Ceramic Tile: Should You Seal It?

If you have done grouting jobs, you surely know that another important step that you must do to complete the grouting job is to seal the grout for added protection. However, it is also common knowledge that grout is used in filling gaps for different materials such as tiles and slabs. If you are working with ceramic tiles, you also seal the grout in your ceramic tiles?

To answer that question is a resounding, “Yes!” You do need grout sealing for ceramic tiles. Sealing the grout is very important as well as beneficial, especially if done properly. Ceramic tile grouts are the same with other types of grouts. They also need to be protected from the wear and tear of usage and time. If left without any form of protective barrier from a grout sealer you can expect early damage, cracks and chips, stains, and even a possible grout re-application. With all of these problems, you will need to spend extra money, time, and effort just to get things fixed. If you are planning to seal your ceramic tile grout here is what you need to keep in mind:

Photo by Horrigan O’Malley Architects – More contemporary bathroom photos

If you are planning to do the sealing yourself…

• Read about the basics of grout sealing first, as you do not want to be working on a job which you barely know of. If you insist on sealing even without enough about it, you might just do more damage than good.
• Research about the tools that you will be needing as well as the best grout sealing brand available in your hardware. Do not purchase grout sealers outright. Make sure first that you know about the brand before you purchase it. There are different types of grout sealers, too. So, you should know which one will work best for your needs.
• Know what you need to do after grout sealing. When is the area usable? What do you need for cleaning up the area after sealing it? You need to know these as these will affect the finished look of the sealed grout. If you use it too early, it might just not be ready yet. If you cleaned it using the wrong materials, it might just weaken easily.

Photo by Flüff Designs & Decor – Look for contemporary bathroom pictures

If you will be hiring professionals to do the job for you…

• Ask for references from people who have had their grouts sealed. You can also inquire the hardware store if they know of professionals who can do such job. At times, some hardware stores would allow companies or individuals to leave their business cards in the store. If the hardware store near you has such business cards, always check them.
• If you have found the right people to do the job, make your inquiries first. Just so you will know if they have experience regarding grout sealing. You can also ask them how much they charge and when they can start sealing the grouts.

Photo by Lochbuild – Look for contemporary bathroom pictures

Sealing the grout is important, especially for ceramic tiles. This will add protection to the grout making its life span longer than without having any sealant applied to it.