b'ASK THE EXPERTSASK THE EXPERTSish opening up the gap.is sponsored byMark Heinlein, NTCA Training DirectorQUESTIONCan grout and sealant be mixed PRIME-N-BOND isaversa- together so you dont have to seal tileprimerbyLATICRETEdesignedthe grout when its done?toenhancetheperformanceandANSWERmechanicalbondofmortarstoaSealersarenotdesignedtobe variety of smooth or low-absorptivemixedwithgrout.Sealersare substratesand self-leveling under- designedtobeappliedtocured laymentsthatcanbedifculttocementitious grout. bond to. Therearetwobasiccatego-PRIME-N-BONDisformulatedries of sealers. They are generally with polymers and silica aggregatesdesignedtoeitherpenetratethe and does not require mixing or dilu- surfaceofthecuredgrout(pen-tion prior to application. This allowsetratingsealer)ortocureasa for a faster preparation which cansacrificial layer on top of the cured save contractors time and money ongrout (topical sealer).thejobsite.Additionally,PRIME-N- Thereareadmixturesthatare BOND is low VOC and does notspecially formulated and designed emit a strong odor, making it idealtobemixedwithcementitious for use in interior or occupied areas.grout.Theseadmixturesareusu-PRIME-N-BONDisavailableinally designed to replace the need 1 gallon (3.8 liter) and 3.5 gallonfor sealers.(13.3 liter) pails and is a componentThere are a wide variety of grouts oftheLATICRETELifetimeSystemavailable.Someareconsidered Warranty providing peace of mindready-to-useandlikelydonot for trouble-free installations.requireanysealingatall.Some Formoreinformation,visitpoweredgroutsareformulated www.laticrete.com.withsealersalreadyinthedry mixture.I suggest you contact the manu-facturer of the grout you are using todetermineitspropertiesand whether a sealer is recommended for use with it.Mark Heinlein, NTCA Training Director24TileLetter | October 2019'