Seal Grout
Grout sealers help prevent staining and protect against water damage. These products are advised for natural stone, ceramic and porcelain tile grout that are in bathrooms and kitchens. This article will tell you how to apply grout sealer.
Contents
Steps
Liquid Grout Sealer
- Allow new grout to cure for 48 to 72 hours before sealing. Existing grout should be cleaned and dried before resealing.
- Make sure grout lines aren't cracked, chipped, or otherwise compromised before treating with a sealant. If they are, touch up grout and wait the requisite 48 to 72 hours before sealing.
- Tape off baseboards and other nearby surfaces to prevent unintentional staining.
- Apply sealer using a foam paint brush, paint pad or a small roller. Coat the grout lines, making sure you cover the grout joints completely. Try not to get the sealer on any tiles; if you do, it's not a big deal — just wipe the sealant off with an old rag.
- Wait 5 to 15 minutes to allow the first coat to soak into the grout. Apply the second coat and wait another 5 to 15 minutes.
- Some sealers need more time between sealer coats. For these sealers, wait 5 minutes and then wipe off the tiles to remove grout sealant that got on them.
- Wipe off the tiles with a dry cotton cloth to remove excess sealant after the two coats are applied.
- Use water and a white nylon pad to scrub residue from dried grout sealant on tiles. Dry the affected tiles with a clean cotton cloth.
- Allow the grout sealer to cure for the amount of time listed on the product can. Walking on the area is usually allowed within 2 to 4 hours. A full sealer cure is usually achieved in 24 to 48 hours.
- Test the grout sealant. Test the effectiveness of the grout sealant by flicking a few drops of water onto the grout line. An effective grout sealant will cause the water to puddle on top of the grout. Try this at various locations on the grout lines.
Aerosol Grout Sealers
- Shake the grout sealer can for at least a minute before using. Turn the can around and point the nozzle at the grout line to be sealed.
- Press the nozzle and dispense sealant from 10 to 15 inches (25 to 38 cm) away from the grout lines. Follow each grout line.
- Wipe off excess sealant from tile with a clean cloth. The cloth can be dampened with warm water to remove dried sealant. Unlike liquid grout sealers, spray grout sealers can be removed right after application.
- Test the sealant with a drop of water after 1 hour. Apply another coat of sealant if the water is absorbed into the grout.
- Allow the sealant to cure. The treated area can be walked on once the sealant is dry to the touch. A full cure is usually achieved in 24 hours.
Tips
- Various manufacturers have different wait times and instructions for their products. Always read the directions on your product before using.
Warnings
- The temperature of the tile and grout you are sealing must be between 50°F and 80°F (10°C to 26.6°C) at the time of application.
- Use grout sealer in a well-ventilated area. Always wear gloves and use eye protection. These products are classified as eye, respiratory and skin irritants.
Things You'll Need
- Gloves and eye protection
- Painter tape
- Brush or other application tool
- Cotton cloths
- Water
- White nylon pad
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