Do porcelain tiles need to be sealed?

 

Porcelain tiles are undeniably renowned worldwide for their timeless beauty. Their elegance, strength, and ease of maintenance make them a perfect option for any homeowner looking for a little elegant flare for their flooring and walling. However, right inside the hysterical choice of design combinations, a question inevitably appears – ‘Do porcelain tiles require sealing?’

The team at Tile Topia appreciates making well-informed decisions, especially in the aesthetic sense of a home. Therefore, this article will discuss different aspects of porcelain tiles and offer an understanding of the sealing of the tiles. At the same time, it will decode the myths and help you maintain your lovely tiles for years.

 

Do Porcelain Tiles Need to Be Sealed?

Porcelain tiles are famous for their low-maintenance nature — thanks to their non-porous and durable qualities. These tiles are also highly resistant to water absorption and staining. It means they typically require less upkeep than other materials. 

Does porcelain tile need to be sealed? 

Porcelain tiles, especially glazed porcelain tiles, don't always demand sealing. This tile has a coating applied through glazing or the firing process. This glaze works as a sealant for the penetration of water and stains into the tile.

However, due to highly rustic and textured tile finishing, sealing unglazed porcelain tiles might be crucial. It can provide further protection against spillages and staining so that the tiles will stay clean for a longer time. And when sealed, the maintenance of porcelain tiles generally doesn't involve much extra work.

Why Seal Unglazed Porcelain Tiles?

So, what happens if one does not seal porcelain tiles? If you don’t seal, porcelain tiles, particularly the unglazed version can get stained more rapidly compared to glazed tiles, especially in kitchen tiles and dining area floor tiles exposed to staining with liquid. Liquids like wine, oil, or even water, can find their way into the tile surface, making it hard to clean the tiles and potentially causing long-term damage.

Sealing unglazed tiles effectively reduces these problems and maintains the beautiful look of the tiles from the moment of installation. At Tile Topia, we advise clients to apply a seal to the unglazed porcelain tiles to make them long-lasting and look great.

Is It Recommended to Seal Porcelain Tile?

If dealing with the circumstance, which asks for “Is it recommended to seal porcelain tile?”, opinion remains divided depending on which porcelain tile you install. For glazed tiles, sealing is not normally required as the surface is already glazed and sealed. Nevertheless, for some unglazed tiles, especially in utility areas that are heavily used or exposed to moisture, sealing is a worthwhile proposition.

Sealing is also advisable if you have opted for cheap tiles online, as you may come across low-quality ones with a poor finish compared to the higher-class ones. There are several reasons why some of these tiles can be sealed to improve the overall strength and ease of cleaning.

 

Benefits of Sealing (When Necessary)

Even though sealing might not be mandatory for all porcelain tiles, it offers some advantages:

• Enhanced Stain Resistance: A sealer helps to prevent any accidental spillage that may come into contact with tiles and helps to shield lighter-coloured tiles from most stains.
• Easier Cleaning: Due to their porosity, sealed tiles are usually easy to maintain as one may not need to clean the floor intensely.
• Improved Grout Protection: Sealing the grout is even more important with so that the surface keeps its pristine look and remains stain-proof for a long time.

 

Still in Doubt? Consult Tile Topia's Experts!

Tile Topia offers an extensive range of premium cheap tiles online to suit different preferences and budgets. Choose from our range of different porcelain tiles, be it the glossy and sleek final look or even a rough textural look, glazed or unglazed our tiles have it all.

We are a quality-conscious company and ensure we thoroughly select tiles of good quality apart from the beautiful ones. Customer satisfaction and timeless happiness in your dream rooms are our top priorities. So, never hesitate to contact team Tile Topia. We will help you select the best tiles for your interiors without any hassle.

 

FAQs

1. What happens if you don't seal porcelain tiles?

Porcelain tiles can catch stains easily if not sealed, requiring regular cleaning. It can potentially damage their appearance over time.

2. Is it recommended to seal porcelain tile?

Sealing porcelain tiles isn’t always important but sealing will help to enhance the look by making it water-proof and resistant to stains. The decision depends on the tile's finish, location, and intended use. 

3. Does porcelain tile need to be sealed?

Due to their density and low porosity level, porcelain tiles mostly do not need sealing. However, some textured or polished varieties may benefit from sealing to enhance stain resistance.