I see lots about sealing grout. Some people talk about sealing tile as well. I like the tile to have a bit of shine. The tile is normal large flooring tile not glazed ceramic.
2006-10-25 05:55:26 · 11 answers · asked by Shawn and Candace 1 in Home & Garden ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
You don't necessarily "have" to, but it wouldn't hurt.
2006-10-25 05:57:44 · answer #1 · answered by Bestie 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Good evening Colourme. If it is the wall tile grout than it is not nessary to seal so long as your application of the grout is done properly. Grout is a specially formulated mortar that when applied correctly fills completely the spaces between the set tiles. Seeing how the surfaces are virtical rather than flat like a floor tile layout, water does not build up and stay on it for long amounts of time.( to be sure just read the lable to see if it is the modifide variety) Most of the wall grout on the market is formulated with additional additives. Some have silicon ingrediences that help to thwart mold and mildew. You can however puchase a liquid additive to mix with the grout instead of water that give it a more resilient composition. But in most cases unless the shower is in high use with two or three showers a day and never gets a chance to thoughrouly dry in between, than an additive is probably recomended. Follow the application directions. Apply the grout with a rubber float that forces the mixture deep and evenly into the spaces between the tiles. Do not leave too much excess grout on the tile as it makes cleanup more difficult. Use a large good quality sponge to clean the excess grout from the tiles. Do not over wet as this will weaken the grout through dilution. Pass one way diagonally over the surface, flip the sponge over and make another pass. Rinse the sponge in a bucket of clean water. Squeeze out excess water and repeat. When the suface have dried and has a milky dull look, lightly buff the surface using a towel or something similar. That is the basics. But i'm sure you could get more info from your local tile company free of charge if you are un-sure. Very important to let the grout fully cure befor using the shower regularly. Eg; If you grouted it today do not use the shower for at least 24 hours. If at all possible at some point lets say 10 or so hours after the grout has dried. Re wet the grout with plain water and allow to re-dry. this will help to cure the grout befor use. The grout itself will strengthen and become as hard as concrete. If i can mix the grout with a mildew resitant additive I do. But if not and the tile and grout is toweled dry or dries fast after use so there is not moisture left to promote the growth of molds and mildew than that's great. If your grouting a floor sealing it can lessen the chance of staining due to spillage such as medicines hair dye coffee etc. Where as in a shower these things would rarely be a factor. . You can get some good info and i think free "how to do it video tapes" on tile and grout at Home Depot. The corners should be siliconed as well as around the tub rim where the tile meet the tub surface because of expansion and contraction cracks in these areas are inevitable. Hope this helps you out.
2016-05-22 13:03:20 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
depends on where your tile is. i personally think sealers are a racket to steal money from people grout is pourous it will eventually stain anyways. if ideed you do decide to seal it dont go cheap. buy the best stuff at a specialty tile store and do two coats at least three months apart. i would seal and entry way or a counter top all else isnt nessesary. never seal a seamic to make it glossy it will pool up and make a gloudy mess on the tile ceramic isnt pourous so it dosnt soak into the tile. you will regret sealing any tile that isnt a natural stone. i work at a tile store and sell these products try to find majic seal or silox 8 good luck to you and congrats on the new house
2006-10-28 09:25:10 · answer #3 · answered by mytwoboyz1 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you are talking about saltillo tile or other non glazed tile, then yes, you should seal it.
Other wise, the tile be get stained it will never come clean.
If the tile has some sort of glaze on it, depending on the type of seal, no.
Some sealers will leave a white haze or marks on glazed tile that is very difficult to get off.
2006-10-25 05:59:51 · answer #4 · answered by timc_fla 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would seal the grout so it does not stain and it is easier to clean... but not the tile. The tile would then become slippery when it was wet. Shine=Slippery. Hope it helps.
2006-10-25 05:58:13 · answer #5 · answered by Sara 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Well, if your tile is not glazed (porous, Spanish or slate, etc.)then you do want to seal it. However you do not want to get sealant on glazed tile because it will show and come off.(not look professional)
2006-10-25 05:58:41 · answer #6 · answered by Kelly L 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
if u use a good grout it will seal and prvent mold and mill dew and stop from soaking up water but if u got cheep grout u should seal it
2006-10-25 06:02:56 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
if you do not seal the grout then it will hold a lot of dirt and it is hard to keep clean
2006-10-25 06:00:20 · answer #8 · answered by miataraceman 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes with silicon sealant, 2 coats.
But dont clean it with anthing but water, no bleach.
2006-10-25 05:57:24 · answer #9 · answered by god knows and sees else Yahoo 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
yes
2006-10-25 10:31:27 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Not a bad idea - it should protect it better
2006-10-25 05:56:34 · answer #11 · answered by Brainiac 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋