If not maintained properly over time, grout lines between tiles can really turn into an eyesore. If you want to knowhow to seal grout, the good news is, it's not as difficult as you might think. But why do we even need grout? Grout is like the glue that sticks the tile slabs to the wall. Moisture is the number one enemy of grout, and hence it must be protected from moisture at all costs.
If you're considering sealing grout, know that, sealants come in several formulations and colors, and you should buy one that's specifically made for the color of the grout you have, and the particular type of tiles.
Begin with preparing the work area and getting moveable objects out of the way. Clean the tiled surface with a clean, dry cloth to get rid of dust particles.
To apply the grout sealant, follow the grout lines with the tip of the applicator. The sealant uses a liquid formulation, and is sort of creamy-white, with a dense consistency. Once the sealant is applied between the tiles, the grout will soak in the sealant (which is a liquid) and become somewhat darker. While working, sometimes the sealant may not ooze out easily; in these cases, press the tip against the grout more firmly, and test by holding the applicator in different angles.
Begin your sealing project on a specific corner of the tiled srface, and work your way outward until you have covered the whole area. Working on random areas of the tiled surface, without keeping track, will make the project that much harder to manage.
It's perfectly normal for the sealant to get on the tiles, so don'tstress too much if that happens. A little spatter of sealant won't do much harm to ceramic tiles, so dont worrytoo much about keeping it off of the tiles. You can easily remove it with no serious damage to the tiles.
When you are done sealing, check the manufacturer's instructions and vacate the area for the suggested duration. As long as you wait, the liquid sealant will harden and form a dense and impassable shield. Ideally, grout should be sealed every six to 12 months.
An alternative approach is to use a spray to cover the whole surface.If you have glazed, ceramic tiles, the sprayed-on sealant will simply settle on the tiles until it evaporates or wears off over time. After spraying, the liquid sealant will penetrate the exposed grout and settle to form a hard and compact barrier.
Although a spray-based product can be more convenient to use, be sure to research this kind of grout sealant before you use it.
According to some home-repair enthusiasts, spray-on sealants don't deliver the same exceptional results as brush-on or applicator-based sealants. Sprayed-on sealants have even been accused of damaging tile caulking.
If you want a well-maintained tiled floor, shower backsplash or kitchen counter, there is no alternative to learning how to clean tile floors or how to seal grout. Grout is an absorbent substance, and excess moisture or high humidity can declass the splendor of tiled surfaces. Learning how to clean grout on tile floors or how to seal grout is quick and simple, and can give you years of sophisticated bathroom floors and kitchen counters and walls!
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