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Sealing
Tile & Grout
Reprinted with permission from www.TheTileDoctor.com
Grout
Sealing:
Dr's Tips: “The doctor
always recommends sealing cement grouts. For ease of maintenance
and protection against stains, this is a small cost of the
total job, but the affects of not sealing can make you unhappy
with the whole job."
Always follow manufacturer’s instructions
on the specific sealer being used.
Some sealers breath naturally so a "still
wet" installation can be allowed to dry out even after
the sealer is applied. However, some sealers lock in the moisture
as they lock out the stains, so make sure which type of sealer
you are selecting and the proper technique of application.
Your choices in grout sealers are a topical
sealer that can offer a wet look, or a penetrating sealer
that has a natural look, which protects the grout but does
not change the look of the grout.
When sealing the grout there are various techniques
to apply the sealer.
Always follow the manufacturer's directions, but generally
the best methods are to apply only to the grout joints and
buff off any excess that happens to get on the tiles.
Another method is to apply all over the surface
with a sponge or cloth and then buff off the excess with a
terry cloth or cheesecloth rag.
Some sealers protect against everyday dirt and
minor staining elements; others protect against harsh staining
elements like hot grease. Look for warranties and protection
information on the label from the manufacturers.
A little time spent on this can save a lot of
grief later.
Grouts can also be re-colored by applying topical
coatings much like painting. There are special products made
just for this technique and the best news is, they work! If
you have damaged grout that is discolored, you can fix it.
Sealing Tile
Note: Slip and fall accidents
are the leading cause of injury to the public and a principal
cause of litigation against businesses today. Good maintenance
procedures can reduce this obvious risk!
There are anti-slip coatings currently available
designed to reduce slip and fall accidents by enhancing the
tiles slip resistance or coefficient of friction characteristics.
These products must be used in strict compliance to their
manufacturers recommendations for them to be beneficial.
Dr's Tips: "Sealing of
grout is almost always a good idea. The sealing of ceramic
and stone tile must be evaluated on a case to case basis.
Generally, if water will penetrate or darken the surface of
ceramic or stone tile, so will staining materials. Be sure
of why you are sealing your tile, select the products carefully,
and closely follow the manufacturers instructions."
Note: Always follow manufacturer’s
instructions on the specific sealer being used.
Stone
The first step in stone tile maintenance is
the sealing of the stone. Generally, all stone must be sealed.
Follow the manufacturers recommendations for the product you
choose.
Know what the surface preparation (polished,
honed, or natural) coupled with the density and porosity of
the stone to determine the best type (petroleum or water
based) of sealer to be used. The other consideration is that
you use the best product the budget will allow.
Ceramic
The first step in maintenance is the sealing
of the tile (if necessary) and the grout (if necessary). Generally,
glazed tile requires no sealer. Some unglazed tile requires
no sealer. Know the type of tile you are installing. Test
it with a small amount of water. If the surface darkens, it
absorbs water and needs to be sealed.
Generally, cementitious grouts require sealing while specialty
grouts like epoxy and furans do not. If the grout darkens
with water, it needs a sealer.
Glazed tiles should never be sealed. The glaze
is the "sealer" and is far more permanent and resistant
to wear than any sealer.
Many people seal their tile that is installed
indoors to protect against everyday dirt, stains and wear.
When sealing tile indoors a topical sealer is important in
some types of softer tiles like saltillo (topical produces
a surface coat). When using a topical sealer, a "wear
layer" or "sacrificial coating" of acrylic
floor finish should be applied in addition to the sealer.
This "wear layer" of acrylic floor finish will keep
you from wearing through the sealer and having to strip and
reseal the entire floor.
Some manufacturers have sealers that incorporate
a sacrificial coating together with a penetrating sealer.
This can be the best of both worlds.
However, it is critical that you maintain this
wear layer.
On indoor installations of hard, dense tiles
or stones, many people select a penetrating sealer only. This
type of sealer leaves no topical finish and therefore does
not require a "wear layer" coating, but will give
lasting protection from everyday dirt and stains.
The use of sealers on tile is an area that books
could be written about, with all the options available and
their relations to each other. We speak only in very general
terms and keep in mind; there are exceptions to every rule.
Manufacturer’s instructions must be followed closely
after a sealer is selected. Please do not mix brands. Once
you have started with one brand, do not apply another on top
of the first, hoping for the proper results.
When in doubt always call the manufacturer for
specific details. Retain the information on who you spoke
with and it is a good idea to have them fax you or email you
the instructions to fall back on if there ever are any questions.
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