Do I Need To Seal Ceramic Tile In A Shower

How to seal the grout in a shower.

Do i need to seal ceramic tile in a shower.

Shower tiles should be sealed every one to two years depending on how often the shower is used. There are some exceptions to this so check with your manufacturer to be sure. If you do get sealer on the tiles don t worry about it. If the tile soaks up the sealant seal the entire shower.

Lay your tile properly. Tile shower floors are practical visually attractive and can sometimes complement your bathroom more than shower tubs. Unsealed tiles such as clay and natural stone must be sealed. Epoxy grout is a tough water resistant material that doesn t require sealer but it s not right for every tile application.

If your tile is ceramic or porcelain it probably won t need to be sealed. Left unsealed it can soak up dirt and mildew like a sponge. When to seal tiles. Unlike in your kitchen dining room or on your floors you aren t likely to use anything in your shower that will stain the marble tiles.

If it doesn t only seal the grout. Having proper sealer also ensures the tile grout is easier to clean. Even tiles that have a pre existing sealer can eventually have that layer wear down over time. Shower grout is just a mixture of sand cement and water.

Failure to do this can lead to the grout chipping and coming off over a short amount of time. You need to make sure you go all the way and waterproof properly. With some grouts that can be even worse with it needing sealer. Just use a rag to wipe it off quickly.

Most people find it easier to just do a few feet at the same time both to wipe as well as avoid the need to wipe. Don t do half the job to save some money then try to seal the grout hoping to keep water out. The best way to prevent this is to seal your new grout and repeat as needed every year or so for wall and floor tiles that don t get much moisture and more often for grout in the shower or on. 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.

Additionally you typically need to seal marble to prevent staining and you are very unlikely to stain the marble tiles in your shower with just regular bath products. Some tiles are too thick to absorb the sealant so check a small area first. You want to avoid getting the sealer on the tiles so it s better to go slowly.