Sealers may be suspended, carried in water, or a solvent. Water-based or water-carried sealers are less expensive and have much fewer health or safety concerns. Water-based sealers are generally preferred in most situations. Solvent-based sealers must be used in well-ventilated areas, sometimes with a respirator.
Performance and Longevity: Water-Based Paints: Advances in technology have significantly improved the durability and performance of water-based paints, making them suitable for a wide range of applications. They are less prone to yellowing over time compared to solvent-based paints.
Our top pick, Aqua Mix Choice Gold Marble Sealer, is a water-based, long-lasting product with excellent moisture resistance.
Solvent sealer particles are smaller than water so can penetrate into the dense and most highly polished surfaces. Solvent sealers are still required to highlight or enhance colour in a surface. Solvent coatings give a more brilliant hi gloss than water based alternatives.
Make sure to protect your tile's grout by having it cleaned and re-sealed once every two years, maximum.
Solvent base products can be cross-linked, allow a wider temperature window for application, better durability and typically are unaffected by exposure to cold during storage and transport. Water is hydroscopic and will hold out on the surface. The protection cannot penetrate any deeper than water will.
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.
On average, water-based sealers tend to have a longer lifespan, lasting about 5 years before a reapplication is necessary. They are more resistant to wear and tear. They offer an eco-friendly solution and are easier to re-apply and maintain, making them a popular choice for indoor applications and decorative surfaces.
If both the water-based and existing solvent-based sealers are MEADOWS products, then yes, the water-based product can be applied over the solvent-based product. However, if there are competitive products involved, we ask that the user either remove that product, or do a “test patch”, prior to the application.
The main difference between the two types for home owners is; the dry time of the finish. Solvent based finishes take much longer to dry than water based finishes. 3 coats of water based could be applied on your floors, in the time it takes for 1 coat of solvent based to be dry enough for a 2nd coat.
Jim Whitfield, manager of Technical Services at Mapei told industry professionals, “Because epoxy grout is so tough, it wears extremely well. It doesn't wear down over time and become a tile gutter—like cement grout can—where all the dirt and liquid and junk collects.”
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.
It is generally better to use brushed grout sealer than spray sealer as you can apply more sealer with more control.
Waterbased paints can be applied over solvent-based paints, provided you prepare the substrate correctly. Conversely, we prefer to be a little more cautious. Although you may read here and there that it is possible, we would rather not recommend painting with solvent-based paint over water-based paint.
It is water's chemical composition and physical attributes that make it such an excellent solvent. Water molecules have a polar arrangement of oxygen and hydrogen atoms—one side (hydrogen) has a positive electrical charge and the other side (oxygen) had a negative charge.
Solvent-based paints contain organic compounds as solvents. The organic compounds ensure a hard and durable finish that resists scratches and abrasions on your wall. Solvent-based coatings are too thick and you need mineral spirits or turpentine to clean and thin the paint.
Sealers may be suspended, carried in water, or a solvent. Water-based or water-carried sealers are less expensive and have much fewer health or safety concerns. Water-based sealers are generally preferred in most situations. Solvent-based sealers must be used in well-ventilated areas, sometimes with a respirator.
One key difference between water-based and solvent-based sealers is their appearance after application and cure. Solvent-based sealers tend to wet-out and penetrate concrete surfaces very well.
The water-based sealer drying mechanism is irreversible; that is, the dried sealer cannot be re-dissolved in water and is quite resistant to other solvents.
In general, putting a solvent-based sealer on top of a water-based sealer is a bad idea. The solvents can eat or soften the existing water-based sealer, destroying both coatings. Think of it along the lines of oil and water; they do not mix. There is nothing wrong with water-based sealers.
Cons of Water-Based Wood Finish
Water-based finishes may be less durable in high-traffic areas. They offer less resistance to scratches. They may not withstand extreme conditions as well as oil-based finishes, resulting in lower durability in harsh weather.
– The use of polyurethanes as an interior/indoor sealer is the most popular choice and a smart environmentally friendly choice. Polyurethanes are harder than acrylic sealers and provide a thicker mileage making maintenance very low.
The best answer, in a word, is money. It costs more time and material to seal grout and there is little or no perceived benefit (until, of course, the grout gets stained or starts to crack). A superior product would cost more to purchase and install, again for no perceived benefit over the less costly unsealed grout.
To seal to perfection, we recommend using Universeal Grout and Tile Protector. This product is a solvent based sealer designed to deeply penetrate your grout. It is effective in preventing stains from oil and water-based liquids and it will not discolour your tiles.
Epoxy grout doesn't need to be sealed at all.