Does All Ceramic Tile Need To Be Sealed

Certain types of tile surfaces such as non porcelain ceramic tiles do not need to be sealed.

Does all ceramic tile need to be sealed.

Here are the details you need to know to find the perfect tile for your space. It s necessary to seal tiles that are going in high moisture areas bathrooms especially and the presence of oil and grease in kitchens makes it a good idea to seal any wall tiles there too. Unsealed tiles such as clay and natural stone must be sealed. Ceramic floor tiles are very durable and difficult to damage.

With some grouts that can be even worse with it needing sealer. Sealer is necessary for any floor tiles because they pick up dirt and grime that will set into the tile if it isn t sealed. Tile contractors and their customers need to understand whether porcelain tile needs to be sealed and if so why when and with what type of sealer. Ceramic tile floors are an attractive and durable addition to high traffic and wet areas in a home.

When to seal tiles. Seal all unglazed tiles including dense porcelains prior to grouting. You do not need to seal the surfaces of most ceramic and porcelain. If your tile is ceramic or porcelain it probably won t need to be sealed.

Important considerations before using tile sealers. Any tile that is ceramic porcelain or natural stone needs to be periodically sealed. No one knows how to better care for tile than the leader in tile daltile. All ceramic floor sealers are softer than the actual ceramic tile.

There are some exceptions to this so check with your manufacturer to be sure. Some do require a light application of a penetrating sealer to fill the micro pores on the surface of the tile. Different types of ceramic tiles and grout have distinct features that should be considered when choosing sealing products. Sealing is done to strengthen tile or grout s defenses against dirt spills and erosion of grout but not all tile needs to be sealed.

Even tiles that have a pre existing sealer can eventually have that layer wear down over time. They are glazed and unglazed. For example most ceramic tiles are finished with a durable glaze that can help protect the surface from stains so adding a sealer will not be necessary. Porcelain tile can be sealed prior to grouting to provide extra protection.

First it is important to understand that there are two types of porcelain tile that need to be considered. Epoxy grout is a tough water resistant material that doesn t require sealer but it s not right for every tile application.