Designing Kitchens and Bathrooms - To seal or not to seal?
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how2improve
12-04-06, 11:14 AM
I have installed porcelain tile in the bathroom (shower walls and entire floor). Our contractor says he doesn't seal the grout because he doesn't think ou porcelain tile needs it and that stains can be removed with a commercial cleaner. What are your thoughts? Also, can you recommend a top quality sealer that I can buy at Home Depot or Lowe's (name brand)?
Smokey49
12-04-06, 12:08 PM
The sealer is not for the tile. Saying he doesn't think your porcelain tile doesn't need it suggests he really doesn't understand what sealer is about. Natural materials such as slate, granite, and so on, do have to be sealed as well as unsealed saltillo so that may be where he's coming from. Ceramic and porcelain do not, but the grout does. It isn't going to cause the grout to necessarily fail, but it keeps the surface of it more water repellent so it's easyer to clean and molds have a tougher time getting a foothold.
rjordan392
12-04-06, 01:32 PM
I have used a liquid silicone grout sealer with excellent results. The name is TEC. If all mold is removed prior to using, then this product should last about 7 years or more before another application is needed.
If you have mold, you can use diluted bleach and spray it on the tiles and grout. Open a window or operate an exhaust fan for the fumes and close the door. Let dry overnight and check for increased whiteness on the grout and total elimination of any mold. Re-apply if needed. If you feel diluted bleach is not working fast enough, then use it full strength but wear a respirator. What ever you do, don't ever mix cleaning products containing ammonia with bleach. I apply the sealer 24 to 48 hours after the bleach has dried.
I want also to point out that even with sealed grout, there always seems to be a few spots were mold gets a foothold. In most cases, this is caused by users closing the shower door or curtain thus preventing good air circulation which is needed to keep mold from forming. So keep these open after using.
I believe I purchased the product from Home Depot. Check the time interval after using a cleaner before you apply a sealer.
If you have mold, you can use diluted bleach and spray it on the tiles and grout. Open a window or operate an exhaust fan for the fumes and close the door. Let dry overnight and check for increased whiteness on the grout and total elimination of any mold. Re-apply if needed. If you feel diluted bleach is not working fast enough, then use it full strength but wear a respirator. What ever you do, don't ever mix cleaning products containing ammonia with bleach. I apply the sealer 24 to 48 hours after the bleach has dried.
I want also to point out that even with sealed grout, there always seems to be a few spots were mold gets a foothold. In most cases, this is caused by users closing the shower door or curtain thus preventing good air circulation which is needed to keep mold from forming. So keep these open after using.
I believe I purchased the product from Home Depot. Check the time interval after using a cleaner before you apply a sealer.