Sealing Tile and Grout (floor, ceramic, installed, living room)

[rtdrtd20]

We recently purchased a new home with about 2000 sq ft of ceramic tile that needs to be sealed. I know it is a must to seal the grout, but do most people recommend to seal the tile as well? If so, does the same sealer apply to both? Anyone know the top of the line brand? Thanks!

[AlexTx]

I didn't need to seal my ceramic tile because it's glazed.

To see if you need to seal your tile, test it with a small amount of water. If the surface darkens, it absorbs water and needs to be sealed.

Sealing the grout is a must! I used one in a spray can and that made the process a lot faster.

[rtdrtd20]

AlexTx -- I have been reading that if you seal the grout and you get some on the tile it has to be wiped off immediately to prevent discoloration. Is this true? How did you manage this with a spray can?

[JohnCarpenter]

If the grout is epoxy based, it doesn't need to be sealed. Porous tiles should be sealed before they installed, otherwise the grout will soak in and ruin them. Tile sealer and grout sealer are not the same thing.

If the tile is glazed, just stick to a penetrating sealer and follow the directions. It is very easy to do.

___________________________
Johnny Jackson
http://www.jljacksonremodeling.com

[xavier1774]

I heard on the Radio program hosted by handyman Tom Tynan that for a new house, you should not seal the grout unless it is in a shower or other area that gets a lot of moisture.

Originally Posted by JohnCarpenter

If the grout is epoxy based, it doesn't need to be sealed. Porous tiles should be sealed before they installed, otherwise the grout will soak in and ruin them. Tile sealer and grout sealer are not the same thing.

If the tile is glazed, just stick to a penetrating sealer and follow the directions. It is very easy to do.

___________________________
Johnny Jackson
J.L.Jackson Remodeling Company

[JohnCarpenter]

Epoxy grout is stain and water proof but is not completely water proof, water will still seep under the grout and rot the underlayment and framing behind it. So it still needs sealing in high moisture areas. Not really worth the extra labor and cost. Tile contractors hate it.

___________________________
Johnny Jackson
"http://www.jljacksonremodeling.com"

[AlexTx]

If I remember correctly, I sprayed the grout and then whiped the tile down with a damp cloth after I completed a row. I'm sure I did what ever the directions on the can said.
The sealer is clear so I wouldn't think it would stain the tile if a little stayed on.

I sealed the grout mainly to prevent discoloraction and staining.

[xavier1774]

Thanks, would this be the same for a first floor kitchen? or living room? sub floor is concrete.

Originally Posted by JohnCarpenter

Epoxy grout is stain and water proof but is not completely water proof, water will still seep under the grout and rot the underlayment and framing behind it. So it still needs sealing in high moisture areas. Not really worth the extra labor and cost. Tile contractors hate it.

___________________________
Johnny Jackson
"http://www.jljacksonremodeling.com"

[ladybug07]

We put a sealer on all our grout lines. Mainly because they are bathroom floors, around tubs, showers and the back spash in our kitchen.
I would seal everywhere that water might come in contact with the floors. Foyers, kitchen floors....everywhere.

[JohnCarpenter]

Unless you know for sure it is epoxy grout, you should seal all of it. Otherwise it will stain with foot traffic.

___________________________
Johnny Jackson
"http://www.jljacksonremodeling.com"