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How to Seal Grout
Dirty and stained grout lines in your washroom, kitchen backsplash and your floor tiles can really affect the look and beauty of your space no matter how clean and tidy you keep the area and the surface.
The reason why the grout in your tile gets dirty is because cement-based grout, whether sanded or not, is porous by nature, substances like oil, grease, and water tend to seep inside and cause ugly discoloration. The only way to prevent this to happen is to seal your new grout and re-seal it as needed
Follow BANAYEE HOMES’ experts instruction below to professionally seal your grout.
STEP 1: Clean and repair grout.
Before you apply a sealer, make sure that the grout joints are thoroughly clean and if there is any crack in grout make sure to repair them. Otherwise, you’ll seal in dirt and damaged seams. Use the mix of vinegar and warm water a ratio of 50-50 or using a toothbrush dipped in soapy water. Once you are done cleaning each grout line, allow the area to dry for 45 to 60 minutes based on the area ventilation before sealing.
STEP 2: Choose your sealer.
The next more important step is to choose your sealer based on the type of tile or stone you have. There are a variety of dealers in Home Depot and any home improvement store. Be sure to read the Labels or ask the store assistants to specify which sealers work best with marble, stone, ceramic tiles, and how much moisture the sealer can resist based on the location of surface, be it high moisture area or low moisture area such as a kitchen backsplash. There are two main type of sealer.
- Penetrating sealers:These type of sealers are the best choice for use in damp areas, such as bathrooms, especially showers. Penetrating sealers use a water or mineral spirit base that lets the formula’s tiny particles of latex or silicone penetrate the granular structure of the grout. As the porous grout absorbs the sealer, the particles of latex and silicone fill in all the gaps, keeping moisture out.
- Membrane-forming sealers: Create a coating on the surface of the grout that resists water permeation. These sealers work well in the kitchen but should not be used in the bathroom; membrane-forming sealers won’t allow water that’s trapped underneath the tile to evaporate, which, in a swampy shower, could lead to mildew. These sealers also often feature pigments, so you can change the grout color. While membrane-forming sealers are good for unglazed tile like stone, they won’t adhere to glazed tiles, such as most ceramics.
STEP 3: Choose your sealer applicator.
Choosing the applicator tool and the method of applying the sealer depends on the area, surface and lines of grout. Although aerosol spray-on sealers are commonly used for reasons of convenience, there are a few cases in which they may not be the best choice for your project:
● If you have very thin grout lines and unsealed tiles, a sponge allows you to seal larger sections of your bathroom (walls or floors) easily by wiping over both surfaces at once.
● For glazed tiles where sealer won’t adhere, you’ll need to seal only the grout lines using an applicator brush or specialty applicator bottle.
NOTE that whichever tool you choose, read the manufacturer’s directions on how to seal grout before you begin.
STEP 4: Apply sealer slowly and deliberately.
Be sure to apply the sealer in small area at a time. Working methodically will ensure that your grout lines will look more consistent, and your sealer will provide better protection. Make sure to keep a dry cloth close by to wipe off the excess sealer, you’ll want to remove sealer from the tile before it starts to dry within five to seven minutes of application so that you’re not left with a foggy film that’s nearly impossible to remove.
STEP 5: Apply a second coat of sealer.
Generally speaking, it takes one to three coats of sealer to achieve adequate protection. Once you’re done with the first coat, let it dry for an hour before applying a second.
After the second coat dries, test the surface with a few drops of water. The liquid should bead up into droplets; if not, apply a third coat to ensure quality results.
At the final step let your surface tile to dry 24 to 48 hours to cure; check the manufacturer’s directions on how to seal grout to be certain. While it may be inconvenient to keep a room off-limits for a day or two, remind yourself how convenient it will be the next time you clean your grout.
Disclaimer:
This guide is for DIY projects only, Please read carefully the instructions on any sealers you buy and consult your local sealer dealer for the type of tile or stone you are using the sealer on, to prevent any damage or discoloration of tiles or stones you are sealing.
Please use personal protective equipment such as gloves, mask or goggles to protect yourself from any unnecessary affects of the sealer.
