Are you all familiar with the John Bridge Forum? Now this is where we separate the true tile geeks from the wannabes. So if you think you've got what it takes- read on.
This forum takes any tile installation issue (DIY, consumer, manufacturer, professional) and provides ongoing chats regarding your issue or gives you the ability to open up a chat- underlayment chats, grout chats, surface prep chats- good stuff!!
And it happens to be THE largest and most active tile discussion forum on the internet with lots of free advice from credible folks that set tile for a living. How great is that? Got a tile installation question- BOOM- ask away. I've used the forum often and it has never failed to offer me assistance. I personally think there's no better way to find candid information from tile installers who know their craft.
Then last week one of their contractor/administrators happened upon Tile Envy and kindly invited us to share links. Imagine my excitement! I felt Tile Envy had arrived!! He also left me an informative and intriguing comment on my permacolor grout post which I thought was very auspicious and needed to be thrown out to all of you. Here is a portion of the question/comment offered by Shaughnn-
"I recently read a manufacturer’s recommendation that their tile be soaked in a penetrating sealer for 5 minutes prior to installation. Where is the balance between protecting the tile and an untoward burden being placed on the installer. Should the manufacturers of art tiles more clearly disclose expensive and labor-intensive requirements, such as the one mentioned above, so as to prepare their clients for the costly “preparation and protection” invoice?"
Eek- a 5 minute soak in a penetrating sealer! Yes-disclose, disclose, disclose. It does seem remarkably onerous. But then those of us in the design community love a great look even if impractical. We want the world, but then someone has to install it!! I'd love to start a chat thread in response to this question- right here at Tile Envy. Give us your take on this fine line we all traverse in the art tile world.