2 Simple Ways to Seal Tile Grout At Home

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posted on 13 years ago — updated on 1 second ago

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Penetrating grout sealers help prevent staining and prevent grease from seeping into the grout, while other non-penetrating grout sealers form a barrier to protect the grout from water and stains. These products are advised for natural stone, ceramic and porcelain tile grout that are in bathrooms and kitchens. This article will tell you how to apply grout sealer.

Steps

Using Liquid Grout Sealer

Allow new grout to cure for 48 to 72 hours before sealing. Existing grout should be cleaned and dried before resealing. Make sure grout lines aren't cracked, chipped, or otherwise compromised before treating with a sealant. If they are, touch up grout and wait the requisite 48 to 72 hours before sealing.

Tape off baseboards and other nearby surfaces. It is important to tape off these other surfaces to prevent unintentional staining.

Apply sealer using a foam paint brush, paint pad or a small roller. Coat the grout lines, making sure you cover the grout joints completely. If the sealer gets on the tile, take a damp cloth and wipe the sealer off.

Wait 5 to 15 minutes to allow the first coat to soak into the grout. Apply the second coat and wait another 5 to 15 minutes.

Start wiping the sealer off after 5 minutes. Use a clean, dry color appropriate towel. Use water and a white nylon pad or any clean cloth to scrub residue from dried grout sealant on tiles.

Allow the grout sealer to cure. Most sealers are dry to walk on in 2-5 hours. Keep anything that can stain the grout away for 72 hours. A full sealer cure is usually achieved in 24 to 48 hours.

Test the grout sealant. Test the effectiveness of the grout sealant by flicking a few drops of water onto the grout line. An effective grout sealant will cause the water to puddle on top of the grout. If the grout absorbs the water, reapply sealer. Try this at various locations on the grout lines.

Using Aerosol Grout Sealers

Shake the grout sealer can for at least a minute before using. Turn the can around and point the nozzle at the grout line to be sealed.

Press the nozzle and dispense sealant. Make sure to dispense the sealant from 10 to 15 inches (25 to 38 cm) away from the grout lines. Follow each grout line.

Wipe off excess sealant from tile with a clean cloth. The cloth can be dampened with warm water to remove dried sealant. Unlike liquid grout sealers, spray grout sealers can be removed right after application. Make sure that you never apply grout sealer to the surface of an unglazed tile. It will never come out of the tile.