Is Porcelain Floor Tile Sealed

Textured tiles can prove difficult to keep clean as they have high low surfaces.

Is porcelain floor tile sealed.

However with unglazed porcelain tile the use of a sealer may or not be needed for several reasons which we will discuss here. With some grouts that can be even worse with it needing sealer. The main difference between the two is that porcelain is more resistant to moisture staining and water due to its blend of fine grain clays and other minerals that are fired at a much higher temperature than ceramic floor tile. A mop won t dig out the dirt and often.

It will put a clear sealer across the floor tile and grout giving it a high gloss wet look appearance as well as provide a barrier that will protect against chemicals and soiling and make the floor much easier to clean. Any tile that is ceramic porcelain or natural stone needs to be periodically sealed. Ceramic tile floors are an attractive and durable addition to high traffic and wet areas in a home. Many consumers believe that a polished porcelain floor tile doesn t need sealing.

Failure to do this can lead to the grout chipping and coming off over a short amount of time. Ceramic and porcelain are both man made tiles that are produced from firing clay or other materials. There s an argument to say that you d only seal a polished porcelain tile and would leave a textured or matt surface well alone. There are some exceptions to this so check with your manufacturer to be sure.

Ceramic tile sealers and porcelain tile sealers are used to protect unglazed tiles and grouts from absorbing stains. Ceramic tiles were never made to be sealed but there is a strong argument for sealing those porous grout lines that tend to collect and hold ugly dirt and soils. However during the polishing process micro pores are opened up. Typically unglazed porcelain tile comes in polished and unpolished formats.

The water absorption rating for porcelain tile according to ansi 137 1 and ptca porcelain tile certification agency is 5 or less. Even tiles that have a pre existing sealer can eventually have that layer wear down over time. When to seal tiles. It s best not to use a coating for this but instead a penetrating or impregnating sealer.

If your tile is ceramic or porcelain it probably won t need to be sealed. But is this strictly true. But like any floor a ceramic tile floor can become soiled or stained if it isn t sealed properly and regularly. Do porcelain floor tiles really need to be sealed.

Different types of ceramic tiles and grout have distinct features that should be considered when choosing sealing products. Some polished porcelains are sealed as part of the manufacturing process to protect them during installation but a further seal after a thorough builders clean is recommended to offer.