Ceramic tile has become a very popular and common feature in homes. What many people don’t understand is that home builders generally do not seal the grout.
Grout is porous, and unsealed grout will stain and darken very easily. The main benefit to sealing the grout is to keep it looking fresh and clean. This is a very simple task that you can do yourself.
The first thing to note is that you need to wait about 72 hours after the grout has been installed to allow it to cure. Once this time period is up you are ready to apply the sealant.
There are two main types of sealant applicators, a brush tip or a roll tip. As a general rule, the brush tip is typically used on vertical wall tiles while the roll tip is used for floor tiles.
When selecting a sealant, understand they are not all the same. While you can find an effective product at your local Home Depot or Lowe’s, two of the best grout sealant products, in terms of overall product effectiveness, must be ordered. Those products are Aqua Mix Sealers Choice Gold and Stonetech Bulletproof Tile. Both of these products come in one quart containers that will seal approximately 200 sq ft of grout with 12 inch tiles and 1/8th inch grout lines.
Once you have your grout sealer in hand, it is time to apply it.
The basic thing to remember is to apply it in generous quantity. The idea is to let the grout soak up the sealant. Do not be stingy with it or the sealant may not work as effectively as you might like.
The goal is to apply enough sealer to an area so it appears wet for 10 minutes. To do this work in small areas at a time, to ensure proper sealing is taking place. Rushing for completion too quickly will result in an ineffective exercise.
When rolling or brushing the sealant on the grout, keep paper towels handy so you can wipe the excess sealant off of your tile before it dries.
Once you have completed the entire area you want to be sealed, do not use that area in any aspect for a minimum of 3 hours to allow the sealant to dry.
Now you have sealed grout and have another great personal accomplishment under your belt.
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