At Strassburger Tile Perfection, we’re the experts in servicing tile showers. Making sure your shower is properly sealed and waterproofed is essential to ensuring that it lasts, and tile sealants are key in this process.
What Is A Tile Sealant?
Tile sealant is a liquid that is applied to the surface of your tile and grout which protects the surface from oxidation, natural deterioration, and daily wear. Sealants are mandatory for tiles that are unglazed, whether they are marble, travertine, or other natural stone. Manmade tiles like ceramic or porcelain should not be sealed as they are impervious to water, just don’t forget the grout.
What Type Of Tile Sealant Should I Choose?
There are two main types of tile sealants to choose from: penetrating and surface.
Penetrating sealants are absorbed into the tile and grout and form a kind of shield that soaks into the tile’s surface. This type of sealant does not typically change the appearance of the tile.
Penetrating enhancing sealants are also absorbed into the tile and grout forming the same type of shield, but they will enhance or darken the stone & grout.
Surface sealants sit on the surface of the tile and form a non-porous, stain-resistant seal.
Surface topical sealants tend to enhance the colour of the tile and add a slight sheen or even a high gloss finish, depending on which type you choose.
What To Consider When Sealing Your Tile
It may be best to have a professional seal your tile and grout so that you know it has been applied properly. While not all tiles need to be sealed, applying a sealant to some natural stone shower tiles adds a necessary layer of protection from moisture, mould, and mildew which is important for bathrooms. Unglazed, denser tiles like porcelain should only be sealed with a penetrating sealant, while highly absorbent tiles can be sealed with either type of sealant.
Shower tiles & grout should always be sealed immediately after cured installation — but we know that some shower installation companies may skip this step, or will seal the shower with a low-quality sealant.
Always be careful when sealing older tiles, and be sure to clean them properly to remove any soap scum, calcium, lime, mould or mildew that might have taken hold over time. If you don’t perform a thorough cleaning, mould can continue to grow beneath the sealant.
At Strassburger Tile Perfection, we can help you with all of your shower tile service, cleaning, and sealing needs. Contact us today.
