Pros and Cons of Sealing Grout

What Is a Grout Sealer?

Grout sealer is a defensive coating applied on grout lines between your tiles. It’s aimed to:

• Stop moisture from getting inside the grout and the area under the tiles.
• Safeguard against staining and discoloration, particularly in high-traffic areas.
• Making cleaning easier by producing a smoother surface.

At first glance, grout sealer seems like an obvious choice, but some subtleties should be considered.

The Drawback of Using Grout Sealer

Whereas grout sealer can provide some advantages, it’s not a guaranteed solution. Moisture can still pass through a lot of sealers, which means grout isn’t completely waterproof even when it is sealed. After a while, grout in areas such bathrooms are going to naturally stain or show indications of wear, sealer or no sealer.

Also, cleaners typically work just as well on grout that is unsealed, making sealing less vital than it may primarily seem.

Why Medium or Darker-Colored Grout Is a Better Alternative

Rather than rely on grout sealer alone, it is recommended to select a medium or dark-colored grout. This is especially effective in heavy-trafficked areas where debris and stains are more prone to happen.

Medium-colored grout, like tans, grays, or beiges, excels at distinguishing dirt and maintaining a clean, fresh appearance with less upkeep. It’s a practical and aesthetically pleasing choice for both contractors and homeowners.

Grout Tips for Sealing

If you choose to use a grout sealer,  follow the sealers guidelines thoroughly. Key aspects include:

Timing: Grout usually must cure for some time prior to applying sealer, ranging from three to twenty eight days. It is suggested to wait at least fourteen days.

Kind of Sealer: Solvent-based sealers usually have a shorter curing time but are more costly than water-based alternatives.

Correct applications can help increase the benefits of sealing and offer an added layer of safeguarding for your grout.