Episode Summary: In this episode, we strip away the confusion surrounding home surface maintenance. Whether you are a designer, contractor, or a homeowner trying to protect a beautiful granite countertop, we deliver the chemistry-backed secrets to cleaning and sealing. We break down the crucial differences between materials, why "one-size-fits-all" cleaners are a myth, and how to avoid permanent damage to natural stone.
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Episode Summary: In this episode, we strip away the confusion surrounding home surface maintenance. Whether you are a designer, contractor, or a homeowner trying to protect a beautiful granite countertop, we deliver the chemistry-backed secrets to cleaning and sealing. We break down the crucial differences between materials, why "one-size-fits-all" cleaners are a myth, and how to avoid permanent damage to natural stone.
Both **painting over tile** and **tiling over tile** are presented as methods to update existing tile without full demolition, though experts generally advise caution with both. **Painting tile** is often seen as a more **budget-friendly and faster option** for a style refresh, covering dated looks or adding color to walls and backsplashes. However, it's **not a long-term, durable solution** like original tile and is prone to chipping, scratching, and peeling, especially in high-traffic or high-moisture areas; it's generally not recommended for floors or countertops. Successful painting requires thorough preparation: cleaning with a degreaser, sanding to create a better surface, and using a **high-adhesion primer** like STIX. For the top coat, multiple thin layers of semi-gloss or mildew-resistant paint (like Aura Bath & Spa for bathrooms) are recommended. In contrast, **tiling over tile** is considered a **more permanent and durable solution** but is also more complex and costly. It should only be considered if the existing tile is **solidly attached, level, and clean**, and a **bonding primer** specifically for this purpose, such as ECO Prim Grip or Prime and Bond, must be used to ensure proper adhesion of the new tile. Key concerns with tiling over tile include the **added thickness** potentially causing issues with fittings and the increased weight, as well as the difficulty of future removal. While possible in certain situations like backsplashes and some wall areas, tiling over tile for floors is generally discouraged due to threshold issues.
Tile the World
Episode Summary: In this episode, we strip away the confusion surrounding home surface maintenance. Whether you are a designer, contractor, or a homeowner trying to protect a beautiful granite countertop, we deliver the chemistry-backed secrets to cleaning and sealing. We break down the crucial differences between materials, why "one-size-fits-all" cleaners are a myth, and how to avoid permanent damage to natural stone.