Sealing is one of the most important — and most overlooked — steps in tile maintenance. Whether you’ve just had new tiles installed or you’re trying to protect an existing surface, understanding when and how to seal can save you significant money and effort over the long term.
What Does Sealing Actually Do?
Grout is porous by nature. Without sealing, it acts like a sponge — absorbing water, cooking oils, coffee spills, cleaning products, and bacteria. Over time this leads to permanent staining, mould growth, and grout degradation.
A quality sealant creates a protective barrier, making surfaces easier to clean and far more resistant to staining and moisture damage.
What Types of Tiles and Grout Need Sealing?
Always seal:
- Cement-based grout (virtually all residential grout)
- Natural stone tiles (marble, slate, travertine, limestone, terracotta)
- Unglazed porcelain and ceramic tiles
Don’t need sealing:
- Glazed ceramic and porcelain tiles (the glaze is the seal)
- Epoxy grout (non-porous by nature)
- Glass tiles
Types of Sealants
Penetrating (impregnating) sealers soak into the grout or stone and protect from within. They don’t change the appearance and last longer than topical sealers. Best for most applications.
Topical sealers form a coating on the surface. They can enhance colour and sheen but wear off faster and can peel over time. Sometimes used on terracotta to deepen the colour.
Colour sealers penetrate the grout and also add or restore colour. Useful if your grout has faded or you want to change its colour without regrouting.
How Often Should You Reseal?
- Shower grout: every 1–2 years
- Kitchen grout: every 2–3 years
- Floor grout in high-traffic areas: every 1–2 years
- Natural stone tiles: every 2–4 years depending on traffic and porosity
The water bead test is a quick way to check: drop water on your grout. If it absorbs in under 5 minutes, it’s time to reseal.
Is DIY Sealing Good Enough?
Consumer sealers from hardware stores can be effective for maintenance if applied correctly to clean, dry surfaces. However, professional sealing uses higher-grade commercial products and includes deep cleaning beforehand — removing the dirt and grime that would otherwise get locked in under the sealant.
Contact The Grout Guy to discuss professional sealing for your home.