Best sealers for grout? For unglazed porcelain?

[kitchengirl]

I have done some searches for grout and tile sealant advice, but hope you all don't mind two direct ?s:

1) Is there clearly a BEST brand & product (or active ingredient) for sealing cement-based grouts?

2) I realized today that the thru-body porcelain tile I used in my shower isn't matte glazed, it is UN-glazed! Not my first choice for a shower surround! Is there a BEST sealer for unglazed tile that will help to make removing soap scum easier, or at least keep it on the surface of the tile? Can this sealer be used over the tile AND grout in the shower?

Thanks very much!

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[rguyler1]

You'll find that many, inlcuding myself, have had success with the Stonetech products sold in the online store here. Claudia Ramirez of Stonetech lurks around on this forum and she will probably see your post and give you straight forward advice. Not the cheapest sealer but I really liked it on my granite and grout (Spectralock).

Rik

[jdm]

Unglazed porcelain is extremely nonporous, so sealing it shouldn't be an issue. Your grout, however, will need sealing. I don't think that SpectraLock, a modified epoxy grout, requires sealing.

From what I read, Claudia left StoneTech after its recent purchase by DuPont. She was quoted as saying that she will still offer advice on these forums. But since I usually find her advice in the cleaning and restoration forum, maybe you should try posting there.

[rguyler1]

My Spectralock supposedly didn't need sealing but it was much easier to cover the entire floor then to worry about not getting it on the grout. I just wanted Kitchengirl to know that my experience with the Stonetech sealer on the Spectralock was fine, however unnecessary.

I didn't know Claudia left. When did that happen? She just answered some questions for me a couple of weeks ago... :cry:

Rik

[kitchengirl]

JDM,
But would a sealer of some type make it easier to clean the surface of soap scum? I regret using this toothy surface in a heavy-use shower!

[quantum]

I can vouch for the Stonetech Impregnator Pro - good stuff.

[jdm]

It depends. Impregnating sealers, which I believe are normally used on matte surfaces, is designed to fill pores and does not leave a surface film at all. Since porcelain has virtually no pores, you'd just wipe the stuff on and then wipe it all back off (of the tile at least).

There are other types of sealers that leave surface films, but I am not familiar with them. They might change the surface sheen of your tile, too. Why don't you just send a PM to Claudia Ramirez? She is still participating in the forums, and her knowledge of sealers certainly has not changed. I would be as specific as I could as to the type of tile and grout used.

[kitchengirl]

JDM,
Sorry, but what is a PM, if I'd like to ask for Claudia's advice?
Thanks!

[jdm]

Private Message.

Either find a post from Claudia and click on her name, or click on members list in the blue bar at the top of the page, and find her (under "C", not "R").

The best thing to do may be to post your question, and then send a PM to ask her to take a look at it. That way everyone can benefit from her response.

[Claudia Ramirez]

First of all, yes I'm still lurking :nod: and will continue to help with sealer advice!:talk:

Second, Kitchengirl did PM me, but since my reply has useful informaiton (I think) I am posting it as part of this thread.

For this particular situation, I wouldsuggest the StoneTech Professional Heavy Duty Stone Sealer. Its reactive fluorochemistry will bond to the face of the tile (and grout) where a potential stain could do the same. It will provide you with both oil and water repellency and will not affect the current appearance of the tile and grout. It is easy to work with (it is water-based) and it can be applied with a brush, roller or any other type of applicator designed to put material down (as opposed to a sponge or rag which are designed to pick material up).

Two liberal applications, with an hour in between, and wiping off of any sealer that doesn't soak in within about 15-20 minutes of the initial application is all that you should need. You can get the sealer through the store on the site.

Hope this helps and please let me know if you have any more questions.

[kitchengirl]

Claudia,
Would you use this sealer for grout alone in another porcelain tile installation I have with heavy foot traffic, or is there another product when you are not trying to seal the tile surface? I'd like the longest lasting product...
Thanks!
kg

[Claudia Ramirez]

KG-

You can use the Heavy Duty Stone Sealer for that installation as well, just make sure that what gets on the face of the tile is completely wiped off before it dries, lest you get a residue.

[cx]

Geeez, it's nice to see your smiling face again, Ms. Claudia. I was askeered we done loss you for sure. :)

I'm gonna move this over to the Cleaning/Restoration/Sealing forum.