Durable, versatile and aesthetically pleasing, ceramic tiles suit many different projects. However, many users have concerns about tiles experiencing damage during use, especially when they are installed in areas where they are likely to encounter excessive moisture. As a result, a commonly asked question is do ceramic tiles need to be sealed?
As a rule, during installation most glazed ceramic tiles don’t require a sealing stage. However, there are some ceramic tile types that sometimes need to be sealed to stop them becoming stained or incurring water damage. Examples include ceramic tiles featuring a crackle glaze and those that have a porous surface.
While generally, ceramic tiles often don’t need sealant, it’s accepted that grout line should always be sealed. This is because grout is often porous, making it susceptible to issues like staining.
When ceramic tiles are glazed, they won’t require sealing. This is because their surface is non-porous, and water can’t enter. Glazed ceramic tiles have a surface coating created from enamel or liquid glass that is fused to the ceramic tile during the firing process. This coating may be matte or glossy and provides multiple benefits, including being impervious to water and having resistance to unwanted staining and scratches.
It’s worth noting that non-polished, high-quality porcelain tiles are commonly resistant to staining and don’t need to be sealed.
There are certain circumstances when tiles require sealing. For instance, natural stone tiles, like slate, granite and marble are porous and need sealing to stop water damage. If ceramic tiles have a porous surface (porous ceramic tiles), it’s always advisable to seal then, especially if they are fitted in place prone to significant moisture like kitchens and bathrooms.
Crackle glaze tiles have a glaze that is intentionally cracked for a decorative look and feel. However, these ceramic tiles are sometimes susceptible to stain and as a result, sealing is advised.
In installations that feature light-coloured ceramic tiles with dark grout, sealing is essential. The sealing process prevents the dark grout bleeding into lighter tiles. As mentioned, sealing grout used with ceramic tiles is usually to make it easier to care for and to help it resist unsightly staining.
There are some basic rules to follow to assess whether you need to seal the ceramic tiles you’re using in your project. Start by checking the specification of tiles. The manufacturer will typically supply detailed information on product packaging or on their website that will detail whether sealing is advisable. However, if you’re still unsure, you can consult your tiles supplier for further information.
If you want to get practical, you can perform a simple water test. This test is designed to determine the porosity of the tile. It involves adding a water droplet to the tiles surface and monitoring what happened. Observe whether it beads up or quickly absorbs into the ceramic. In circumstances where absorption is swift, sealing is usually advantageous.
An impregnating or penetrating grout sealants should be used to safeguard grout lines against stains and water damage. However, there are tile sealants specially designed to seal tiles made with different materials. Choose a product designed specifically for ceramic.
Ensure you adhere to the sealant manufacturer’s instructions for application as well as drying times. Expert installers recommend that tiles should be sealed ahead of grouting to stop staining issues.
Sealant care is a key part of ceramic tile maintenance. Remember that an application of sealant won’t last forever. How long it endures depends on traffic and usage making reapplication essential periodically.
Here at Digital Ceramics, we produce high-quality glazed ceramic tiles designed for prolonged use in both commercial and residential projects. Our innovative technique fuses traditional ceramic printing with patented cutting-edge digital ceramic printing to produce bespoke ceramic tiles that are resistant to abrasion and water ingress. If you are looking for high-quality ceramic tiles for your latest project, connect with a member of our team today to find out what we offer.
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