One of the questions we get asked on a regular basis by both tradesmen and people doing some DIY is whether or not you should seal tiles. There is a lot of advice available however it often conflicts itself when it comes to whether or not you are overprotecting your tiles. In this article we are going to look at the different tiles and tell you which ones you need to seal and the best way to do it.

Why do tiles need Sealing?

Because they are routinely found in bathrooms and kitchens people often assume tiles are waterproof. However, this is not necessarily true, the surface of some tiles is porous and full of minute microscopic holes similar to a sponge. If these tiles are not treated they are much more likely to absorb water and trap dust which leads to them becoming stained and dirty looking.

Now clearly you don’t want your newly laid tiles to deteriorate quickly which is why it is imperative that you always seal porous tiles. A sealer will form an invisible layer over the tiles that will protect the surface preventing grime and liquids getting into the glaze. This will help ensure you get the smart long lasting finish you desire.

Which tiles need to be sealed?

As we stated above any tile that has a porous needs sealing, this covers tiles that have a crackle glaze, as well as most kinds of natural stone tiles and those made from quartz, cement and terracotta.

The best way to check whether a tile needs sealing is to check with our team who will be only to happy to advise you. However, if you have already got your tiles and are not sure whether they need sealing you could test them out by placing a damp sponge on the surface of the tile, if the tile is marked then there is a good chance that tile needs sealing.

Do Porcelain tiles need to be sealed?

Most porcelain tiles will not need sealing as they are nearly totally impervious to water. One of the main benefits of porcelain tiles is their durability and resistance to water and staining. This is why they are a popular choice for floors and outdoor spaces. However , highly polished and glazed porcelain tiles will need sealing as they could have developed micro pores during the manufacturing process.

How to seal crackle glaze tiles

Crackle tiles are routinely found on splash backs and in bathrooms due to the fact that they aesthetically appealing. However, because of the deliberate crazing you will need to seal them to prevent quick discolouration. The fact that crackle tiles are often placed in areas of heavy use like bathrooms it makes sealing especially important.

Here are the steps we recommend you take to ensure your tiles are fully protected:

Apply two coats of sealant one prior to grouting and one after you finish
Make sure the tiles are completely clean and dirt free before you start.
Use a microfiber cloth to apply the sealer
If you’re using darker grout, apply two coats before grouting and one more after.
After the final coat, buff the tiles to finish.
Use a mild detergent to gently clean your tiles without damaging the protective sealer.

Do outdoor tiles need to be sealed?

20mm Porcelain tiles are now a very popular choice for outdoor spaces such as patios. Even though porcelain doesn’t usually need sealing it may be pertinent to do so in some cases. This is because they sometimes have a gritty texture which could be at risk of attracting dirt from things like grouting compounds and garden debris. The application of sealer will help eliminate this problem and make your tiles much easier to maintain.

If you going to apply sealer follow this process

Before you start, make sure the surface is clean and dry.
Apply three coats: two before grouting and one after.
Use a roller or paintbrush for the application.
When putting on the final coat, it’s fine to cover the grout joints as well.

Do You Need to Seal Grout

Many people think that it is not necessary to seal grout joints, well actually the opposite is true. Most grouts are manufactured from a fine cement which by its very nature is porous. This means that if you do take action to protect them they could well become stained. Areas that experience heavy footfall where a lighter grout has been used are particularly vulnerable. It is worth taking note that epoxy grouts are very durable and won’t require sealing.

When do you Need to Reapply a Sealer

Over time, sealers will wear away due to foot traffic and cleaning products, so you’ll need to reapply them to keep your tiles in good shape.

There’s no set rule for how often you should reseal your tiles. Some say every year, while others suggest every five years or so. It depends on the type of tile, where it’s located, and the kind of sealer used. If you notice liquids soaking into your tiles instead of beading on the surface, it’s time to reseal.

We hope that the information in this blog post will have given you all the information you need about whether or not your tiles need sealing. However, if you are still unsure get in touch with the team, here at Modern Garden who will be only to happy to advise you.

Your Basket