Sealing Bathroom Tiles And Grout
Published september 19 2008.
Sealing bathroom tiles and grout. If youre sealing old grout youll need to clean the tiles and let them dry. This article was published more than 10 years ago. Because cement based grout whether sanded or not is porous by.
Epoxy grout is a tough water resistant material that doesnt require sealer but its not right for every tile application. If it is a hot summer day try to seal the grout in the morning or evening when it is the coolest. Whether you are repairing or replacing tile and grout new or old sealing them is the last and usually most overlooked step.
It is important that the sealer does not dry on the tile surface while you are sealing the grout. If your tile is ceramic or porcelain it probably wont need to be sealed. Ceramic porcelain or stone tile is laid in a bed of mortar and left to cure.
Published september 19 2008 updated september 19 2008. Any tile that is ceramic porcelain or natural stone. At this point there are open seams between the tiles.
You should read the grout sealer manufactures instructions for the proper conditions and temperatures recommended for using their. Sealing is done to strengthen tile or grouts defenses against dirt spills and erosion of grout but not all tile needs to be sealed. You also do not want to seal grout in freezing cold temperatures.
Unsealed tiles such as clay and natural stone must be sealed. Also ensure all of the grout is sound and secure and there are no cracks or bits missing. Shower tile is subjected to constant wetting and drying which can cause cracked and moldy grout.