Tile sealants aren’t always an easy subject. You probably know that sealing tiles prior to grouting is a must and that how this plays out substantially affects how long your bathroom or balcony will last, but the differences among the different tile sealing products in the market can be quite confusing. If you need help, consider the following key issues before deciding which tile sealant to use:
Tile Type
Aside from color, shape and size, tiles can be made from an entire variety of materials, including composite or natural stone, porcelain, ceramic and even glass.
You may have figured it out by now, but these various tile types call for a various of sealants too – alas, a tile sealant that works for all types has yet to be invented. If the sealant you’re considering to buy doesn’t come with manufacturer instructions, make sure to seek pro advice or at least check online before paying for anything.
Topical or Penetrating
Before start the job, make sure you already know which sealant is your best choice. The two general types of sealants are known as topical sealants and penetrating sealants. Topical sealants work by covering the surface of the tile so that water is prevented from seeping inside. On the other hand, penetrating sealants do exactly just that – they penetrate deep into the pores of the tiles and fill them up, so there will be no more empty spaces for water or any liquid to occupy.
Appearance
Choosing a tile sealant – or tile for that matter – can involve the smallest of details. Selecting tiles to fit your home’s interior design can be a job in itself, and the tile sealing strip debate may be a whole different discussion, so let’s look into it.
When selecting a tile sealer, picture the look for the finished product. Do you want the tiles matte or glossy? As you weigh whether to go for the wet look or not, consider a non-slip surface and its importance, especially if there are children or seniors in your household. Just because you want to take care of everyone doesn’t mean that floor shouldn’t have its shine!You can take care of everyone without taking the shine off that new floor!It’s possible to keep everyone safe and still have a shiny new floor! If you don’t know what exact options you have, again, talk to a professional.
A wonderfully finished tiled floor is a welcome improvement to any home or workplace. But to come up with great results, it’s important to give attention to every single detail involved, such as choosing the appropriate tile sealant. Unless you are yourself a pro, you may need time for this but that should not be a problem. Better to take time preparing for a great job than repairing a poor one.