Check the manufacturer specifications, but yes, crackle tile must be sealed and most manufacturers don't seal the tile for you. Good luck! Can't wait to see the install images.

I emailed Encore regarding sealing. Here's the response I received:

"I would use any good quality penetrating sealer or get a recommendation from your installer. They usually have an opinion on the latest and greatest products. I would also take care to follow the cleaning instructions on the sealer's label. If you use the wrong thing to clean the tile, it won't hurt the material, but the sealer will break down more quickly.
Encore is one of the most durable products out there, so you are safe. We say to seal, merely for cleaning purposes."
Okay, so I got this great advice but then forgot to ask the installer what type of sealant he used. I haven't done much cooking yet but did manage to splash spaghetti sauce all over - cleaned up just fine.

I've got Sonoma crackle tile. I don't know if they seal it at the factory. I told my tile guys that it was supposed to be sealed first so that grout didn't migrate through the sides into the crackle. They said okay. However, I'm not confident they actually did seal it. It all appeared to be coming out of the boxes as it had arrived.

After grouting was done, I remember sealing the grout but I can't remember if I sealed the surface of the tile itself.

Anyway, no grout migration into the crackles and no stains of any kind on the surface. I'm not a sauce-slinger, but occasionally something will splatter on the tile. It's really trouble-free.

Thanks for the feedback everyone, especially the scoop from Encore directly. I will definitely have my installer seal the tile.

Crackle tile needs sealing?? Ack!

(My Fireclay samples--even the crackle--passed the ketchup test. And I did smack it hard to break the glaze before the test. However...yikes. I'm looking at countertop tile! Maybe crackle is not such a good idea.)

For I, do you realize how easy it is to apply seal sealer?

I installed a different brand of crackle tile--Horus--and tried to seal. The first product I purchased to seal the type really didn't work. I ended up calling the manufacturers of the different sealing products to see which of their products would actually work as a sealant on crackle tile.

By the way, the darker colored grouts will seep into the crackle lines if you are looking for that light/dark contrast look.

Look at this thread which pertains to sealing crackle tiles.

http://ths.gardenweb.com/forums/load/kitchbath/msg100950106221.html?8