Hello, I paid my $25 for a consulting question, PayPal Reciept 2798-1558-3287-6746. However, after I paid, I didn't find a place to ask my question, so I'll pose them here. I'm having a bathroom (walls, floor, shower) done in White Thassos marble. My installer is nearly complete with tile installation, and will be ready to grout very soon. Naturally, we want everything to be perfect, and would like advice in a few areas: 1) Grout Choice. I'm looking for a specific grout recommendation for the White Thassos. Because the marble itself is so white, a brilliant white color for the grout is preferred. I'm worried about any product that can cause staining or scratching, and would like maximum durability and stain resistance. We've tried samples of a few products, but haven't been happy: a. Lacrete Latapoxy Sanded – Dulled the finish of the marble, has sand, and too grey. b. Mapei Epoxy – Instructions said to avoid use on white marble. Custom (Brand) c. Unsanded Grout. Seemed very soft, and not quite white. From my brief research, it seems that epoxy grout will be more durable and stain resistant, and with 1/16 margins, unsanded is best. Please be as specific as possible, with any recommendations 2) Sealing. Should we seal the marble before grouting? Can you give a specific recommendation for sealer? 3) Cleaning. The marble has accumulated dirt from foot traffic, pencil marks, and general construction activity, and hasn't been easy to clean. We've tried some “marble and granite countertop cleaner” (Tile Guard by Homax), with no luck. 409 with some elbow grease has been slightly more successful. Can you give instructions on how to clean before sealing (if sealing is required). 4) Any other general advice is welcome and appreciated. Thanks, in advance, for your considerate response. You have a very nice website. David

 

Dear David:

 

“ 1) Grout Choice. I'm looking for a specific grout recommendation for the White Thassos. Because the marble itself is so white, a brilliant white color for the grout is preferred. I'm worried about any product that can cause staining or scratching, and would like maximum durability and stain resistance. ”

 

How about white caulk?... I know, it's out of the mainstream, but it's the best grout that you can ever think about! Shiny, stain-less, easy to clean off the surface of the tiles when applied… Very unlikely to become loose and/or crack… What more could you ask from a grout!! Trust me: just this piece of advice is worth more than the consultation fee you paid!! (I'll send you the bill for the difference!!! LOL)

 

“ 2) Sealing. Should we seal the marble before grouting? Can you give a specific recommendation for sealer? ”

 

Not before grouting, not during grouting, not after grouting, not after a week, not after 10 years. Besides, it is technically impossible impregnate (seal) Polished White Thassos; it's just to dense to absorb a darn thing, including the impregnator (a.k.a. sealer) of course.

 

“ 3) Cleaning. The marble has accumulated dirt from foot traffic, pencil marks, and general construction activity, and hasn't been easy to clean. We've tried some “marble and granite countertop cleaner” (Tile Guard by Homax), with no luck. 409 with some elbow grease has been slightly more successful. Can you give instructions on how to clean before sealing (if sealing is required) ”

 

Removing pencil marks may turn out to be a really difficult job.  You can try with an eraser; it that won't work, you may have a real problem that only a stone restoration contractor could solve. If the eraser won't work, I'd call back the tile setter and tell him to take care of those marks. Who gave him the brilliant idea to use a pencil to mark the tiles? And forget the Formula 409 thing, please!!

 

“ 4) Any other general advice is welcome and appreciated. ”

 

Since you paid for the consultation, (BTW, we do appreciate your patronage), here attached free of charge find the full version of our maintenance guidelines for residential stone installation.

 

May I ask you now to please read and e-sign our Statement of Purpose at: http://www.marblecleaning.org/purpose.htm? J

Ciao and good luck,

Mauri z io Bertoli

 

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