Does All Ceramic Tile Need To Be Sealed

Damage wanting to seal a ceramic floor tile to fix or cover some damage.

Does all ceramic tile need to be 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. That means a sealed ceramic tile surface will damage faster in comparison to the bare tile. Certain types of tile surfaces such as non porcelain ceramic tiles do not need to be sealed.

They are glazed and unglazed. Some do require a light application of a penetrating sealer to fill the micro pores on the surface of the tile. Unsealed tiles such as clay and natural stone must be sealed. 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.

Any tile that is ceramic porcelain or natural stone needs to be periodically sealed. Ceramic floor tiles are very durable and difficult to damage. 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.

But like any floor a ceramic tile floor can become soiled or stained if it isn t sealed properly and regularly. Epoxy grout is a tough water resistant material that doesn t require sealer but it s not right for every tile application. Seal all unglazed tiles including dense porcelains prior to grouting. No one knows how to better care for tile than the leader in tile daltile.

There are some exceptions to this so check with your manufacturer to be sure. With some grouts that can be even worse with it needing sealer. When to seal tiles. Even tiles that have a pre existing sealer can eventually have that layer wear down over time.

Different types of ceramic tiles and grout have distinct features that should be considered when choosing sealing products. 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. Here are the details you need to know to find the perfect tile for your space. 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.

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. If your tile is ceramic or porcelain it probably won t need to be sealed.