Do I Seal Ceramic Tile

Different types of ceramic tiles and grout have distinct features that should be considered when choosing sealing products.

Do i seal ceramic tile.

Any tile that is ceramic porcelain or natural stone needs to be periodically sealed. Unsealed tiles such as clay and natural stone must be sealed. Failure to do this can lead to the grout chipping and coming off over a short amount of time. Sealers or coatings do not adhere or stick well to ceramic floor tiles.

Sealing is done to strengthen tile or grout s defenses against dirt spills and erosion of grout but not all tile needs to be sealed. Use latex based products to seal both grout and tile. But like any floor a ceramic tile floor can become soiled or stained if it isn t sealed properly and regularly. Even tiles that have a pre existing sealer can eventually have that layer wear down over time.

Marble tile on the fireplace installed greater than 30 days. When to seal tiles. Labels specify which sealers work best with marble stone and ceramic tiles as well as how much moisture the sealer can tolerate be it high moisture in the shower or low moisture along a. Ceramic tile floors are an attractive and durable addition to high traffic and wet areas in a home.

Even if you can find a sealer to adhere to the surface it will most likely peel or wear very quickly usually in 2 12 months. You do not need to seal the surfaces of most ceramic and porcelain. Porcelain tile on the bathroom floors installed greater than 30 days. You want to know why some tile sealers for ceramic and porcelain tile are better than others.

Let me share what i believe you want to know to make a smart decision. If your tile is ceramic or porcelain it probably won t need to be sealed. Finding the best tile sealer for ceramic and porcelain floors. Epoxy grout is a tough water resistant material that doesn t require sealer but it s not right for every tile application.

If the tile soaks up the sealant seal the entire shower. Seal all unglazed tiles including dense porcelains prior to grouting. If it doesn t only seal the grout. There are some exceptions to this so check with your manufacturer to be sure.

For the last 18 years i ve been answering the multitude of questions for do it your selfers and contractors. With some grouts that can be even worse with it needing sealer. Adhesion wanting to seal your ceramic floor tile surfaces because an existing floor sealer is peeling off. Some do require a light application of a penetrating sealer to fill the micro pores on the surface of the tile.

Shower tiles should be sealed every one to two years depending on how often the shower is used.