Non-penetrating grout sealers (membrane-forming sealers), on the other hand, are ideal if you’re looking for a basic layer of protection. Unlike regular colored grout, penetrating grout sealers with color goes directly into the pores of the grout and helps protect it from damage while working to maintain its original color and prevent stains. Penetrating sealers also have different color options, which may lessen visible stains or discoloration in the grout. That’s why it works best in areas that are exposed to a lot of water, making it ideal for sealing tile showers, tubs and bathroom backsplash areas, which are more likely to have long term water, mildew, and oil exposure. This type of grout sealer helps fill the pores within the grout rather than coating the top, meaning the grout can still breathe. As the porous grout absorbs your chosen sealer, the material fills in all the gaps and keeps moisture out. Penetrating grout sealers absorb into the grout and help protect it from stains and grease infiltration. Depending on your tile and its location, you can narrow down your grout sealer choices to two main categories: penetrating sealers and membrane-forming sealers. The truth is, no one sealer is best suited for all situations. There’s an assumption that all grout and tile sealers provide the same standard of protection. Myth #2: Should you seal grout with any kind of grout? As an added bonus, epoxy grout never needs to be sealed due to its non-porous nature! Although it’s more expensive, its durability makes it an ideal choice for wet and high traffic areas. Pro Tip: The only exception to this rule is epoxy-grout - an alternative to cement-based grout- that offers stain and chemical resistance. We’ll cover the best materials and ways to do this in the next sections! In addition to looking unsightly, your tiled area also becomes unsanitary as the water soaks up through the pores and creates the perfect breeding ground for mold! Since it’s nearly impossible to get rid of mold without removing the entire grout, you not only end up re-grouting the area but also removing and ruining all the beautiful tiles you’ve just invested in for your home.ĭon’t worry! By adding a protective sealant layer, you extend the life and appearance of your grout and tiles. The result is grout that gets even dirtier and more gross. Guess what happens? Then you wash or mop the surface, you actually pick up the surface dirt instead of clearing the pores. Picture a sponge with thousands of little holes in it, where each of the holes traps any water, dirt, or oil that comes into contact. The truth is that grout can last for a very long time in ideal conditions but unfortunately, it’s not designed to last forever! Traditional grout is cement-based, and whether sanded or un-sanded, it’s highly porous by nature. It’s a common misconception that tile grout is designed to last forever. Wouldn’t it be awesome if your grout lasted a lifetime and always stayed clean? The clean lines on this Crema Marfil Herringbone 1X3 Polished Marble Mosaic Tile layout should always look this fresh! There are a lot of steps involved in taking on a tiling project - from choosing the perfect material, perfecting your layout, and laying your tile! Sealing tile and grout is a necessary part of the process to protect the materials and ensure your tile has a long lifetime - it’s also usually the step that gets forgotten!Įnsure the longest life for your beautiful tiles like our White Sparkle Waterjet Marble Mosaic Tile backsplash, and the easiest way to maintain your grout by making sure they are properly sealed! We’re sharing 7 common myths and facts about sealing grout and tiles to make sure you have the right information about this important step to ensure the longevity and appearance of your tile!
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