The Importance of Sealing after Epoxy Cleaning
It can be tempting to purchase a tile sealer while in a discount store, especially if you know your hard surface needs it. The problem lies in that there is no one sealer that is best for every type of surface material. It is much simpler to choose an epoxy floor instead, and none of these issues will arise.
For instance, a tile floor is very different from a wood or epoxy surface, and the materials are of a different hardness and porosity. You should never seal a tile floor with a product made for wood or epoxy resin.
Which Sealer to Use
Grout sealing is a different animal than tile sealing, and the types of products used for grout sealing vary based on the type of grout used.
Epoxy grout is often used in areas exposed to moisture because it seals out stains and water very well, and a silicone grout will perform well in some areas, but much of the grout encountered is of the masonry type.
All three of these should be addressed differently.
Sealers don’t last for specific time periods, even though manufacturers give recommendations. Foot traffic, cleaning chemicals used, and the frequency of cleanings all can affect how long grout sealers protect. If the wrong sealer is used, it can affect grout coloring and may not offer any protection at all.
Clean Thoroughly First
Even with the right sealer, tile cleaning must be performed before thinking about sealing the surface.
If the tile is newly installed, there is a waiting period before sealing when masonry grout is used because it has to cure properly, and tile and grout cleaning is not necessary. Any tile that has been in use for more than a year probably needs to be professionally cleaned before sealing.
What Sealers Are Made Of
There are many different products considered to be tile sealers including epoxy products, but they vary a great deal in both materials and quality from one manufacturer to another.
If you don’t have any experience with sealers, picking one is like drawing a name out of a hat. If a sealer is designed only for grout, it will flake off of the tile when applied to both surfaces.
Sealers for tile come in a wide range of products based on the tile material and the type of glazing on the tile surface. Some tiles do not have a glazing at all, and clay tile won’t take the same type of sealer as ceramic or porcelain tiles will.
Tile and grout sealer comes in both water and oil based products. If you don’t know which one is right for your application, you should consult with a hard surface specialist to advise what is right for your tile. You may find that it is best to allow them to do the tile and grout cleaning and apply the sealer for you.
When you aren’t sure how to perform tile and grout cleaning or seal your tile and/or grout, it is best to seek help from a knowledgeable hard surface epoxy expert with the experience, materials, and equipment to give your hard surfaces the best protection and continue to look good as new.
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