Tile & Grout Sealer Process
- Ceramic tile is a highly popular floor covering in today's home, for its natural beauty and astonishing durability. Properly installed and sealed tile floors can be impervious to the worst abuse from heavy traffic and can even survive varying degrees of floods, fires and other catastrophes. Tile is so durable that it is often used in outdoor applications, such as patios or swimming pool decks.
Tile floors are sealed to preserve their beauty and protect the integrity of the installation. Some types of tile are glazed during manufacturing and do not require sealing. However, the cement grout filling gaps between individual tiles always should be sealed to avoid absorption of water and grime. Sealing grout can prevent discoloring over time and keep moisture from compromising the the cement. - As noted by the comprehensive guide thetiledoctor.com, grout sealers can preserve the wet look by covering the surface with a shiny finish, or they can leave a dry, unpolished effect by soaking into the pores, protecting the cement without the sheen. Which type is used depends on the installer's preference, but in a proper application, care is always taken to follow the manufacturer's guidelines.
Two methods of applying sealer to grout are used when glazed tiles, as mentioned above, do not require sealing. Thetiledoctor.com recommends applying the sealer to the grout only, then wiping off any excess from the tiles. Another method is to apply the sealer to the entire surface and then wipe it from the tiles. The installer will refer to manufacturer guidelines in determining the best method. Those guidelines will also be used in deciding whether the sealer should be applied before the cement grout is dried or after, since some types of sealer can be used right away and still allow proper curing of the cement.
Thetiledoctor.com notes that the color of old grout can be restored or changed by some sealers. This is often done when a floor is being reconditioned and the old grout appears dirty or faded.
A conscientious installer will always be certain the grout is clean before applying liquid sealer with a brush or sponge. The importance of removing dust and particles is emphasized by therestorationresource.com, which also emphasizes the importance of proper sealing to prevent moisture from working down to the cement securing the tiles. This could eventually result in loosened tiles. - When unglazed tile is used (i.e., the tiles were not treated at the time of their firing), a general tile and grout sealer is often used for grout and tile. The liquid is brushed or sponged on evenly across the tile and grout, then allowed to dry. The process can be easier than sealing grout even though it covers more area, because it does not require the care involved in avoiding leaving hazy traces of the grout sealer on the tiles.
Whichever method is used and whether both tile and grout are sealed or just the grout, a conscientious tile installer always applies some type of sealant, usually silicon-based, to prevent deterioration of the grout. Proper sealing greatly extends the time the surface will maintain its clean, finished appearance and can extend the life of the flooring by years.
