cotta color, medium hue, but after sealing it, the grout lightened quite a bit. It looks almost pink now. I was told that grout tends to darken after sealing. Darker would have been a better outcome. Did I go wrong somewhere? OK, OK, I didn't test a patch first, but after spending $120.00 a gallon, I figure I couldn't go wrong.

Bud Cline

Rising moisture.

SueT

Thanks Bud, but could rising moisture happen when...

The tile was set on a covered, outdoor patio that never gets wet. The foundation was a concrete slab that had a few old cracks in it. The tile guy cut expansion joints into the concrete, roughed it up, poured a layer of "something" to level the surface, laid a slip sheet, waited three days, then set the tile and grouted. The weather was in the high 80's and very dry. Under these conditions, could moisture be a problem? Any other ideas?

Bud Cline

Moisture can always be present in concrete on grade.

SueT

So, should I have waited longer before applying the sealer?

JazMan

I'm not sure? It could be moisture, but Sealer's Choice Gold allows moisture transmission so excess moisture evaporates through the sealer. Usually too much moisture will make the tile look cloudy. Is it possible you used too much sealer and didn't wiped off the excess before it dried? Not removing the sealer that didn't absorb will turn white as it dries.

Penetrating sealers do not change the appearance of the tile or grout. Enhancing sealers will darken grout and some types of unglazed soft bodied tiles and most stones. I've not heard or sealers lightening grout, unless too much was applied and not wiped per directions.

Jaz

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Tile 4 You LLC Troy, MI
KERDI Shower Specialist ... DITRA Installs ... Product-Method suitability consultation. I have NEVER made a mistake, I thought I did once...........but I was wrong! - PRODUCTS ADVERTISED WITHIN MY POST ARE NOT ENDORSED BY ME!

MattCoops

What have you used to clean?

Acids and ammonia-based cleaners will discolor grout.
Also, when the grout was cleaned after installation, if there was excessive water used for rinsing, it could lighten the color of the grout.

It may even been your sealer. Although, I never had a problem with anything made by Aquamix.
But, ALWAYS test an area before using any kind of liquid product on grout or tile.

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Matt | tile contractor
Charlotte, NC