Porcelain Tile Sealant Options

Porcelain tile is a popular flooring choice in homes and commercial spaces due to its durability, easy maintenance, and stylish appearance. However, unglazed porcelain tile can be prone to staining and discoloration without proper sealing. Choosing the right sealant is key to protecting porcelain and enhancing its longevity.

Read on to learn about sealant types, porosity considerations, preparation steps, maintenance, and more.

Why Seal Porcelain Tiles

While glazed porcelain tiles don't require sealing due to their non-porous glass coating, unglazed porcelain contains microscopic pores that can allow moisture, oils, and other liquids to penetrate and stain the surface. Manufacturers may apply a nano-sealer, but an additional application is often recommended for optimal stain protection.

Sealing is particularly important for polished porcelain tiles, as the mechanical polishing process opens surface pores. It also helps protect grout from absorbing liquids that can lead to discoloration and damage.

Specific benefits of sealing porcelain tile include:

• Prevents staining from food, grease, dirt, mud, oils, and more
• Makes cleaning and maintenance easier by resisting residue adhesion
• Extends the life and improves the appearance by blocking moisture damage
• Reduces moisture absorption that can crack tiles and erode grout over time
• Creates a protective barrier against bacteria, mold, and mildew growth

Should All Porcelain Tiles Be Sealed?

If your porcelain tiles are glazed or were treated with a nano-sealer by the manufacturer, they may not require additional protection. Check documentation to confirm if a sealer was factory-applied.

However, sealing is still recommended for commercial floors with heavy traffic, unglazed porcelain, and polished porcelain. These are at higher risk for staining, etching, and liquid absorption damage without a protective barrier.

Types of Sealants for Porcelain Tiles

Choosing the right type of sealer for your porcelain tile depends on its location, traffic levels, and your priorities like appearance enhancement or long-term protection.

Penetrating Sealants

Penetrating sealants soak into the tile's pores to provide an invisible water- and stain-repellent barrier below the surface. They maintain a natural look and often provide longer-lasting protection.

• Silane/siloxane blends provide excellent repellency against oil and water with durable bonds.
• Fluorochemicals strongly resist liquids and stains from infiltration.
• Acrylics and urethanes offer more economical protection suitable for residential use.

Penetrating sealants work by adhering to concrete and clay pores while allowing vapor transmission. This prevents moisture and stains from absorbing while letting tiles "breathe.

Surface Sealants

Surface sealants bond to the top of tiles to create a protective coating, often enhancing color with a wet look. However, they require more frequent reapplication than subsurface treatments.

• Acrylic sealants add shine and repel moisture with affordable, user-friendly options.
• Urethanes provide a wet look and durable stain protection suitable for high-traffic locations.
Epoxies are extremely durable with industrial-grade protection against oils, solvents, and chemicals.

Surface seals offer a physical barrier that prevents absorption while bringing out vibrant colors. They can show signs of wear sooner than penetrating options and may need reapplication every 1-3 years.

How to Choose a Porcelain Tile Sealant

With many sealant types available, keep these key factors in mind when deciding on the best choice for your porcelain tiles:

Consider Traffic Volume

High-traffic areas like kitchens, hallways, and entryways benefit from maximum protection epoxy or urethane sealers. For low-traffic porcelain tile, economical options like silicone or acrylics can suffice.

Review Porosity

Check manufacturer specs to see if a nano-sealer was factory-applied. If tiles are still porous, a penetrating sealer can provide the best safeguard against stains. Surface seals work for non-porous porcelain.

Choose Appropriate Protection

Surface sealants add glossy coating for visual appeal. Subsurface sealants provide invisible shielding against moisture damage. Decide your main priority before selecting a sealer.

Consider Application Difficulty

DIY-friendly sealers like acrylics often involve water-based formulas and basic equipment. More heavy-duty epoxy or polyurethane may require special tools, multiple coats, precise mixing, and skill to apply.

Preparing Porcelain Tiles for Sealing

Proper prep before applying sealant allows for maximum adherence and performance. Follow these steps when getting porcelain tiles ready:

Deep Clean the Tile Surface

Use a pH-balanced cleaner or mix 50/50 white vinegar and water to remove any oily residue, hard water deposits, grout haze, soap scum, dirt and debris. Rinse thoroughly.

Clean Grouting Before Sealing

Dirt trapped in grout can release over time and cause staining if the tile's sealed. Use a grout brush, steam cleaner, or grout scraper to refresh grouting.

Allow Tiles to Dry Completely

Ensure tiles are 100% dry before sealing. Check for hidden moisture under appliances or fixtures. Trapped moisture affects solvent-based sealant curing.

Wait at least 48 hours after grouting or cleaning before applying sealants so all moisture can evaporate.

Applying Sealant on Porcelain Tiles

When ready to start sealing, adhere to product specifications for your chosen sealant. Some general tips include:

Read and Follow Instructions

Pay attention to the manufacturer's guide for drying times between coats, surface prep, ventilation needs, and compatibility with tile types. Only use cleaner that are pH neutral and safe for sealed porcelain.

Stir Sealants Before Use

If solvent-based, stir containers thoroughly before pouring each coat to evenly distribute compounds that settle over time for consistent application.

Apply Multiple Thin Coats

2-3 thin coats allow deeper penetration instead of 1 thick application. Lightly sand or buff tiles between coats to remove any residue that could inhibit bonding.

Follow exact label directions regarding drying times between coats to prevent issues like cracking, hazing, or bonding failure.

Let Sealant Dry Fully

Don't replace fixtures, walk on tile, or get them wet until the recommended dry time has passed. This prevents issues like tracking, oozing, solvent entrapment, clouding, or poor curing.

Maintaining Sealed Porcelain Tiles

While high-quality sealers provide lasting protection for porcelain tile surfaces, some periodic upkeep is recommended. Suggested maintenance includes:

Spot Reapply Yearly in Heavy-Use Areas

Kitchens, entries near exterior doors, and high-traffic hallways take extra abuse. Check these zones annually and reseal worn or etched areas as needed.

Deep Clean Tile Surfaces and Grouting

Prevent built-up residue weakening sealer bonds or penetrating pores by using alkaline-based cleaners formulated for sealed tile.