do porcelain tiles need to be sealed

Do Porcelain Tiles Need To Be Sealed?

Table of Contents
    Add a header to begin generating the table of contents

    Porcelain tiles can be polished, honed, or lappato, but many people in our field still think they need to be sealed. This, we assume, is the market's response to the influx of foreign porcelains of inferior quality (less dense). In most cases, we discover that untreated, unpolished versions of these lesser porcelains are just as stained-prone as their polished counterparts. In need of Melbourne house improvements? Stop looking! No need to worry when you use Hitch Property Constructions.

    Given that the porcelain was pressed and fired at over 1200 degrees Celsius, the clay used in its production was ground and spray dried to such small particle size distributions that it required no further sealing.

    Hence, here is where the tale ends. But that's not the case. Several porcelains on the market today are porous and hence require a sealant. What gives? The reason for the adjustment is straightforward. There are now countless varieties of porcelain, all made to varied standards in other nations to fulfil customers' varying expectations for price and performance.

    The topic of whether or not to seal porcelain is a reasonable one.

    Most of the time, we find that the problem is not with the tile itself but rather with poor installation practices that have been blamed.

    Porcelain tiles have become a popular target for the use and promotion of sealers. Nonetheless, it would be preferable if you think of sealer as a temporary stain barrier only. The only value in a protective sealer is that it provides users more time to respond to accidental spills on inferior products.

    The deeper "pores" in all tiles can be sealed off using a sealer to stop impurities from penetrating further. This keeps the contaminant where it can be easily wiped away: on the tile's surface.

    If sealer might cause more issues than it fixes, why do we use it? The majority of problems arise when porcelain tiles are not thoroughly cleaned prior to sealing. This causes the sealer to rest above any potential contaminants.

    In particular, the sealer does not work as intended when applied over wax or grout haze. When this sealer cures on the tile's surface, it has a dulling effect on the tile's appearance. Handprints, footprint outlines, and water droplets have all left their marks on the surface over time. When the water evaporates, the mark it leaves behind is called a watermark. In the end, the tile's aesthetic appeal suffers, and the buyer wonders why.

    Remember how we said that your initial reaction might be to say that the tile is broken and not working? Some builders and homeowners are quick to respond that the tile is subpar because it is too porous or not up to code. The tile itself is OK, but it has lost some of its lustre due to the buildup of a foreign substance.

    Please contact us before beginning the installation procedure or selecting a tile if you have any questions about the aforementioned. Alternatively, you might try a sealer on a tile before installing it. We're here to give you advice and suggest the best sealant for your needs.

    Take our suggestion and tell your customers that high-quality porcelain does not need to be sealed. If they already have a tile that needs sealing, they should take special care to clean it thoroughly after grouting and before applying any sealers. Every sealer worth its salt will insist that you clean the area well before applying it, removing any dirt, waxes, or oils. In the end, these straightforward guidelines will save our clients and the customer a great deal of hassle.

    FAQS About Porcelain Tiles

    Porcelain tiles are highly durable, resistant to scratches, stains, and moisture, making them ideal for high-traffic areas such as kitchens, bathrooms, and entryways. They are also easy to clean, maintain, and come in a wide range of styles, colors, and sizes.

    Yes, porcelain tiles are suitable for outdoor use as they are resistant to frost, heat, and UV radiation.

    Porcelain tiles can be cut using a tile cutter, wet saw, or angle grinder equipped with a diamond blade. It is recommended to use a wet saw to reduce the risk of chipping or breaking.

    Yes, porcelain tiles can be used on walls, and they are particularly useful in areas that require high durability and moisture resistance, such as showers and backsplashes.

    Porcelain tiles can be slippery, particularly when wet. However, they are available in various finishes, including matte and textured surfaces that can increase slip resistance.

    Should You Seal Your Porcelain Tiles?

    do porcelain tiles need to be sealed (3)

    You can do an Internet search and discover a lot of different opinions; for example, one might argue that you should only seal a polished porcelain tile and leave matt or textured tiles untreated.

    But is that absolutely true? Are there any other possibilities?

    When breaking down the various surface treatments, it's clear that textured porcelain tiles are a favourite for high-traffic areas.

    While porcelain's famed durability and high 'R' grade make it a popular material, a textured surface can be difficult to maintain.

    Since a mop won't be able to dig out the grime on the 'high-low' surfaces, it will frequently snag' on the floor.

    Some matt surfaces are completely smooth, while others may have a barely perceptible roughness; however, even the most minute surface undulations will attract dust and grime.

    A protective barrier is an excellent substitute for a sealant, which may not be required or desirable in both cases. However, prior to the installation of any barrier or treatment, the tiles must be meticulously cleansed.

    Any dirt or installation residues will be caught between the tile surface and the treatment if they are not thoroughly cleaned first. The effectiveness of the barrier will suffer, and it will also appear bad.

    Check for supporting pendulum slide test evidence to provide a safe specification, and make sure the barrier you choose doesn't make the tiles slippery or shiny.

    It is a common misconception that polished ceramic floor tiles do not require sealing. However, the polishing procedure itself opens up microscopic holes.

    In order to prevent damage during installation, some types of polished ceramic are sealed during production. However, the tiles and grout joints should be sealed again after a thorough builders clean.

    Now, instead of using harmful solvents, you can choose from a wide variety of effective water-based adhesives.

    Water-based therapies are advantageous for a number of reasons, including their low environmental impact and high level of safety when used as directed.

    This can reduce application time for porcelain cleaning by as much as 80 percent.

    The use of porcelain tile in domestic settings remains widespread. Because of its remarkable qualities, it can be put to good use in a variety of rooms all over the home. The advantages it provides are also appreciated in numerous business settings.

    Porcelain tile can be designed to resemble a wide variety of high-end materials, including metal, natural stone, timber, and more. As a consequence, its aesthetic value is limitless. However, it is cheap, low-maintenance, and adaptable to damp environments. You must take good care of your tile if you decide to put it in your house. Porcelain tile has different maintenance needs depending on how it was made.

    Some porcelain stones, for instance, need to be sealed so they last longer and are protected from wear and tear. If you want to know whether or not sealing ceramic tile is necessary for its upkeep, you should read on. ”

    A Look at Various Porcelain Flooring Options

    Knowing that there are two main types of porcelain tile will help you decide whether or not the tile in your house needs to be sealed. Both glazed and unglazed stones can be found here. Wear, natural degradation, and oxidation can all leave marks on unglazed tiles, making them look less than perfect. Glazed porcelain tiles, on the other hand, undergo an extra glazing process during production that provides inherent protection against these elements.

    Some unglazed tiles may not require sealing because they are not porous and do not require the security of glazing. Because some unglazed stones are polished while others are not, this is the case. The Porcelain Tile Certification Board grants approval to tiles made entirely of porcelain. Tiles that have an absorption grade of less than 0.5 percent typically don't need to be sealed because they are less likely to absorb liquids and become stained.

    A common misconception is that polished, unglazed tile is more stain-resistant than its rough, unglazed counterpart. This, however, is not the situation. Small chips and cracks in the tile's surface become more noticeable after being polished. These factors increase the porousness and stainability of the glossy, unglazed tile.

    As you can see, deciding whether or not the tile in your home needs to be sealed depends on a number of variables. Some tiles, if not properly sealed, may not last as long and may be more susceptible to stains. This highlights the importance of making a precise call on whether or not sealer is required.

    Whether or not the title to your house needs to be sealed can be ascertained in several ways. The first is to consult with the flooring business during the tile selection process about recommended finishes and sealants. If you have questions about your tile after it has been installed, you can ask the flooring business or the manufacturer. To minimise the likelihood of damage after installation, you should check to see if sealant needs to be applied to the tiles before they are set.

    At Hitch Property Constructions, we offer a wide variety of house maintenance and repair services throughout the Melbourne area.

    Sealing Porcelain Tile

    A high-quality sealant with stain-resistant properties may be required when porcelain tile is used in the kitchen or another high-traffic location. Different products have different guidelines for use, so it's important to study those of your chosen product before beginning. Some coatings require that they be applied before the grouting process. Some products, applied after grouting, can safeguard the grout without altering its colour.

    What Is the Best Way to Seal Porcelain Tiles?

    do porcelain tiles need to be sealed (2)

    It could be argued that only polished porcelain tiles should be sealed, while those with a textured or matte finish should be left untreated. Is this, however, absolutely true?

    Because of their "high-low" surface variation, textured tiles can be a pain to maintain. A mop can't "snag" or "dig" the dirt out of the surface like a vacuum can. Some matt finishes are smooth, while others may have a very slight surface texture, and this texture, no matter how slight, will attract dirt.

    A protective barrier is a great option to using a sealant and has many of the same benefits. When applied to a textured or matt porcelain surface, STOP DIRT forms an invisible barrier that effectively fills the surface's low spots.

    This safeguards the crevices where dirt collects without reducing the tile's slip resistance or giving it a shiny appearance. After application, cleaning is simplified, and the product has passed an impartial pendulum slip test.

    Before applying any kind of barrier or treatment, tiles must be meticulously cleansed. If they aren't, debris and residue from the installation process will get wedged between the tile and the treatment, reducing the effectiveness of the barrier and making it look unsightly.

    How to Use FILASTOP DIRT:

    • If the tiles are brand new, use DETERDEK PRO (for cement grout and residue) or CR10 (for epoxy grout) to clean the floor completely.
    • If you want to update your tiles without replacing them, try DETERDEK PRO or PS87 PRO. Let the area dry out first.
    • Spread the undiluted solution across the tiles and the grout joint using a brush, sponge, or fleece fabric. (Build in 2- to 3-square-metre increments.)
    • To buff the area, use a white-discped cloth or a floor scrubber.
    • Use a clean towel or disc to wipe up any lingering residue within ten minutes.
    • The floor will be secure to walk on after 12 hours.

    Due to its seemingly impenetrable surface, many consumers believe that polished porcelain tiles provide the highest level of dirt resistance. However, the polishing procedure itself opens up microscopic holes. In order to prevent damage during installation, some highly polished porcelains are protected during production.

    You may need to apply more sealant after the tiles have been installed and washed with an acid cleaning product like Fila Deterdek to remove grout and installation residues. The grout seams, which would be vulnerable if left unsealed, will be safeguarded as well.

    There are two main types of tiles: those with a glossy coating and those that are unglazed and unpolished, also known as "matt." The polished appearance of a porcelain tile results from the opening of its microscopic pores during the production process. This increases the likelihood that the figure will be damaged by dirt and grime. Some of the tiles are sealed while others are left unfinished during manufacturing.

    Protecting Polished Porcelain

    Sealing is recommended for highly polished ceramic. A leftover tile or off-cut can be used for a quick test by simply being marked with a black pen. The tile is considered sealed if the pen trace can be removed with a damp cloth and a bit of white spirit. If you want to avoid "framing" from the grout residues, you should fill the tile with LTP MPG first. It is always recommended to clean the tiles back to their original state because most polished porcelain will have some manufacturing wax-type seal applied.

    What’s Recommended for Unpolished Tiles?

    However, a barrier treatment is recommended for unpolished surfaces. In many cases, the installation process will be complicated by the fact that the textured surface will capture grout and other debris in its 'high-low' ridges. Residues that get trapped in the tile will ruin its appearance, make it harder to clean, and eventually accumulate into a slip danger.

    Porcelain patio stones are especially vulnerable because they typically have a heavily textured surface to improve traction.

    We advise using a porcelain protector to avoid these problems. It is a water-based 'pre-and-post-grout' preparation that prevents stains and makes it simple to clean up after the installation of cement grout, two-part resin jointing compounds, and other residues that can be difficult to remove.

    How Does the Porcelain Protective Function?

    Without leaving a film or changing the tile's appearance, the Porcelain Protector provides a protective barrier. The risk of cement and resin staining is considerably reduced, and the working period of grouts and jointing compounds is extended.

    How Do You Use the Porcelain Protector?

    Use a spritz, blade, or brush to apply the Protector before you grout or point. Once all residues are gone and the surface is dry, a new coat can be applied to the tiles and joints to make future washing and upkeep simpler. How? Please continue reading!

    You should clean the tiles thoroughly before putting the Protector. For best results, reduce LTP Grimes with water (1:5). Cleanse thoroughly to get rid of any leftover soap and let air dry.

    Before using Protector, shake the container well. Then, using a wide paintbrush, foam roller, or low-pressure sprayer, apply the treatment uniformly. Give it 30 minutes to air. Put on a second layer if necessary. You should wait at least an hour before applying mortar for pointing. After the pointing has dried and any residue has been cleaned up, a second layer of Protector can be applied; this time, it's especially important to cover the joints to ensure they remain undamaged. Choose from a variety of tile remodelling projects in Melbourne to use as inspiration for your home's new look.

    Conclusion

    Porcelain tiles can be polished, honed, or lappato, but many people still think they need to be sealed. This is due to the influx of foreign porcelains of inferior quality, which are just as stained-prone as their polished counterparts. Sealers have become a popular target for the use and promotion of sealers, but they can cause more issues than they fix. The majority of problems arise when porcelain tiles are not thoroughly cleaned prior to sealing, and when the sealer is applied over wax or grout haze, it has a dulling effect on the tile's appearance. The most important details are that high-quality porcelain does not need to be sealed, and that customers should take special care to clean it thoroughly after grouting and before applying any sealers.

    Additionally, textured porcelain tiles are a favourite for high-traffic areas, but can be difficult to maintain. A protective barrier is an excellent substitute for a sealant, but prior to the installation of any barrier or treatment, the tiles must be meticulously cleansed to avoid any dirt or installation residues. The use of porcelain tile in domestic settings is widespread due to its aesthetic value, cheap, low-maintenance, and adaptable to damp environments. To ensure the effectiveness of the barrier, it is important to check for supporting pendulum slide test evidence and make sure the barrier doesn't make the tiles slippery or shiny. Water-based adhesives can reduce application time for porcelain cleaning by up to 80%.

    Glazed porcelain tiles undergo an extra glazing process during production that provides inherent protection against these elements, while unglazed tiles may not. The Porcelain Tile Certification Board grants approval to tiles made entirely of porcelain that have an absorption grade of less than 0.5 percent. It is important to consult with the flooring business during the tile selection process and to check to see if sealant needs to be applied to the tiles before they are set. A high-quality sealant with stain-resistant properties may be required when porcelain tile is used in the kitchen or another high-traffic location. Textured tiles should be left untreated due to their "high-low" surface variation. 

    Stop DIRT is a protective barrier that forms an invisible barrier that effectively fills the surface's low spots, protecting the crevices where dirt collects without reducing the tile's slip resistance or giving it a shiny appearance. It is a great option to use a sealant and has many of the same benefits, but must be meticulously cleansed before application. To use FILASTOP DIRT, use DETERDEK PRO (for cement grout and residue) or CR10 (for epoxy grout) to clean the floor completely, then spread the undiluted solution across the tiles and the grout joint using a brush, sponge, or fleece fabric. To buff the area, use a white-discped cloth or a floor scrubber, and wipe up any lingering residue within ten minutes. After 12 hours, the floor will be secure to walk on after 12 hours.

    There are two main types of tiles: those with a glossy coating and those that are unglazed and unpolished. Sealing is recommended for highly polished ceramic tiles, but a barrier treatment is recommended for unpolished surfaces. Porcelain patio stones are especially vulnerable due to their textured surface, so a porcelain protector is recommended to prevent stains and make it easy to clean up after the installation of cement grout. The Porcelain Protector provides a protective barrier for tiles and joints, reducing the risk of cement and resin staining and extending the working period of grouts and jointing compounds. To use it, clean the tiles thoroughly and reduce LTP with water (1:5).

    Before applying Protector, shake the container well and give it 30 minutes to air. After the pointing has dried and any residue has been cleaned up, a second layer of Protector can be applied. 

    Content Summary

    1. Porcelain tiles can be polished, honed, or lappato, but many people in our field still think they need to be sealed.
    2. This, we assume, is the market's response to the influx of foreign porcelains of inferior quality (less dense).
    3. In most cases, we discover that untreated, unpolished versions of these lesser porcelains are just as stained-prone as their polished counterparts.
    4. Several porcelains on the market today are porous and hence require a sealant.
    5. The topic of whether or not to seal porcelain is a reasonable one.
    6. Most of the time, we find that the problem is not with the tile itself but rather with poor installation practices that have been blamed.
    7. Porcelain tiles have become a popular target for the use and promotion of sealers.
    8. Nonetheless, it would be preferable if you think of sealer as a temporary stain barrier only.
    9. The only value in a protective sealer is that it provides users more time to respond to accidental spills on inferior products.
    10. The deeper "pores" in all tiles can be sealed off using a sealer to stop impurities from penetrating further.
    11. If sealer might cause more issues than it fixes, why do we use it?
    12. The majority of problems arise when porcelain tiles are not thoroughly cleaned prior to sealing.
    13. This causes the sealer to rest above any potential contaminants.
    14. In the end, the tile's aesthetic appeal suffers, and the buyer wonders why.
    15. Remember how we said that your initial reaction might be to say that the tile is broken and not working?
    16. Some builders and homeowners are quick to respond that the tile is subpar because it is too porous or not up to code.
    17. Please contact us before beginning the installation procedure or selecting a tile if you have any questions about the aforementioned.
    18. Alternatively, you might try a sealer on a tile before installing it.
    19. We're here to give you advice and suggest the best sealant for your needs.
    20. Take our suggestion and tell your customers that high-quality porcelain does not need to be sealed.
    21. If they already have a tile that needs sealing, they should take special care to clean it thoroughly after grouting and before applying any sealers.
    22. You can do an Internet search and discover a lot of different opinions; for example, one might argue that you should only seal a polished porcelain tile and leave matt or textured tiles untreated.
    23. When breaking down the various surface treatments, it's clear that textured porcelain tiles are a favourite for high-traffic areas.
    24. While porcelain's famed durability and high 'R' grade make it a popular material, a textured surface can be difficult to maintain.
    25. A protective barrier is an excellent substitute for a sealant, which may not be required or desirable in both cases.
    26. The effectiveness of the barrier will suffer, and it will also appear bad.
    27. Check for supporting pendulum slide test evidence to provide a safe specification, and make sure the barrier you choose doesn't make the tiles slippery or shiny.
    28. It is a common misconception that polished ceramic floor tiles do not require sealing.
    29. However, the tiles and grout joints should be sealed again after a thorough builders clean.
    30. Now, instead of using harmful solvents, you can choose from a wide variety of effective water-based adhesives.
    31. The use of porcelain tile in domestic settings remains widespread.
    32. Because of its remarkable qualities, it can be put to good use in a variety of rooms all over the home.
    33. You must take good care of your tile if you decide to put it in your house.
    34. Porcelain tile has different maintenance needs depending on how it was made.
    35. If you want to know whether or not sealing ceramic tile is necessary for its upkeep, you should read on. "
    36. Knowing that there are two main types of porcelain tile will help you decide whether or not the tile in your house needs to be sealed.
    37. The Porcelain Tile Certification Board grants approval to tiles made entirely of porcelain.
    38. Tiles that have an absorption grade of less than 0.5 percent typically don't need to be sealed because they are less likely to absorb liquids and become stained.
    39. A common misconception is that polished, unglazed tile is more stain-resistant than its rough, unglazed counterpart.
    40. These factors increase the porousness and stainability of the glossy, unglazed tile.
    41. As you can see, deciding whether or not the tile in your home needs to be sealed depends on a number of variables.
    42. This highlights the importance of making a precise call on whether or not sealer is required.
    43. Whether or not the title to your house needs to be sealed can be ascertained in several ways.
    44. To minimise the likelihood of damage after installation, you should check to see if sealant needs to be applied to the tiles before they are set.
    45. A high-quality sealant with stain-resistant properties may be required when porcelain tile is used in the kitchen or another high-traffic location.
    46. It could be argued that only polished porcelain tiles should be sealed, while those with a textured or matte finish should be left untreated.
    47. A protective barrier is a great option to using a sealant and has many of the same benefits.
    48. When applied to a textured or matt porcelain surface, STOP DIRT forms an invisible barrier that effectively fills the surface's low spots.
    49. Before applying any kind of barrier or treatment, tiles must be meticulously cleansed.
    50. Due to its seemingly impenetrable surface, many consumers believe that polished porcelain tiles provide the highest level of dirt resistance.
    51. You may need to apply more sealant after the tiles have been installed and washed with an acid cleaning product like Fila Deterdek to remove grout and installation residues.
    52. Sealing is recommended for highly polished ceramic.
    53. A leftover tile or off-cut can be used for a quick test by simply being marked with a black pen.
    54. The tile is considered sealed if the pen trace can be removed with a damp cloth and a bit of white spirit.
    55. If you want to avoid "framing" from the grout residues, you should fill the tile with LTP MPG first.
    56. It is always recommended to clean the tiles back to their original state because most polished porcelain will have some manufacturing wax-type seal applied.
    57. However, a barrier treatment is recommended for unpolished surfaces.
    58. In many cases, the installation process will be complicated by the fact that the textured surface will capture grout and other debris in its 'high-low' ridges.
    59. Residues that get trapped in the tile will ruin its appearance, make it harder to clean, and eventually accumulate into a slip danger.
    60. Porcelain patio stones are especially vulnerable because they typically have a heavily textured surface to improve traction.
    61. We advise using a porcelain protector to avoid these problems.
    62. It is a water-based 'pre-and-post-grout' preparation that prevents stains and makes it simple to clean up after the installation of cement grout, two-part resin jointing compounds, and other residues that can be difficult to remove.
    63. Without leaving a film or changing the tile's appearance, the Porcelain Protector provides a protective barrier.
    64. The risk of cement and resin staining is considerably reduced, and the working period of grouts and jointing compounds is extended.
    65. Use a spritz, blade, or brush to apply the Protector before you grout or point.
    66. Once all residues are gone and the surface is dry, a new coat can be applied to the tiles and joints to make future washing and upkeep simpler.
    67. You should clean the tiles thoroughly before putting on the Protector.
    68. Give it 30 minutes to air.
    69. Put on a second layer if necessary.
    70. You should wait at least an hour before applying mortar for pointing.
    71. After the pointing has dried and any residue has been cleaned up, a second layer of Protector can be applied; this time, it's especially important to cover the joints to ensure they remain undamaged.
    Google Rating
    5.0
    Based on 37 reviews
    js_loader
    Scroll to Top