There are a few key reasons why sealing a porcelain tile floor or wall is a valuable investment. Above all, sealing the tiles will protect them from staining, and wear and tear.
It will get darker over time whether you seal it or not, but it will be easier to clean and will less likely stain if you do seal it. I assume you have a glazed porcelain tile. Porcelain is a type of ceramic tile that is impervious, which means its absorption is ½ of 1 percent or less.
Most porcelain tiles won't need sealing, as they are naturally robust and offer water resistance. However, if you have polished porcelain or other porous tiles they must be sealed to stop water from entering and damaging the tile. Unsealed tiles can stain, and attract dust and dirt which can be difficult to clean.
GlazeGuard Gloss sealer is developed specifically for ceramic and porcelain tiles. It will put a clear sealer across the floor tile and grout, giving it a high gloss wet look appearance, as well as provide a barrier that will protect against chemicals and soiling and make the floor much easier to clean.
Porcelain tiles tend to be harder, more resilient and more stain-resistant than ceramic tiles. They are one of the easiest types of tile to maintain but their surface can eventually be eroded by the regular use of corrosive chemicals such as ammonia, bleach or acids that can also damage the grout and loosen the tiles.
Avoid oil- and wax-based cleaners and never use a solution containing acids, ammonia, or bleach on your glazed porcelain tiles. These products can alter the color of the tile and eat away the grout.
Porcelain tile is typically dense and impervious and as such, doesn't necessarily need to be sealed. Whenever any surface is sealed, there will always be an issue of recurring maintenance just for that sealer.
Porcelain Tile Sealer For Patios creates a sheen on the surface of the tile once it is dry. It should be applied carefully in just one thin coat. We recommend using a microfibre flat mop or a microfibre cloth soaked in the sealer.
Grout sealer can cause your tile, especially porcelain tile, to reflect oddly or even appear murky and lose its luster. In instances such as these, it's important to rely on a professional grout and tile cleaning company that is experienced in rectifying the issue.
What Happens If You Don't Seal Your Tile? Choosing not to seal your tile decreases its lifespan and makes cleaning and maintenance more difficult and labor-intensive. If you have porous tile, like natural stone or unglazed ceramic, a variety of stains are bound to accumulate on its surface.
Porcelain does not require sealing, however, it is a good idea to seal grout or any joints. Use a product that is safe for both the tile and the grout.
Unlike many other materials, porcelain tiles do not require additional waterproofing treatments. Their inherent density and hardness prevent water from seeping through, reducing the risk of mould, mildew, and water damage.
Tiles can pop up or become loose due to improper installation, uneven subfloor, moisture-related issues, weak adhesive, heavy foot traffic or structural movement.
Preparation Steps Before Sealing
Clean the Tiles: Start by thoroughly cleaning the tiles to remove any dirt, grime, or stains. Use a mild detergent or pH-neutral cleaner suitable for ceramic and porcelain tiles.
Porcelain's high-temperature manufacturing process results in a dense, hard, and compact material that's extremely durable. In general, porcelain tiles and slabs are durable and won't crack, break, or chip when installed properly.
MAPEI recommends using UltraCare Penetrating Plus Stone, Tile & Grout Sealer or UltraCare Penetrating Plus SB Stone & Porcelain Tile Sealer on all cement-based grouts, porous natural stone, clay tile, cement-based tile, quarry tile, brick and polished porcelain tile.
Porcelain. Porcelain is similar to ceramic tile in that the grout joints should definitely be sealed whether the tile is glazed or unglazed. Porcelain tile by definition is less than 0.5 percent and therefore typically does not require sealing.
Our GlazeGuard High Gloss tile sealer is specifically developed to protect and add gloss to dense, glazed, non-porous tiles – specifically porcelain and ceramic tile floors. We took the time and care to formulate it with the highest percentage of active solids.
For the best clean, you can use either a specialized tile cleaner or a mixture of water and white vinegar. Generously spray the solution on walls, floor and fixtures, focusing on areas with soap scum, mildew or hard water stains. For tougher grime, make a paste of baking soda and water.
As porcelain is a durable and hard-wearing material, it doesn't need to be sealed. Regardless of whether you opt for our Project or Luxury range, our porcelain paving has a low porosity, which means that natural nuisances such as algae and moss are less able to gain a foothold in the pores of the material.
Avoid using ammonia or bleaching agents on the tiles; they damage porcelain tiles and stain grout. Oil-based wax detergents and cleaners damage these floors, too. Cleaners with dyes also stain porcelain tiles; avoid them.
Left untreated, they're more susceptible to absorbing water and trapping dust, which will quickly make them look stained and dirty. Naturally, no-one wants their new wall or floor tiles to look like this, which is why porous tiles must always be sealed.
The Drawback of Using Grout Sealer
Moisture can still pass through most sealers, meaning grout isn't entirely waterproof even when sealed. Over time, grout in areas like bathrooms will naturally stain or show signs of aging, regardless of sealing.