It is imperative that grout sealant be utilized on grout, and tile sealer be used on tile. If you find a product, which stipulates that it may be used on both surfaces, it should be safe to use one sealer for both surfaces.
The tile you're looking at is natural stone, marble. Both tile and grout should be sealed. Proper order is seal the tile BEFORE grouting then seal all after grout cures.
Sealing the tile before grouting will make grout removal much easier. Apply sealer according to directions after tile has been bonded for a minimum of 24 hours, or apply to front face of tile before installation. Wait a minimum of 2 hours before grouting.
Weakened Structural Integrity of Entire Tiled Area:
Over time, this degradation can result in weakened grout lines and tiles that may become loose or crack. In high-traffic areas or environments with fluctuating humidity levels, such as bathrooms and kitchens, the impact on grout can be even more pronounced.
Whoever installed your floors most likely did not seal the grout because it needs time to harden and cure completely.
Many companies don't automatically include grout sealing in a job with new tile flooring for a few reasons. First, companies can't seal grout until at least 48 to 72 hours after applying grout. By that time, bathroom remodelers typically have already cleaned up from the job and left your home.
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.
If you notice your tile grout is changing color, specifically getting darker when it's wet, you can be pretty sure the seal is broken and needs to have some grout sealing reapplied by a professional. You may also notice dirt and grime gathering between your tiles that doesn't wipe off when you apply a grout cleaner.
The only type that doesn't require any tile sealing is ceramic tiles, as they already have a glass glaze on top which is non-porous. One way to tell whether your tiles have already been sealed is to apply a dry wipe whiteboard marker to a small area. Leave it for a couple of minutes, then wipe off the ink.
The ideal moment to seal grout is after the tiles are completely fixed and the grout has had a chance to dry. Generally, tiles take around 24 hours to fix, but waiting at least 48 hours before sealing is advisable.
Using Too Much Sealant
You might be tempted to use more grout sealer to get the job done quickly, but an excess amount can easily spill over onto the tiles. As a result, unnecessary time will have to be spent scrubbing the excess sealant off.
Grout Must Set and Cure
Then the grout needs to be cured for a couple of days. That usually takes between 48 and 72 hours. If you can avoid walking on your floor for that amount of time, that would be ideal.
High-gloss tile sealer (such as the highly recommended StoneTech BulletProof Sealer, Miracle Sealants 511 Impregnator, and Aqua Mix Sealer's Choice Gold) is a water-based product specifically designed to add a glossy finish to tiles.
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.
All natural stone tiles, whether polished, honed, or tumbled, are porous and require sealing before grouting. This essential step fills the pores with a protective sealer, preventing grout particles from causing a hazy surface appearance on your tiles.
As mentioned earlier, the specific recommended waiting time for grout to set and dry will vary based on the product and brand you are using. However, a common guideline is to wait approximately 15 to 30 minutes after applying the grout before wiping off the excess.
It is important not to leave any excess sealer on the tile surface because it won't get absorbed and it can leave a sticky surface that can become a maintenance problem.
It is imperative that grout sealant be utilized on grout, and tile sealer be used on tile. If you find a product, which stipulates that it may be used on both surfaces, it should be safe to use one sealer for both surfaces.
Despite the perception, water can infiltrate the porous materials utilized in tiling, including ceramic tiles and porcelain tiles. Incidents such as mopping the floor, liquid spills, or humid weather can facilitate this seepage.
While the tile industry does not require sealing, it is always recommended, especially in wet or high-traffic areas. Penetrating sealers are the most commonly used and offer high water, chemical and stain resistance. They provide protection without changing the appearance of the grout joint.
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.
All natural stone surfaces are porous, so resealing tiles is typically required around every 3 to 4 years. However, if you're wondering whether it's time to reseal your tiles, a quick way to check is by performing the water drop test.
You can seal the grout the day after you applied it or 100 years later. If it isn't dirty, seal all three sides of the shower with a tile sealer or masonry sealer. That will make the grout water-resistant, if not waterproof, and help prevent the growth of mold and dirt.
Epoxy grout doesn't need to be sealed at all.
Smartseal Porcelain Sealer is a hard wearing, breathable, protective coating for modern internal & external porcelain tiles. The porcelain tile sealer can also be used on ceramic wall and floor tiles. Furthermore, it helps to prevent general soiling & surface staining.