Do I need to seal grout on porcelain tiles

muskoka

I'm currently having porcelain tiles fitted in kitchen by 'professional'. Using standard grey grout as far as I know. However, tiler is telling me that I should seal the grout?? Usually my husband would lay floor tiles, but hes getting past it now, so we got a professional in this time. Hubby never, ever sealed the grout before and it was fine. Do we need to seal the grout please?? never heard of that before. Thanks

BertieUK

I have used tile grout on porcelain tiles and it worked at treat.

Look at this site to give you some ideas of what I used from Topps Tiles

Hope this will help you decide.:)

http://www.toppstiles.co.uk/tprod131/section1162/Fila-Grout-Protector-500ML.html?utm_source=google-shopping&gclid=CNmYrbv7hbUCFW3KtAodbmsABw

muskoka

ok thank you, but maybe I didnt explain myself properly. The tiles themselves dont need sealing (according to fitter), but fitter has suggested that I seal the grout ... do I need to seal the grout is my question. Thank you

tpt

Its an optional thing but can be a good idea in a kitchen. Some of the more modern\trade grouts are micro porous and so resist stains quite well but sealing it is never going to be a bad thing. its something you can do yourself, but is a little tedious. You'd need to spend £10-20 on sealer so it really depends what he's proposing to charge you but he could be giving good advice\service.

Porcelain needs sealing unless its a glazed porcelain or its nano polished.

tesuhoha

The grout should be waterproof anyway. You can buy a grout protector from Topps tiles which prevents mould and stains.

Ask your tiler if your grout is waterproof. If it is not, it is no good.

muskoka

ok, I just asked him. Simplest thing I guess. Yes, hes using waterproof grout. I just saw him using adhesive, and wondered why hes suggested I seal the grout. But, hes not grouted yet, but has shown me the product, which is def waterproof. I asked him very nicely and it hasnt offended him, so thats ok. Thanks all

hebridean

Definately seal the floor. I just moved into a new house four months ago, and was told by the tiler that it wasn't necessary to seal the floor. Wrong, as the grout in the kitchen area is stained in places. I bought a few tins of Lithofin MN Stain Stop which i'll be applying in the Summer as the underfloor heating has to be switched of before using it.

southcoastrgi

as tpt said natural stone tiles should be sealed BEFORE they are grouted, if they aren't then the grout can stain the tiles & i always seal after grouting as well (so two coats), fila will last longer than lithofin

tpt

the waterproof grout thing is a complete red herring.

Waterproof grout doesnt stop water passing through it, it just doesnt break down when it comes into contact with water. All grout (apart from epoxy) is absorbent to some extent. The only way to ensure it wont stain is to seal it.