Customers say the 511 Impregnator Penetrating Sealer is easy to apply and effectively repels water, making it a reliable choice for sealing grout and natural stone surfaces. Many users appreciate its ability to enhance the appearance of tiles without altering their color.
Apply 511 Impregnator Water-Based to all grout with a thin paint brush. Any excess sealer that gets on the surface of the stone or tile should be wiped off with a clean, lint free rag before it dries.
In contrast to a sealer, an impregnator works below the surface of the building material, rather than creating a film. It does this by chemically bonding and penetrating into the material. Instead of sealing the pores of the material, it lines the pores.
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.
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.
MAPEI offers Penetrating Plus Stone, Tile & Grout Sealer which is a water-based sealer and Penetrating Plus SB Stone & Porcelain Tile Sealer a solvent-based sealer. Let's be clear, sealing does not make grout stain or waterproof.
If grout is not sealed, it can absorb water and become a breeding ground for bacteria. It can become unsightly and ruin the entire design of your space and be hazardous to your health. If you have young children or tiles in an area where you eat, you need to ensure that they are as clean as possible.
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.
An impregnator is a type of sealant. However, this type is designed to permeate into the pores of the stone surface and filling them to prevent water, oil, and other undesirables from penetrating the stone and causing damage.
Whoever installed your floors most likely did not seal the grout because it needs time to harden and cure completely.
HANDLING & STORAGE: Stored at 77°F (25°C), 511 Impregnator will have a shelf life of 36 months. Store 511 Impregnator in the original container, properly sealed to avoid contamination and solvent evaporation.
I have used this product on our shower tile and it worked just fine.
First of all, it will not change the color of your grout.
Tile sealer and grout sealer are designed to protect different surfaces. While some products, like 511 Impregnator Sealer, can be used on both tile and grout, other products are made specifically for grout. Not all sealers are the same. Read the product labels to make sure you understand what each sealer does.
We have trusted 511 impregnator for all our sealing of tile for over 30 years. You can always depend on this product. Excellent breathable water based sealer.
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.
Grout sealing is how you protect your grout from outside forces and keep it durable. Cement-based grout, in particular, must always be sealed. Cement is a porous material that is prone to absorbing moisture, dirt, grime, and all kinds of bacteria.
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.
Now, you have to examine the grout in detail. If it changes color or gets darker, this is a telltale sign that the grout wasn't sealed properly.
Moisture can penetrate the grout, causing it to expand and contract, leading to cracks and gaps between tiles. These openings not only look unsightly but can also allow further moisture intrusion, potentially leading to structural damage to the underlying substrate.