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To Seal or Not To Seal - That is the $4 Question

7 years ago

We have full bodied polished porcelain in chocolate brown - super shiny and
reflective. We have been told conflicting information as to whether the tile
needs to be sealed. I have googled this question and everyone makes convincing
arguments either way - so I thought there may be a way to determine the quality
of my tile and if sealing it would be more beneficial than not. Is there a way
to test a spare tile to see if it absorbs and will stain over time?

Do I
need to seal this type of tile (all my other tile is glazed so not an issue - I
think). If so, when to seal - after cleaned but before grout? Seal both grout
and tile at the same time? What is a good brand of sealant (live in the chilly
white north - otherwise known as Canada)

Thanks for any great advice - I
have red wine in hand thinking if I pour that on and wait a few hours I may have
a reason to seal - or it is all hoopla and my tile is this impregnable armor of
protection and strength and I should just drink the red wine instead while I
admire its shine and fortitude.

BTW the tile is made in China by Mac
Pacific - not sure if that screams quality or not - but it IS super pretty and shiny!

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Comment (1)

PRO
Carpet One Columbia
7 years ago
All polished porcelain has tiny microscopic open pores as a result of grinding the product to achieve the shiny surface. Use a penetrating sealer (only 1 thin coat), apply it with a cloth or sponge (circular motion - like Danielson), after you have thoroughly cleaned the floor after installation. Penetrating sealers do not affect the appearance or slip resistance of the tile and you usually only need to do it once. Remember, thin coat, no pooling. Dupont Stonetec, Custom Tile Lab & Aqua Mix, Miracle Sealants are all brands that are good and available off the shelf in most home centers or flooring stores. You may contact the vendor you purchased from - Care and maintenance information should always accompany a flooring purchase and is customarily part of the deal.
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