Best Sealer to Use for Non-Sanded Grout?

5 years ago

My bathroom has porcelain tile on the floor/walls, sanded grout on the floor, and non-sanded grout on the walls.

I'm thinking of using the Miracle 511 Impregnator to seal both tile and grout but read that it's only for sanded grout, so not sure what to do about sealing the non-sanded grout in the bathroom.

Any recommendations for a great non-sanded grout sealer?

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (5)

PRO
Dragonfly Tile & Stone Works, Inc.
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
This is a seminar and I won't go into that kind of breadth or depth on this subject. Basically, four things to consider regarding sealant: 1) use of the space - high traffic?; 2) color of grout; 3) type of grout; 4) type of sealer. Most sealers are not impenetrable and do breathe. Their purpose is to aid in the cleaning, not to make cleaning unnecessary. I would not rely on HGTV (both of your sources were actually quoting some HGTV guy) and a carpet cleaning company for information on this. If you get a room full of real professionals together who have been doing this work for decades, I'm doubtful you will find agreement with your referred sources conclusions. Seal on but rely on manufacturer recommendations and those of your qualified tile professional to determine the best sealer (and grout) for your application. Now, from afar and in general terms, your question about a non-sanded grout sealer. Have you already grouted it? If you haven't, then Laticrete Select non-sanded grout does not require sealant. If you have already grouted it, then we might recommend Miracle Porous Plus (use it in well ventilated area as it is petroleum based). Van Herron Stain Guard is fine too (do a couple coats if you use that). Our opinion but we base these decisions on all the things mentioned above on our own projects. I just realized that you changed your post and my response is based on the previous post you had up.
James Lee thanked Dragonfly Tile & Stone Works, Inc.
James Lee
Original Author
5 years ago
Yes I reworded the other post to be clearer. Greatly appreciate your very informative comment!
Related Discussions
Best grout sealer for glazed ceramic tile?
Q
Comments (7)
There was a problem a few years back with a spray sealer from Tile Perfect being sold thru Home Depot. Even before an health problems surfaced, I wasn't crazy about the idea of a spray sealer for a couple of reasons. First, they say you can get it on the tile-- it doesn't hurt it, that it evaporates off. If that's the case, then how can it evaporate off the tile, and not the grout? Secondly, like Jayco, I didn't care for the idea of breathing that crap. I didn't need almost 70 people to go to the hospital, and two to die before I realised it wasn't a good thing. Now, for legality sake, I have to add that those people allegedly went to the hospital because of a chemical that was added to the sealer and shouldn't have. But there are enough other chemicals in them to still make me personally shy away from them.
...See More
Non Sanded epoxy grout color Bone - anyone use it
Q
Comments (3)
Thank you so much for the info and advice. My tile is 18x18 in kitchen and living area. We will either use unsanded bone from Home Depot, or classic ivory from floor and decor. Your opinion is welcome on either of these products. Have been upset with the installer. He was suppose to use ceramaflex over hydrorite. Instead, he used a quick set in the kitchen over hydrorite and upon protest, he used ceramaflex and hydrorite in the rest of the area. Though highly recommended, he has tried to rush the job. Now the problem is using light grout over the gray adhesives. I would have fired him but have no time to find another installer. This condo is in the Galveston area so there are few choices. I was happy to know that the grout color is pretty close to the powder color when it's dry. Have you used Classic Ivory from Floor and Decor. Made by Great Northern. Thanks again.
...See More
sanded or non-sanded grout
Q
Comments (3)
if you use non-sanded for 1/8" grout lines, over a shoort period of time, there is very high likelihood that you'll see "cracks" develop between tiles and the grout. Like the next day. it IS possible to use unsanded grout for 1/8" grout joints, but it's not adviseable. You'll end up regrouting atleast once, and maybe twice because of pinholes and shrinkage cracks, as well as sunken joints due to shrinkage. The rule is actually anything LESS than 1/8" gets unsanded, and anything 1/8" or more gets sanded grout. One last comment-- if you're husband wants to set that tumbled marble with an 1/8" joint, he's GOT to be some kind of masochist!! I wouldn't even try that in my own house, much less a customer's!! The stone CAN vary by as much as 3/16", and regularly DOES vary by as much as an 1/8". You go with an 1/8" grout joint, and you'll be throwing alot of stones out because they're too big, and you'll be having many butt joints, as well as strong 1/8" joints throughout. This is why it's adviseable that you use a 1/4" joint.... ATLEAST 3/16".
...See More
BAD Tile job...Used sanded instead of non-sanded grout
Q
Comments (5)
The width of the tile joint determines the grout type. Sanded grout holds better in joints, and unsanded is only used as a last resort as it has no body and will shrink and pull away when used in too large joints. Better still is the new grouts with the microfine aggregates that can go into the small joints or large. It isn’t your $8 a bag cheap box store crapola though. If you want to view your job from the viewpoint of industry standards, start here. This is the industry bible, with all of the standards laid out in black and white with diagrams. https://www.tcnatile.com/products-and-services/publications/218-english-publications/188-handbook/957-2018-tcna-handbook-for-ceramic-glass-and-stone-tile-installation.html But. You should have hired an installer who owns a copy and knows all of that. Did you follow these steps when hiring? https://www.ceramictilefoundation.org/homeowners-guide-to-hiring-qualified-tile-installer
...See More
Mariana
5 years ago
@Dragonfly would you recommend 511 Porous Plus Sealant by Miracle Sealants for marble with Polyblend grout in bright white? My contractor recommended using this in various bathrooms, (powder room floor, hallway bath floor, master bath floor and steam shower (floor and walls).

These are the tiles we are using

powder room and hallway bath floor:

https://www.thebuilderdepot.com/cvp1x2bskgd.html?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIwcLu9_y93wIVSx6GCh1O8gZvEAQYASABEgKYNvD_BwE

Master bath floor and steam shower walls and floor:

https://www.annsacks.com/products/tile-stone-mosaic/eastern-white-field-tile

Thanks in advance!
PRO
Dragonfly Tile & Stone Works, Inc.
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
Yes. And your contractor would know that you buff it out immediately after use, not allowing it to dry or build up on the surface. It will work well for your choices. You just can't let it sit there.
Mariana
5 years ago
@Dragonfly Tile & Stone Works, Inc.

Thank you very much for your response! I am happy to hear it is a good choice for our tile selection. I really appreciate it!

Related Stories

REMODELING GUIDES 9 Ways Grout–Yes, Grout–Can Add to Your Design

By Paul Anater

Choose From a Palette of Grout Colors for a Warm, Unified Look

Full Story

BATHROOM DESIGN What Grout Color Should You Choose for Your Tile?

By Toronto Interior Design Group

More than an afterthought, the right grout contributes to your tile scheme by creating a cohesive, eye-catching unit

Full Story

128

TILE Epoxy vs. Cement Grout — What's the Difference?

By By Any Design Ltd.

Grout is grout, right? Nope. Cement and epoxy versions have different appearances, durability and rules of installation

Full Story

157

HOUSEKEEPING How to Clean Grout — Stains and All

By Meg Padgett

If your grout is grossing you out, this deep-cleaning method will help it look new again

Full Story

174

TILE 3 Key Steps for Grouting That Looks Its Best

By By Any Design Ltd.

Get your grout right to keep your tile beautiful and for an installation that will last

Full Story

BATHROOM TILE Quick Fix: Repair Cracked Bathroom Grout

By Meg Padgett

Banish an eyesore and safeguard your bathroom from water damage in 30 minutes or less with this DIY repair

Full Story

By Bryan Anthony

See how grout in 7 eye-catching colors is spicing up kitchens and bathrooms abroad

Full Story

299

KITCHEN DESIGN Wonderful Wood Countertops for Kitchen and Bath

By Pangaea Interior Design, Portland, OR

Yes, you can enjoy beautifully warm wood counters near water sans worry (almost), with the right type of wood and sealer

Full Story

152

CURB APPEAL How to Reseal Your Asphalt Driveway

By Christine Tusher

Protect your driveway and keep it looking great by applying new sealer every couple of years. Get the details here

Full Story

HOUSEKEEPING Houzz Call: Tell Us Your Family Cleaning Secret

By Erin Carlyle

Please share your family’s tricks for polishing floors, cleaning grout and keeping windows sparkling

Full Story

Best Sealer to Use for Non-Sanded Grout?

Comments (5)

Dragonfly Tile & Stone Works, Inc.

James Lee
Original Author

Related Discussions

Mariana

Dragonfly Tile & Stone Works, Inc.

Mariana

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US

Best Sealer to Use for Non-Sanded Grout?

Comments (5)

Dragonfly Tile & Stone Works, Inc.

James LeeOriginal Author

Related Discussions

Mariana

Dragonfly Tile & Stone Works, Inc.

Mariana

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US

James Lee
Original Author