Why Should You Seal Tiles?
When laying new tiles and grout, it is important to take into account whether you need to seal them and what product is best to use. Sealing tiles and grout reduces the porosity of the materials and protects the tiled surface, increasing its resistance to dirt, spills, staining and general wear. Sealing tiles and grout means they will last longer, look better and be easier to keep clean. Grout is naturally porous and will stain easily; as a result, all grout needs to be sealed once it has had time to properly cure. However, not all tiles need to be sealed – see below for information on what types of tiles need to be sealed.
What Types Of Tiles Require Sealing
- All natural stone tiles require sealing in order to protect them.
- Terracotta and quarry stone require sealing after grouting.
- We recommend sealing polished porcelain tiles prior to grouting as well as after.
If porcelain states that it has a ‘nano seal’ then these will generally not require sealing at installation. However, if you wish to ensure that the tiles and grout fully repel water and oil and also help them look clean for longer, then they can have a coat of sealant applied after grouting. It is not necessary to seal any glazed tiles or good quality un-polished porcelain tiles; however, once again we recommend the use of a grout protector if you want to protect the grout to keep it looking its best and to make ongoing maintenance easier.
If you are unsure whether your tiles need to be sealed or not, please speak to your tile retailer for further information.
Basic Steps To Sealing Tiles
You can find more detailed information about sealing terracotta, slate, limestone and sandstone on the Tile Fix Direct tile sealing advice page.
- Clean the entire tiled area prior to sealing.
- Apply the first coat of the sealant (if required).
- Grout the tiles and leave to cure properly (check the manufacturer’s advice for how long to leave the grout for).
- Apply the final coat of sealant ensuring it is spread evenly – leave to dry.
The type of tile sealant that you will need will vary depending on the material that is being sealed. The amount needed will also differ depending on the type of surface being sealed as well as the size of the surface, as some tiles have a higher absorbency rate than others.
Please Note: it is very important that you use the correct type of tile sealant for the type of tile being laid as the wrong sealer could damage the tile irrevocably. If in doubt, please feel free to contact us on 0333 320 04 24 for advice. To purchase products to help you seal tiles, please visit our website.