Do Porcelain Tiles Require Sealing?

Porcelain tile is an exceptionally popular flooring choice due to its durability, stain resistance, and ability to mimic natural materials like wood and stone. With proper installation and care, porcelain can provide many years of beauty and performance. However, one question that often comes up is whether porcelain tiles need to be sealed. Let's take a closer look at the factors involved.

Sealing is the process of applying a protective coating to tile surfaces to prevent stains, dirt buildup, and damage. Typical sealers soak into the surface pores and act as a barrier against moisture and contaminants. However, porcelain is an impervious material that is fired at extremely high temperatures, making it very dense and non-porous. This lack of surface pores is what gives porcelain its innate stain resistance.

Does Porcelain Tile Need to Be Sealed?

In most cases, sealing is not necessary for porcelain tile. Since the tile itself is non-porous, liquids have difficulty penetrating the surface. Porcelain rates very low for water absorption, usually less than 0.5%. This means it will resist staining from spills, oils, and other common household contaminants. The dense, glass-like surface also resists scratches, impact, and wear. Porcelain maintains its polish well under foot traffic.

However, there are a few exceptions where sealing porcelain tile may provide added protection:

• Unglazed porcelain - While the glazed surface is impervious, unglazed porcelain has microscopic pores that may allow some staining. Sealing provides an added safeguard.
• Polished porcelain - The polishing process opens up tiny pores that can absorb pigments when grouting. Sealing before grouting prevents staining.
• Porcelain with porous grout - Applying a sealer protects the grout joints, which are always porous.
• High traffic areas - Sealing gives added wear protection in busy areas.
• Outdoor use - Sealing prevents moisture absorption that can cause efflorescence or freezing damage.

Always check the manufacturer's guidelines to see if they recommend sealing for a particular tile. A simple water test can also determine if the tile absorbs. But for most indoor porcelain tile, sealing is generally not required.

The Pros and Cons of Sealing Porcelain

Before deciding whether to seal, consider these potential advantages and disadvantages:

Pros:

• Extra barrier against stains and moisture
• Allows use of a wider variety of grout colors
• Easier to clean and maintain
• Protects grout joints
• Enhances appearance and color

Cons:

• Adds cost for sealant product and labor
• Sealers must be reapplied over time
• Can alter slip resistance
• May change surface appearance
• Porcelain already has excellent stain resistance

How to Seal Porcelain Tile

If you choose to seal your porcelain tiles, follow these steps:

1. Clean tiles thoroughly with a pH neutral cleaner to remove any dirt, oils or residues.
2. Test sealant in an inconspicuous area to ensure it provides the desired effect and appearance.
3. Apply sealer according to manufacturer's directions, using a sponge, paintbrush, roller or sprayer.
4. Allow sealer to fully soak in and cure according to specified time before using tiles.
5. Apply additional coats of sealer as needed for maximum protection.
6. Clean tools with water after application.

Penetrating sealers are most often used for porcelain tiles. Topical coating-type sealers may alter slip resistance. Porcelain tile sealers are available in various formulations, including silicone, acrylic, urethane, and epoxy types. Always test a sample area first.

Maintaining Sealed Porcelain Tile

Sealers help protect porcelain tile surfaces, but they do require proper maintenance:

• Reapply sealer periodically as it wears off from cleaning and traffic.
• Use pH neutral cleaners that won't break down sealer bonds.
• Avoid harsh chemicals, acids, or abrasive scrubbing.
• Seal grout joints when needed to prevent staining.
• Check for wear using a water test and reseal if absorption increases.

With proper installation, care, and maintenance, porcelain tile floors can provide decades of beauty with or without sealing. Consult manufacturer guidelines, test absorption, and weigh pros and cons when deciding on sealing.

Signs Your Porcelain Tile Needs Sealing

Even though porcelain is highly impervious, sealing may become necessary over time. Watch for these signs that indicate a need for sealing:

• Tiles appear duller and lose their polished shine.
• Grout lines seem dingy despite regular cleaning.
• Spills and soils start to absorb and stain rather than beading up.
• Surfaces feel rougher and less smooth.
• Floors feel gritty and retain dirt more readily.
• Water droplets get absorbed rather than beading up.

Testing absorption by spritzing water on the tile can quickly confirm if sealer is needed. When water starts penetrating instead of beading up and rolling off the surface, it's time to reseal. Catching the need for sealing early prevents permanent stains.

Common Questions About Sealing Porcelain Tile

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about sealing porcelain:

How often should porcelain tile sealer be reapplied?

Frequency of reapplication depends on the sealer type, traffic, and cleaning methods. Typically sealing is needed every 1-5 years. High traffic floors may need yearly sealing. Check periodically with a water test.

Can I seal my porcelain tile myself?

In most cases, homeowners can easily apply tile sealers themselves by following product instructions. No special tools are needed.

Will sealing porcelain change the slip resistance?

Sealers are designed not to significantly alter traction. But test slip resistance before use, especially if a coating-type sealer is applied.

Porcelain tile provides inherent protection against stains, wear, and moisture. Its low porosity generally eliminates the need for sealing. However, sealing can provide extra assurances against absorption, especially for grout joints, unglazed tile, and outdoor use. Weigh the benefits against potential drawbacks when deciding on sealing. With proper tile selection, installation, care, and maintenance, porcelain will retain its luxurious appearance for years of use and enjoyment.