Grout Sealer is used to prevent stains and moisture from penetrating the spaces between the tiles that are filled with tile grout. Sanded grout is made of cement and sand, while Unsanded grout doesn't have any sand. All Sanded and Unsanded grout needs to be sealed.
Porous grouts attract water, dirt, oils, etc. While the tile industry does not require sealing, it is always recommended, especially in wet or high-traffic areas. Penetrating sealers are the most commonly used and offer high water, chemical and stain resistance.
Grout sealer is a necessary component of the tile installation process. It serves to prevent moisture from working its way into the grout and under the tiles.
Tile sealer and grout sealer are designed to protect different surfaces. While some products, like 511 Impregnator Sealer, can be used on both tile and grout, other products are made specifically for grout. Not all sealers are the same. Read the product labels to make sure you understand what each sealer does.
By sealing the grout, you have created a much harder surface which can be good on the one hand but bad on the other when it resists cleaning attempts. Also, when unsealed grout gets wet, the water can evaporate and dry.
Therefore, grout sealing is an incredibly important process for your tile surfaces. Not only does it help protect your grout from spills that make it susceptible to stains, but grout sealing helps protect it from mold and mildew growth, strengthens your grout, and slows down wear-and–tear.
Some people will try to put a sealer on the grout joints, but that doesn't waterproof it. It doesn't work. It only makes it more water resistant.
The drawback of using grout sealer
So, even when sealer is applied, grout isn't waterproof. This means sealer won't necessarily protect your grout from moisture. It also isn't a sure-fire way to stop grout from darkening. Grout in the bathroom will also inevitably stain or “age” over time.
Don't worry if you get some of the sealant on your tiles. Once a section is complete and saturated for five to 10 minutes, wipe off the excess sealant with paper towels. Continue removing all the excess sealant from the grout joints and tiles, making sure that there aren't any puddles of sealant in the grout.
You can seal the grout the day after you applied it or 100 years later. If it isn't dirty, seal all three sides of the shower with a tile sealer or masonry sealer. That will make the grout water-resistant, if not waterproof, and help prevent the growth of mold and dirt.
Q: How long does the sealer last? - Sealing Grout Lines
Topical sealers usually have a lifetime of around 3 years, while impregnating sealers have a lifetime of up to 15 years.
To maintain the integrity of grout, you will have to apply a grout sealer. It is necessary to apply the sealer after 1 to 2 years so that the grout remains intact and waterproof. Sealing grout is necessary because it without a waterproof covering it absorb not just water but bacteria and stains as well.
Porous tiles should be sealed prior to grouting (ideally prior to installation), again after the grout is fully cured and then reapplied as required. Sealing the tiles prior to setting them is the most ideal time. This will protect the tile from mortar staining if some gets on the face unexpectedly.
The grout in your shower should always be sealed; this will block any moisture that could easily enter the very porous material. A sealer will prevent water from becoming stuck behind the tile and grout, forming mold and mildew.
Be sure to let your grout sealer dry thoroughly before testing a small area with a few drops of water. If the water beads up, you're all set! If not, you'll need to apply an additional coat of sealer to your grout. Most grout sealers take 1-3 coats for best results.
How to Tell If Grout Is Sealed. You can sometimes tell if your tile or grout has been sealed by spreading a few drops of water on them. If they darken or change color, they are probably not sealed. If they stay the same, they may have already been sealed.
Whether your matte tiles are unglazed, or just dull, applying a high gloss sealer will make them shine like new! Other common methods might appear clean and shiny enough, but will quickly lose their luster and even damage your tile and grout in worse cases.
For high-traffic areas, like the main bathroom, you should consider sealing it every six months, while low-traffic areas like the guest bathroom can be resealed every two years. If you are using epoxy grout, it might not be necessary to reseal it as it is highly water-resistant.
But does grout color really change when sealed? In short, the color doesn't change after sealing. But you can expect the shade to darken a bit. And don't worry; it's not a drastic change.
Using Too Much Sealant
You might be tempted to use more grout sealer to get the job done quickly, but an excess amount can easily spill over onto the tiles. As a result, unnecessary time will have to be spent scrubbing the excess sealant off.
Let dry for at least 8 hours
Finally let the shower wall or floor grout to dry for a minimum of 8 hours before getting this area wet and using the bathroom again.
WAXIE Grout Guard is a tough, permanent, high solid, water-borne sealer that penetrates deep into grout and repels soil and germs while improving slip resistance. This protection will dramatically reduce maintenance costs, due to the ease of cleaning.
To seal to perfection, we recommend using Universeal Grout and Tile Protector. This product is a solvent based sealer designed to deeply penetrate your grout. It is effective in preventing stains from oil and water-based liquids and it will not discolour your tiles.