If you’ve ever grouted a tile floor, you know that it’s not an easy job. It can be challenging to get the grout lines to look perfect. Once you’ve completed the job, the last thing you want to do is have to do it again. That’s why it’s essential to understand the process of sealing grout.
While it’s tempting to skip this process, sealing your grout isn’t an optional step.
Sealing grout is a must because it helps protect the grout from dirt, stains, and moisture. Unsealed grout is much more likely to crack or crumble over time.
If you notice that your grout is starting to look dirty or faded, then sealing it can be a way to protect it and extend its life. You’ll also need to reseal your grout every few years to keep it looking its best.
However, some types of grout don’t need sealant. These include epoxy grout, urethane grout, and siliconized acrylic grout.
Grouts That Don’t Need a Sealant
Tile grouts are known for their susceptibility to staining and moisture. Other people think that sealants should be applied after the grout to protect it from these elements. However, some grout does not need sealants to remain to look great for many years.
Here are the grout types that do not require a sealant and how to choose the right one for your project. So, if you are looking for a hassle-free option, read on!
Epoxy Grout Exemption
One of the benefits of epoxy grout is that it does not need sealing. It is a grout made from a mixture of epoxy resins and fillers. Epoxy grout is a type of grout used in commercial and industrial settings. This grout is ideal for high-traffic areas because it is more durable than regular grout.
It is also resistant to chemicals, mold, and mildew, making it a choice for wet or humid environments. While epoxy grout does have many benefits, it is essential to note that it is also harder to work with than regular grout. It is essential to be familiar with a product you are using before carrying on a DIY project.
If you decide to use Epoxy grout, you can buy it at most hardware stores or online retailers.
Urethane Grout Exemption
It’s a newer type of grout made from polyurethane. Urethane grout is flexible, making it less likely to crack than other types of grout.
It’s also a good choice for areas prone to moisture because of its resistance to water and mildew.
You can apply this grout both indoors and outdoors. One of the most common uses is to fill in the gaps between tiles or stones.
Like epoxy grout, it is strong and durable, making it ideal for areas that receive a lot of foot traffic.
Another use for urethane grout is to fill in cracks in concrete. This material can be injected into the cracks using a special pump, and once it dries, it will create a seal that will prevent water from seeping.
As a result, urethane grout can help to extend the life of concrete surfaces.
Siliconized Acrylic Grout Exemption
Siliconized acrylic grout is a versatile product for different applications. It is for filling the gaps between tiles and a water-resistant seal that helps prevent mold and mildew growth.
You can also use it to repair cracked or damaged tile and fill in holes or cracks in concrete surfaces. In addition, siliconized acrylic grout can create custom designs on floors or walls.
With its versatility and easy-to-use application, siliconized acrylic grout is an essential product for any do-it-yourselfer.
Different Types of Sealing Grout
There are different types of sealing grout, but the most common are, penetrating sealers, topical sealers, and color enhancers.
Penetrating Sealers
Siliconized acrylic grout is a type of grout that contains silicone, which gives it several advantages over traditional grouts.
One of the benefits of siliconized acrylic grout is that it does not need sealing. You can save time and effort when grouting your tile floors or walls when using this sealing grout.
Siliconized acrylic grout is also more resistant to staining and mildew, so it will stay looking clean longer.
In addition, this type of grout is less likely to crack or chip, making it a good choice for areas that see a lot of traffic. If you want to have that seamless finish look, you should select a siliconized acrylic sealer of the same color as your tiles.
Topical Sealers
Topical sealers are applied to the surface of the grout and act as a barrier to help protect against stains.
They do not, however, actually penetrate the grout itself. Because of this, they will need regular application – generally every six to twelve months – to maintain their effectiveness.
When choosing a topical sealer, make sure you select a compatible type of grout from your sealant. For example, if you have natural stone tile, you need to use a sealer designed for stone.
You can buy topical sealant in your local home improvement store.
Tutorial on How to Seal Grout
It’s not hard to do it yourself, but it is essential to do it correctly. If you don’t seal the grout properly, it can become stained and damaged over time. Here’s a guide on how to apply a grout sealant.
Materials:
- Grout sealant
- Grout sponge
- Bucket
- Mop or rag
Instructions:
Mix the Grout Sealant
Before you begin, it is essential to mix the grout sealant according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
It will ensure that the grout sealant is activated and provide the best possible results. Once the grout sealant is mixed, you can apply it to the grout line.
Apply the Sealant
Start at one end of the line and work your way toward the other, using a sponge to spread the sealant evenly. Be sure to apply a generous amount of grout sealant, as this will help fill any voids in the grout and prevent future staining.
Be sure to work the sealant into all of the cracks and crevices.
Remove the Excess
After applying your sealant, it is essential to remove any excess. Otherwise, you could end up with a sticky mess that attracts dirt and dust.
The best way to remove excess sealant is with a mop or rag. Wipe away the excess until the surface is smooth.
Allow It to Dry
Once you’ve applied the sealant to your surfaces, allow it to dry completely before using the area. Depending on the product you’ve used, this can take a few hours to a full day.
Check the manufacturer’s instructions to know how long you’ll need to wait. In general, it’s better to err on the side of caution and give the sealant ample time to dry.
This help ensures that it forms a strong bond with the surface and provides optimal protection.
Do You Need to Seal Grout: Final Thoughts
Sealing grout is vital in protecting your tile installation from staining and moisture damage. Certain types of grouts don’t need to be sealed such as urethane group, epoxy group, and siliconized acrylic grout.
However, for the most part, it is recommended that you apply a grout sealant to help protect your surfaces from damage. If you follow the steps outlined above, it should be relatively easy to apply a grout sealant and extend the life of your tile installation.
