pricklypearcactus, why is no sealer needed on white porcelain tile with white grout? Is it different from white ceramic tiles? Hope I haven't misinterpreted your comment. Watching this thread as I like white tile with white grout. I also saw one on Houzz done with white subways with Silverado grout which added a subtle depth in a lovely kitchen. Here is a link that might be useful: [Silverado grout:[(https://www.houzz.com/discussions/what-is-the-backsplash-is-it-ripple-and-what-brand-please-dsvw-vd~232215)

Regular ceramic tile does not need to be sealed, unless it is porous or has a crackle finish. However, unless you use epoxy grout, the grout needs to be sealed. Seal it after installation and letting it dry thoroughly (but before you use it and risk getting it dirty). Check the grout manufacturer's information on sealing. Stone tile needs to be sealed before it's grouted, and then can be sealed again when the grout is sealed. You need to seal the face of stone tile so the grout doesn't stick to it, but you don't want to seal the sides because there you DO want the grout to stick. We've used the Miracle 511 sealers on our backsplash and floor tile, and it seems fine. However, none of our grout is white, so maybe someone who has white grout can say if it is OK.

I'm not sure how I came across this post, I think it was displayed on the right side and I clicked on it being intrigued by the tile making. I was at one time interested in working with papercrete and hypertufa. But after enlisting my brother, who wasn't as enthusiastic, and my niece, who poured cement down my laundry room sink, which original to the house had lasted 70 years, and ruining three blenders, my interest waned. True to form, if I come upon difficulty in a project, I think of it as a sign for me not to continue. And really, after all these years of trying various crafts that result in crap, I should know better. I also should have known better than to ask my brother, who always says it can't be done to any of my unique design ideas. And I should have known better than to ask my niece, who once stayed up all night before having to drive to LA for an art show, cutting mat after mat after measuring once, twice, sometimes ten times, but always coming out with the wrong size. I think we both have math dyslexia. I should video us trying anything crafty to see where we go wrong. I think both of us having ADHD might have something to do with it. Sorry for the backstory and run on sentences. So, I just wanted to see if you continued with your venture. And to say sorry for whatever tragedy occurred to cause you to have to move to Florida. Not that there is anything wrong with Florida, but it isn't Panama. Which is one of my favorite places in the western hemisphere. I hope no one is upset that I brought up a seven year old post.

"Crackle" refers to an accelerated process of crazing of the glaze. If you're asking whether the tile is as durable (stain resistant) as un-crazed tile, of course it's not, but then backsplash tile doesn't have to be incredibly durable, really. Some crackle tiles have to be sealed before they are installed, but you will have to read the installation specs to know whether your tile will need this extra step. Most crackle tiles, tile and grout, should be sealed annually to remain stain free. Encore Ceramics produces a very popular, and much GW-beloved crackle tile that, if memory serves, is not outrageously priced. Good luck!