Ask the Tile Experts: Should You Seal Your Porcelain Tiles?
To seal or not to seal? It’s something homeowners often ask when installing porcelain tiles in their home.
Google it, and you’ll find plenty of conflicting views on the subject.
Some would say you should seal your porcelain tiles, while others would say you don’t need to seal them since they have very low absorption rates.
Whose opinion you should trust and whose opinion you shouldn’t… to clear this confusion, we asked the tile installation experts at The Tile Guys.
This is what they had to say:
“It depends on the type of porcelain tile you’re using…”
Basically, there are three types of porcelain tiles available in market. You have unglazed tiles, polished tiles and glazed porcelain tiles.
“…Both unglazed and polished tiles require sealing, while in the case of glazed tiles; it is entirely up to the customers.”
Why is it essential to seal unglazed and polished tiles?
“When you’re talking about unglazed tiles, these tiles don’t have any protective coating applied to them during manufacturing. Hence, they can absorb liquid which can lead to staining.”
As for the polished tiles:
“Many people assume that polished porcelain tiles do not need to be sealed since the polish layer should essentially be acting as a protective coat for these tiles.”
And what is the actual fact?
“During the polishing process, micropores in the tiles open up, which makes them susceptible to staining. And so, you must seal your polished tiles to ensure they remain protected from oxidation and day-to-day wear.”
What about glazed porcelain tiles?
According to the tile experts at The Tile Guys, although it’s not essential to seal glazed tiles, sealing them has its benefits.
“The smallest amount of surface undulation can make these tiles difficult to clean. Dust can gradually accumulate, and so there’s always a chance that the performance of the glazed coat may be compromised. So it’s better to seal them as well.”
In summary, sealing your glazed or unpolished porcelain tiles is a must. However, in case of glazed porcelain tiles, even though sealing is not necessary, it does add to the longevity of these tiles.
About The Tile Guys
The Tile Guys is one of the leading floor design and tile installation company in San Diego, CA. The company caters to residential customers as well as commercial customers, and resources a vast experience in the industry. Awarded the 2014 and 2015 Angie’s List Super Service Award, the company is known for its meticulous executions and quality workmanship. For more details visit the company’s official website.
