Using Ceramic Tiles

Sealing the grout in ceramic tile floors is very important. Most ceramic floor tiles are made by a process called “dust pressing,” where hardly any moisture is left in the clay before it is fired in a kiln. This causes the tiles to be dense enough that they become almost water-proof, and will not accept any type of sealer. If sealer is allowed to dry on the tile surface, a gummy mess will result, so the problem lies in how to seal the grout joints while keeping the sealer away from the tiles.

Tile Sealers

Tile sealers are generally protective coatings that fill in or seal the porous surfaces of ceramic tiles and grout joints. You can usually see this porosity as tiny holes in the surface of the tile or grout. Sealing can be beneficial, particularly on tile floors with frequent heavy traffic, and will not only enhance and extend the beauty of any tile, but can cut down on regular tile maintenance as well.

Types of Tile Sealers

Tile sealers can be obtained from tile supply dealers that will have experts who can advise you on its proper use. Tile sealers come in two types: the smelly ones with a mineral base, and the non-smelly ones with a latex or water base. For home use, the tile sealers that do not smell are recommended, with some formulated to last as long as fifteen years.

While the requirements for each installation varies, it is always necessary to determine the following factors on the ceramic tiles:

1. Exposure to corrosion, abrasion and staining. 2. Type, volume and size of wheel traffic. 3. Type and volume of foot traffic. 4. Application of twisting and grinding motions.

Once these are determined, the correct type of tile sealer can be identified, whether it is for residential (light traffic) or commercial (heavy traffic) purposes.

A tile and grout sealer is used to seal tile floors. Sealing should be done approximately 28 days after grouting, and the surfaces should be clean and dry before any sealer is applied. The sealer is painted on the dry tile or grout, making sure that all crevices and cracks are covered, then allowed to dry, after which a second coat is applied. Sealing floors not only prevents the grout from being scattered around the house, it makes cleaning the tiles convenient as well.

Related posts:

1. What Tile Setters Do
2. Applying Grout on Tile Joints
3. Tips for Tiling Floors, Walls and Countertops
4. How to Prep for a Ceramic or Porcelain Tile Floor
5. How to Clean Ceramic Tiles

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