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Learning Forum

Sealer for Ceramic Tile  Facts & Considerations

A sealer is a liquid coat applied to the porous surface of the tile or grout to protect them. Usually sealers are used to protect unglazed tiles and grouts from absorbing stains.

Types

 

Penetrating Sealer: Absorbed into the tile or grout, forming a stain resistant shield just below the surface.

Surface Sealer: Are coated on the top of the tile and grout. It forms a non-porous, stain resistant sealant.

Important Considerations

 

  • Most ceramic and porcelain tiles do not need to be sealed, but some do require a light application to fill micro pores

  • All unglazed, dense porcelains should be sealed prior to grouting

  • Highly absorbent tiles, like handmade Saltillo tiles, must be permanently sealed with either a penetrating or surface sealer

  • Use only penetrating sealers on dense, unglazed tiles

  • Follow your distributor’s recommendations as well as reading the instructions on the product itself

Ceramic Tiles – Important Characteristics

  • Durable

  • Slip/Skid & Stain Resistant

  • Water Absorption

  • Abrasion Resistance

  • Frost Resistance

  • Fire Resistance

  • Dirt Resistance

  • Color Permanence

  • Does not retain antigens or allergens easily

Color Shade Variation Grading

V1-Uniform Appearance: Minimal to no difference among pieces from the same production run because each ceramic tile is manufactured using the same glaze applications and body texture.

 

V2-Slight Variation: Distinguishable differences in texture and/or pattern within similar colors.

 

V3-Moderate Variation: Though the colors present in a single piece of ceramic tile may indicate the colors to be expected on other tiles, the amount of colors on each piece might vary significantly.

 

V4-Random or Dramatic Variation: Random color variation from tile to tile, so that one ceramic tile may have a totally different color from that on other tiles. Thus, the final installation will be unique.

How is Porcelain Tile Rated for Moisture Absorption?

 

Water absorption rates are a measurement of how much moisture a specific type of porcelain tile is likely to absorb on an ongoing basis. Some types of tile may crack if the moisture penetration is too high. Descriptions of the types of porcelain tile most suitable for your project comprise of four ratings, and are classified as under:

 

Non-vitreous (Low dense): Tile with water absorption of more than 7.0 percent Semi-vitreous (Medium dense): Tile with water

 

absorption of more than 3.0 percent, but not more than 7.0 percent

Vitreous (High Dense): Tile with water absorption of more than 0.5 percent, but not more than 3.0 percent

 

Impervious (Extremely Dense): Tile with water absorption of 0.5 percent or less. This is where porcelain tile is categorized

Cleaning Ceramic Tile

Ceramic tiles have gained popularity because of their cheap maintenance and easy day-to-day cleaning. Ceramic tile is a surface that is resistant to build up and does not retain dust, residues, germs, pollen, liquids, absorb fumes, odors or smoke. Usually a damp cloth is all that’s required. Clean on a weekly basis, at least. Use a neutral pH cleaner that is NOT acidic or an alkaline solution.

Initial Cleaning (Soon After Installation)

 

The most important procedure when cleaning ceramic tiles is done immediately after the tile has set. This involves the complete removal of grout residue and construction dirt from the newly installed tile. Scrub with mild detergent and later rinse thoroughly. It is important to remove all rinse water through wet vacuuming or dry toweling. Grout manufacturers provide direction for such cleaning, and these instructions should be followed closely.

 

Cleaning Stains

In the event of ceramic tile stains it is always a good idea to rinse the tiles with a solution consisting of a quarter cup of mild detergent mixed with approximately one gallon of water. Use a sponge to soak up the solvent and apply it to the stain-affected areas. Finally, use a dry towel to carefully buff the tile.

 

For stubborn stains, a paste of scouring powder and water can be applied. The paste must stay in place for 5 to 10 minutes prior to rinsing it off with a nylon pad.

How Is Porcelain Tile Rated For Hardness?

The following information is according to the Porcelain Enamel Institute’s guide to rate the overall durability of porcelain and ceramic tile:

 

GROUP 0: Tiles are unsuitable for floors, generally wall tiles.

 

GROUP 1 or PEI 1: Tiles are suitable only for locations where softer footwear is worn or where shoes are not frequently used. Also can be used for interior commercial and residential walls.

 

GROUP 2 or PEI 2: Tiles are suited for general residential traffic. For areas that are walked on by soft soled or normal footwear with very small amounts of scratching dirt. Not for kitchen, entrance halls, stairs and other areas subjected to heavy traffic.

 

GROUP 3 or PEI 3: Tiles are suited for all residential and light commercial areas such as offices, reception areas, boutiques, interior walls, countertops and residential bathroom floors. Not recommended for commercial entryway.

 

GROUP 4 or PEI 4: Tiles are suited for regular traffic. Recommended for medium commercial and light institutional use, such as restaurants, hotels, hospital lobbies and corridors.

 

GROUP 5 or PEI 5: Tiles are suitable for areas with heavy traffic, abrasive dirt and moisture, and where safety and maximum performance are required.

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