Grout Protective Sealers

Why should I seal my grout?

Answer: Simple…cement grout is very porous and will absorb liquids with the possibility of permanently staining your grout. By applying a high quality sealer, usually a Penetrating Sealer, and in some cases an Enhancing Sealer, you have now lessened your grouts porosity making it more difficult for liquids to be absorbed causing a possible permanent stain. Sealing your grout also assists in keeping your grout looking new when proper cleaning programs are applied.

Key points to keep in mind:

  • Sealers allow your grouts to be “stain resistant” NOT STAIN PROOF.
  • However, I do have greater success getting out a stain from a grout that has been sealed verses a grout that has never been sealed.
  • Sealers also buy you time to clean up spills…reducing the chance of staining.
  • If someone claims “stain proof” – get it in writing that they will replace more than a bottle of sealer if your grout does stain.
  • Some grout companies claim their grout alone is stain resistant or stain – proof… refer to warning in above bullet point. (They usually still, in fine print, tell you to seal your grout)
  • Avoid using acidic cleaners or those with harsh chemicals as these will break down your sealer in a very short period of time with continual use.
  • Consult SDSC technician for proper cleaning products and methods.

When is the best time to Seal my grout?

  • New Installations – Immediately after installation. (Most grout companies require 3-5 days after grout has been installed)
  • Tile & Grout – After Restoration Cleaning
  • All Natural Stone – After Restoration Cleaning

Are not all sealers equally effective regardless of the price?”

Answer: No!!! Here is what I have learned in the 22 plus years in the industry… you get what you pay for when it comes to sealers. (You will be able to find an excellent sealer probably between $100.00 – $150.00 a gallon)

Key points to keep in mind:

  • $20.00 a gallon … $100.00 gallon…which one will protect the best?
  • What was the cost of you installation? $5.00 ft. $10.00 ft. more? Sealer Cost: .20 – .50 ft. a $1.00 ft for product and installation…seems like cheap insurance to me.
  • If you’re cleaning & sealing equals the cost of another companies cleaning alone… ask questions, tell them you want to know the sealer manufactures name.
  • There are very good sealers at big box stores … again, you will get what you pay for.

How long can I expect my sealer to last?

Answer: This is the number one question I get asked about sealers.

Key points to keep in mind:

  • Manufacturers offer the “warranties” or longevity statements to their products not the installation. I have yet to hear of an installer fixing, replacing, or doing anything when it comes to sealer problems…
  • Ask questions… these warranty & longevity statements may not mean what you think they mean.

Basically it goes something like this:

  • Sealer bottle says 1-3-5-10-15-20 year warranty (20 years that’s incredible)
  • They will last this long…“Depending” on yad yad yad … yad yad yad… marketing, marketing, marketing…(This one is for my good friend Norm… I remember marketing is not a bad word, marketing is not a bad word.)
  • Don’t get me wrong … I am a big advocate of using proper sealers from reputable manufactures and applying a sealer to almost every project I am on!

Reality is:

  • Was the sealer applied properly?… if yes most high end sealers will last 1-3 years in high traffic areas with a proper maintenance program.
  • I do not believe one can expect a sealer to be very effective if it has been wiped on and wiped off immediately.
  • Same sealers may last 5-10 and yes even 20 years if it is in an area that has absolutely not exposure to life!
  • However, do not be put off because your sealer did not meet the bottle expected years of effectiveness…or because of a few sarcastic remarks… even re-sealing every 1-3 years is still a very economical process to invest in your Tile or Stone project.

Four Types of Sealers to Choose From:

  • Penetrating Sealer (Most common – Natural Look – Excellent Protection)
  • Enhancing Sealers (Penetrating Sealer that increases natural colors of material – Some limitations apply)
  • Topical Sealers (Matte & Gloss Coating with very limited application – Ask SDSC for details)
  • Color Seal (Applies to New or Restored Grout Only – Keep existing or change grout color while adding an excellent protective sealer)