Does All Ceramic Tile Need To Be Sealed
First it is important to understand that there are two types of porcelain tile that need to be considered.
Does all ceramic tile need to be sealed. Ceramic tile floors are an attractive and durable addition to high traffic and wet areas in a home. Sealer is necessary for any floor tiles because they pick up dirt and grime that will set into the tile if it isn t sealed. Here are the details you need to know to find the perfect tile for your space. When to seal 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. For example most ceramic tiles are finished with a durable glaze that can help protect the surface from stains so adding a sealer will not be necessary. Important considerations before using tile sealers. Seal all unglazed tiles including dense porcelains prior to grouting.
No one knows how to better care for tile than the leader in tile daltile. It s necessary to seal tiles that are going in high moisture areas bathrooms especially and the presence of oil and grease in kitchens makes it a good idea to seal any wall tiles there too. If your tile is ceramic or porcelain it probably won t need to be sealed. They are glazed and unglazed.
Tile contractors and their customers need to understand whether porcelain tile needs to be sealed and if so why when and with what type of sealer. Some do require a light application of a penetrating sealer to fill the micro pores on the surface of the tile. Epoxy grout is a tough water resistant material that doesn t require sealer but it s not right for every tile application. That means a sealed ceramic tile surface will damage faster in comparison to the bare tile.
But like any floor a ceramic tile floor can become soiled or stained if it isn t sealed properly and regularly. Porcelain tile can be sealed prior to grouting to provide extra protection. Even tiles that have a pre existing sealer can eventually have that layer wear down over time. 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. Different types of ceramic tiles and grout have distinct features that should be considered when choosing sealing products. With some grouts that can be even worse with it needing sealer. You do not need to seal the surfaces of most ceramic and porcelain.
Ceramic floor tiles are very durable and difficult to damage. All ceramic floor sealers are softer than the actual ceramic tile.