The Counters Blog

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Granite Sealer And Protector Made Of Tile

It also works miracles on grout to guard against stains that develop between your shower or bath tiles that can be the most difficult to remove with your hands and a sponge, no matter how hard you scrub. The first pie dough we did wanted to cling to the stone, despite abundant flour under it, too much flour in fact as it started to make the dough overly stiff. I put on a moderately heavy coat, rubbed it in and waited for it to dry. It picked up a little bit of shine, water beads on it, it feels much ‘slicker’ than it did. I cleaned the counters and stone backsplash thoroughly, let them dry.I applied it with one clean microfiber cloth, timed 2 minutes, then buffed with a new cloth. They really look new, and they are very smooth and silky to the touch. And it does not have a potent chemical smell, its actually pleasant. We tried it on multiple types of stone surfaces and granites in our home. It had no sealing or shining properties at all and we applied exactly as the manufacturer suggested. In that time, we have fought soap scum in the marble shower and have not been able to stay on top of it.
Epoxy Countertops Over Old Tile | Duration 39 Minutes 17 Seconds After one application, water runs off the walls where before, you could see it sitting on the scum. Whether you’re looking for a sealing product for the first time or a resealer for long-lasting protection, this product can give your granite surfaces the before and after results you want to see. Then share your excitement with your family because that much joy should not be trapped inside. The finish on this nearly white stone is honed (to about ‘satin’) rather than polished. However, the finish was not as slippery as we would have liked. Polished stone would have been slicker, but presented the problems noted above. It sprays on wet and beaded on the stone surface, but a clean cloth was used to wipe it in thoroughly to the surface and it wetted out nicely. I was concerned it might streak as it dried, but it did not. My only complaint is that a smaller offering than 18oz size would have been sufficient – even applying a couple of times a year this is a lifetime supply, a 6oz squeeze bottle without the sprayer at an appropriate price would be appreciated. I waited 2 hours and repeated on both the counters and backsplash. It did no more than if we had rubbed water into the surface. The unopened bottle we received is a completely fake product. I have also applied this to the backsplash behind my stove and kitchen sink with great results.

Countertops and Extra Large Slabs by daltile.com

From beauty to ultimate resiliency, we have an innovative and stylish solution for any application. Take a closer look at high-style, dramitic, extra-large surfaces. No matter what style of space you’re creating, there’s bound to be a perfect match for you. The right stone solution for a particular project depends on the performance and maintenance the space permits. It’s a natural byproduct of more than 70 years at the forefront of the surfaces industry. A collage of subtle movement and soft veining, combined with unrivaled performance, will be hallmarks of the showpieces created with this modern classic.

DIY Tile Countertop by extremehowto.com

Shanna was partial to earth tones to complement the porcelain floor tile and the neutral kitchen color scheme. I liked the idea that large tiles would equate to fewer grout joints (less to clean, less worry of cracks), as well as the prospect of fewer tiles to install. Frank had a perfect fit, a selection of 18-inch tiles in brown tones with a natural, mottled appearance, which he kindly donated to our project. The marble had a naturally warm and random color scheme similar to the countertop tile, but unlike the large tiles, the smaller ones weren’t polished. Once you’ve selected your tile, gather all materials and tools on site. On counters that won’t be exposed to water, you can install the tile directly to the plywood. You can cut cement board by scoring it with a utility knife along a straight edge, then snapping it at the score line. Always place full tiles at the front of the counter with the partial tiles running along the backsplash. Use a notched trowel to spread enough adhesive to lay several tiles along the front row. Press the tile in place and twist it slightly to set it into the adhesive. Spread more adhesive as necessary, combing it with the notched trowel for an even bed height. Frequently use a straightedge or hand level to check the flatness of the tiles and adjust them as needed. As you progress from row to row, use a screwdriver to remove any adhesive from the tile joints before it hardens. To make intersecting cuts in tile, begin the two cuts with the circular diamond blade, but finish the cut with tile nippers to prevent over-cutting.

How Are Quartz Countertops Made? Tile Coach Episode 12 | Duration 7 Minutes 40 Seconds For the most part, the backsplash was installed in exactly the same manner, only it took longer because of the smaller size and greater number of tiles involved. But other than evenly distributing the colors, it was a very simple layout, starting from the bottom row and working upward to the partials on the top row. To install, first disconnect the power supply and then unscrew the outlet. Just thread the outlet through the extension, screw the extension to the box, then screw the outlet to the extension in the same manner you would with a standard electrical box. I ripped each piece roughly 3-1/2 inches wide and routed a bullnose on the top of each by running them through my router table with a roundover bit. For a finished look, fill the nail holes with stainable putty, let it dry, sand it flush and stain the putty to match. I did, however, run into trouble where the countertop edging met the oven/stove combo. It will also clean to the original color and contains antimicrobial protection for mold and mildew resistance.

How To Build A Custom Tile Counter Top | Duration 6 Minutes 34 Seconds Use a rubber float to scoop up the grout and work it into the tile joints. You’ll need to make several passes to ensure complete coverage and eliminate air bubbles. Keep a bucket of clean water nearby to frequently rinse the sponge. Cleaning the excess grout will take several passes to completely eliminate the haze. Using larger tiles for the countertop surface kept the layout fairly simple and straightforward. I was interested in easy installation, low maintenance and the longevity of the finished project. And, the face of the marble tiles featured many irregular pits and cavities, which we knew would drink up the colored grout for a really neat, cohesive look we had seen modeled at a local tile store. In some cases, you may opt for edge tiles, which are usually rounded with a bullnose to prevent chipping. I left the laminate in place to serve as my moisture membrane. A rule of thumb is to arrange the layout so the last partial tile of each row measures at least half the width of the tile (rather than a skinny, awkward-looking tile at the end of each row). Once you’re satisfied with the dry run, you may find it useful to mark layout lines, especially if using trim tiles along the exposed edges.Lay your key tiles first, such as an end tile or centered tile, to serve as a starting point. Use plastic tile spacers at each joint and corner of the tile for uniform grout lines. Continue laying rows of full tile, working as far toward the backsplash as you can without cutting partial tiles. Use a framing square along the grout lines to make sure the installation is properly aligned. To mark a cut for a partial tile, set one tile over an installed full tile, allowing space for grout seams, and mark the overhang line accordingly. For cutouts or smaller tile, a smaller tile saw or spiral saw with tile bit can be used.

Granite Tile Countertops Made Easy | Duration 3 Minutes 13 Seconds The plastic extension is basically just a rectangular plastic “ring” that fits over the face of existing box. I then stained and sealed each piece before measuring, mitering and fastening each trim stick with finish nails into the plywood edge of the counter. Work the float on a diagonal to press the grout deep into the joints. As the grout becomes firm, use a damp sponge to remove the excess from the tile surface. A sponge made with an abrasive pad on one side will make it easier to scrub loose the stubborn grout from the face of the tile.

BONDERA 16 In Countertop Tile Mat Set Item4330 ModelBON CT 16 UPC048444001689 by amazon.com

If the edge is at an angle the reinforcement threads often show and due to the adhesive are hard to trim off. This particular bondera tile mat set is specifically for countertops. So if you’re using this particular item to install backslash and are experiencing problems, you now know why. I then carefully made sure the walls were flat and all tile was perfectly dry after any cuts were made. Due to the delay with some of the more intricate cuts was unable to complete more then one wall the first day. About 1:30am was awaken by the sounds of the glass tile falling onto the counter. Once for a glass tile kitchen backsplash and again in our master bathroom on a glass tile 8 ft decor wall.My biggest complaint, however, was how we were treated when we contacted the company with our problem. I don’t believe for a minute that tile has just fallen off the wall for anyone. You can stick this to a painted surface and it will not move, period. The resulting mess created countless hours of extra work & required repairing an entire wall of drywall.

How To Build A Ceramic Countertop by dummies.com

Bull-nose tiles come in two styles: a single rounded edge for use along a straight edge, and a double bull-nose (two adjacent rounded edges) for use on outside corners. The backsplash on a ceramic tile top can be installed over a separate particleboard core or directly on the wall. Drill pilot holes through the plywood into the top edges of the cabinets. Lift the top to apply construction adhesive, and replace it to drive the screws. To cut cement board, score the surface with a utility knife guided by a straightedge, snap to break it along the scored line, and complete the cut of the reinforcing material with your utility knife. For a more rigid installation, use a notched trowel to apply mastic or thinset mortar over the plywood before attaching the backer board. Nail and glue the board to the plywood with 4d finishing nails. Position bull-nose tile (or countertop edge trim tile) on the front edge and a field tile on the top separated by a tile spacer. Then trace a line along the board to mark the edge of the first course of field tiles. Align one leg of the square with the line and the other with the mark you made to indicate the centerline. On a straight counter, determine whether it’s best to center a tile on the centerline or align an edge with it. If you have a countertop that turns a corner, lay out the tiles starting at the corner. Use a tile cutter to make straight cuts on field and bull-nose tiles. To make curved cuts, freehand score the area on the tile to be removed with a glass cutter.

How To Install A Tile Counter Top | Duration 15 Minutes 7 Seconds After you dry-fit and cut all the tiles, secure them to the substrate with mastic or thinset mortar, as advised by your tile supplier. Allow the mastic or thinset to set up for at least 24 hours. Hold the float at a 45-degree angle to the tiles and use a sweeping motion to force grout into the gaps. Let the grout dry for about an hour and then wipe off any haze on the tile. Although sealing the grout seems like a tedious job (and it is!), it’s critical that you do it to keep the grout from staining and to extend its useful life. You need straight-edged tiles and bull-nose tiles for your countertop. Using a wet saw, you must cut them to length and miter them to fit inside and outside corners. The top of the backsplash can end with a bull-nose tile or extend to the underside of wall cabinets. Measure carefully and pencil a line to guide (center) pilot hole placement. Cut tile backer board, such as cement board, and test its fit. Attach the backer board cement board screws or exterior-rated drywall screws, as suggested by the manufacturer. Apply self-adhering fiberglass mesh tape over any joints and fill in the screw-head holes with a latex underlayment filler or thinset. Attach a 1 x 2 board to the front edge, making sure it’s flush with the top of the backer board. Determine the position of the first course and draw a line parallel to the front of the countertop to indicate where the back edge of the tiles will align. Add more spacers on the back edge and place a board against it. Measure the length of the countertop and mark the centerline perpendicular to the line you just drew. Choose whichever leaves you with the widest tile at the ends. On a countertop that wraps two corners, lay out tiles starting at the corners and plan the last (cut) tile to fall in the center of the sink. If you have a countertop edge trim, have your supplier cut it with a wet saw after all tiles are in place. Then use a tile nipper to break off numerous small pieces until the cutout is complete. Apply the mastic or thinset with a notched trowel to ensure a uniform coat, and use plastic tile spacers between tiles to ensure even spacing. Fill the gaps between the tiles with grout by using a rubber grout float.

How To Make A Tile Countertop Look Modern by homeguides.sfgate.com

But with the right supplies and a little creativity, you can update the look of your tile counter so it feels more modern and isn’t such an eyesore. Paint may seem like an unorthodox idea for a tile surface, but if you prepare it properly, ceramic tile takes paint well. You’ll also need to roughen up the glossy surface so the paint adheres better – use 100- to 200-grit sandpaper to carefully sand your countertop.Tile decals come in a wide range of colors and patterns, so you can find an option that complements the rest of your decor. It’s an ideal option if your tile countertop is a bold color that overwhelms your kitchen because you can cover half of it with black or white decals. You’ll have to sand the tile to allow the concrete to adhere and make forms for each countertop section to hold the concrete in place as it cures, but once you pour it in place, no one will guess that there’s tile beneath it. For example, an avocado green tile countertop may make your kitchen look like it’s stuck in the 1970s, but if you repaint your wood cabinets in a crisp white or sleek black paint and add stainless steel appliances, the entire space will have a contemporary feel even with the green countertop. They’re also water-resistant and easy to remove when you want to change your countertop’s look. For a simple look, opt for solid decals that allow you to create a checkerboard look for your countertop. If you want a little more flair, however, opt for tile decals with a bold pattern. Instead, use self-leveling concrete to cover the entire surface and create a smooth, modern look for your countertop. After the concrete cures, you can remove the forms and apply a concrete sealer to protect your new countertop from nicks and dents. Highlighting other features in your kitchen and bathroom with a more modern look can help distract from a dated countertop.

Ceramic Vs Porcelain Tile Countertop by doityourself.com

This allows for greater durability and higher stain resistance making them better choice for an outdoor kitchen or potting bench. For residential use on countertops a rating of 2 or higher, especially if the tiles are glazed or sealed is more than adequate. Porcelain tiles are made of high-grade white clay, whereas ceramics are made of coarser red or brown clay. Only the porcelain tiles have gone through more refining processes making them denser than the ceramic. The durability is also of benefit for places which see extreme cold because water does not penetrate porcelain.

Marazzi Montagna Rustic Bay 6 In. X 24 In. Glazed Porcelain Floor by homedepot.com

I am not a well experienced tile installer but everything went very smooth. I dropped a few during installation and slid them around on bare concrete and didn’t have any break. I will be doing other rooms in our house with this brand of tile! We used a sealer on top to help with keeping it clean and easier to clean. I also have it going up one kitchen wall, two bathroom walls and wrapping my cast iron fireplace insert in my living room. Because porcelain is resistant to moisture, it can be installed in areas where wood cannot and requires far less maintenance. You can drill permanent holes or perhaps use suction cups or temporary hangers. I have a wet saw for cutting the tiles and the tiles themselves cut very cleanly; very little chipping on the cut edge. Our room is well used and toys and other objects are tossed around by my child all the time with no damage to the floor. We have had to regrout a few tiles since install, likely due to beginner luck. Patterns and colors will look great with several different wall decors. You will see in the picture, we also put new tile on our fireplace, another last minute find- looks so much better now! After the installer was able to plan for 2 different lot numbers, the rest of the installation went off without a hitch. When we remodel our kitchen, we are planning on using the same product. Capewood has a saw cut wood look that gives the impression of hand-cut saw marks left in wood.Smooth and luxurious yet highly durable this frost-resistant tile. The realistic natural stone look is achieved through a beautifully crafted surface coupled with the latest in technological advances in tile known as ink jet printing.