When you lay tile it is so simple to concentrate on the appearance the tile will have, such as shiny, white, subway tile in the kitchen or smooth stone tile in the shower. However, most individuals forget about one thing that is hardly noticed until it is too late, the grout. When left open, grout attracts stains, water and mildew. That is why such seemingly small thing like penetrating grout sealer can make a tremendous difference in the way your tiles will look and can outlive their years.
How about being real? It is not another product-oriented overview that is dry as toast. You will get to know what really a penetrating sealer is all about, why you even should bother about it, and how well you need to apply it so that you can save yourself all the headaches in future.
Before We Go Any Further: What is Penetrating Grout Sealer?
When red wine spills against your kitchen tile you get an idea of how easily tiling grout is stained or discolored or you may also have to deal with mold in your bathroom grout. One type of grout sealer is called a penetrating sealer it is just a liquid that seeps into the pores of your grout-lines. After being applied, it creates a water, oil, and dirt repelling barrier that acts more or less like an invisible shield.
However, there is a twist, it does not alter the appearance of your grout or tiles. In contrast to the surface sealers which leave a shiny or wet-looking coating on the surface, penetrating sealer penetrates underneath. It is there to protect your grout without making itself noticed.
Why care to seal grout?
No need to beat around the bush; grout is not hardy. It is porous and it absorbs anything it gets into contact with. Be it the tip of water in your hot shower or the drips of your food from your stovetop, your grout can accept the blows. That is when a penetrating sealer comes into play.
Here are a few points of what sealing you grout does to you:
- Prevents sinking in of water and formation of molds.
- The oils and grime does not render your grout dark and dirty.
- Simplifies the task of cleaning.
- Gives a life-span to your tiles.
Leaving grout unsealed is the equivalent of leaving your front door open during a rainstorm in your house, sooner or later, you will end up with damage that you should have foreseen.
Real Benefits You Realize
There is so much talk in the industry as regards to the long term durability and stain resistance but what does this imply in practical life to you?
Let’s break it down.
1. No More Mouldy Corners
Grout lines in bathrooms are infamous to be black colored. Moisture does not have a chance to enter as the sealing ensures that this does not happen so mold and mildew can find no place to grow.
2. Easier Cleanup
By Sealing your grout, you will not have to work so hard. The spills rest on the top rather than soaking in, thus your sponge does its job on the first go..
3. Preserves the Look
Love the light color of your grout? Want to keep it from turning brown or yellow? Penetrating sealers help your grout keep its original color, without changing the finish.
4. You Don’t Need to Re-grout Anytime Soon
When you avoid destroying grout by dissolving in water and cleaning agents, you will be less prone to struggling with chips, cracks, and falling tiles.
When (and where) can you use it?
If you’re wondering where penetrating grout sealer fits in, the answer is: just about anywhere grout lives.
Some common spots:
Bathroom floors and walls
Shower stalls and tubs
Kitchen backsplashes and counters
Laundry room floors
Outdoor patios and tile paths
In essence, in case the grout is exposed to moisture or high usage, sealing is prudent.
The correct way of applying Penetrating Grout Sealer
Applying this stuff does not require a contractors license. However, there are a few steps that you should adhere to in order to make it work.
1. Clean Grout
This is not an optional one. In case your grout has any form of dirt or mold, sealing it will only ensure that this filth is trapped under it. Clean with a grout cleaner then dry everything out thoroughly usually overnight.
2. Seal it up
Apply the sealer carefully along the lines of the grouts using a foam brush, a small paintbrush or an applicator bottle. Don’t rush. Ensure that the liquid is absorbed by grout.
3. Blot Away Surplus
In case the sealant drips or forms puddles of any sort over the tiles themselves, immediately clean up the spill with a fresh cloth. Otherwise, it can become dry giving rise to a hazy look.
4. Leave It To Dry and Cure
A lot of the sealers require the time of approximately 24-48 hours to complete the cure. Do not walk or clean the tile in this time. Hang in there, it is worth it.
5. Test It
After being cured, pour a small amount of water on a grout. When it beads up you are fine. When it soaks in, another coat can be applied.
Some of the Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even though the process is simple, a few missteps can mess up the results.
Dirty grout is trapped by having it sealed. First, always clean.
It is sticky or hazy after too much application.
Not removing excess from tile causes haze that’s tough to get off later.
Prolonging reapplication Why not apply less often (sealers wear off after all), schedule it right now: a reapplication of your sealers in 1-2 years.
How It Stacks Up Against Surface Sealers
Grout sealers can be of two types; surface (or topical) and penetrating (or impregnating) sealers. Here is the difference between them:
Surface Sealers: These are left on the top of grouts and tile. They frequently form a shiny appearance and possibly cause the surface to be slippery. They take less time to use and are less lasting.
Penetrating Sealers: These soak up into the grout and offer protection internally. And they do not change the appearance, in most cases maintaining a longer-term protection, particularly in rainy surfaces.
The penetrating choice will generally be the wiser option in the case of bathrooms, kitchens, and areas where people will pass a lot.
What to Look for in a Good Penetrating Grout Sealer
Water- and oil-resistance
Mold and mildew protection
No change to grout color
Low VOC content (especially if you’re applying indoors)
UV stability for outdoor tile
Safe for natural stone surfaces if needed
Some of the best-rated options include:
Aqua Mix Sealer’s Choice Gold
Miracle Sealants 511 Impregnator
StoneTech BulletProof Sealer
What About Colored Grout?
Yes you can and you should seal colored grout, too. Penetrating sealers will not lighten or darken the grout and your bright blue or deep charcoal color remains exactly how you like it. It is just a matter of locking the color in-not covering it up.
How Often Should You Reseal?
That may depend on the wear on the area. Locations with heavy traffic or that are constantly wet such as floor entry ways or shower may require resealing after 12 to 18 months. Areas of lower use can last up to two years.
Take a routine water test after a few months and check whether the seal is maintaining the pressure. In case the water begins to absorbed instead of lying flat on the surface, it is high time to reload.
Do-it-yourself or Get Expert?
Frankly speaking, this is a task that most homeowners can do. Applying sealer to grout is something that you can do provided that you know how to paint a line using a brush. Now that being said, in the event you own a large tiled space or fragile stone such as marble or travertine, you may want to hire a professional to do the job because it is much less time consuming-and cheaper as well!
So is it a worthwhile effort? Final Take.
Absolutely. Using grout sealer is not the most exciting component of your tiling task, but it is one of the most useful. An effective penetrating grout sealer not only keeps your tile feeling and looking nice, but can help to avoid disappointing stains and other water problems, and save you hours of cleaning in the future.
It is something minor but which it is well paid in the end. Right then so you have tiled and not done this–out and do it. You would be glad about it later on.
Quick FAQs
1. Does sealer that penetrates make grout watertight?
It is not fully waterproof but still provides enough water resistance to block the vast majority of wet things and spills.
2. Is this suitable in my shower?
Absolutely, it has perfect applications in moist places such as showers and tub surrounds.
3. Will this alter my grout?
Nope. And it leaves it in the same color–it does not darken it, it does not highlight it.
4. What will occur in case I forget to clean off the tile?
You can find yourself with a milky film that will not be easy to clean. Wipe as you go always.
5. When it would be ready to use the area again?
Allow it at minimum 24–48 hours before walking or cleaning over the sealed grout.