How-to Guide for Sealing Porcelain Floor Tiles
Porcelain Floor Tiles
Installing and Grouting Porcelain Floor Tiles
Tile adhesive should be used when installing floor tiles. Using a notched trowel, adhesive should be placed to the floor at least 5mm deep. Before installing the tiles, a thin coat of tile adhesive should be placed on the back of the tiles. Before pounding with a rubber mallet, the tile has to be twisted in the wet tile glue to release any air bubbles. It is only advised to use a white rubber mallet. Certain polished porcelain floor tiles may get permanently marked by black rubber mallets.
Only if a quick and thorough cleanup is possible after grouting may bonding liquids be included to the grout mixture, otherwise they should not be used. Pre-packaged grouts are typically a good option, as their composition allows for improved mobility and flexibility. However, prepackaged grout should be cleaned up right away to prevent any stains and marking.
When grouting, it’s best to work in small sections and remove any extra grout from the tile’s surface before it dries. To help with cleaning, water should also include Stoneshield Grout-Lift™. Dry grout on tiles may make cleaning very difficult and increase the risk of surface damage or stains.
Cleaning Grout from Porcelain Tiles
Grout and cement residues may be removed from porcelain tiles with acid-based cleansers like Stoneshield Grout-Lift™. After washing the surface with an acid-based cleaner, Stoneshield Deep-clean™ should be used to neutralise the surface to protect against sealer failure.
Polished porcelain floor tiles often have a protective wax coating added during manufacturing. Before sealing, this should be completely removed with Stoneshield Wax-off™ or Stoneshield Xtreme-Clean™.
Reasons for Sealing Porcelain
High quality porcelain made in Europe doesn’t need to be sealed to prevent stains. Other porcelain of lesser quality that is baked at lower temperatures has a tendency to wear rapidly and retain much more dirt.
The main benefits of sealing porcelain floor tiles would be less dirt retention and ease of cleaning. Sealing makes porcelain tiles and slabs less static, which makes them easier to clean. Sealing also increases dirt repulsion while lowering dirt retention.
Recommended Sealer for Porcelain Floor Tiles
A sealer should be used to protect tiles against rain, moisture, and dirt. To seal porcelain tiles, we recommend Stoneshield Porcelain Tile Sealer™.
Stoneshield Porcelain Tile Sealer
Stoneshield Porcelain Tile Sealer™ is a solvent-based penetrating oil with water repelling properties for basic stain prevention and easy cleaning. This top grade sealer has natural, no shine finish that doesn’t create a surface film. The sealant may be applied to clean surfaces six hours before grouting as a pre-grouting sealant. The sealer enables the transmission of vapour.
Suitable for polished and unpolished porcelain tiles, as well as low porosity tiles and surfaces. Both indoor and external usage are appropriate.
To extend the lifespan of the porcelain tile sealer, only use Stoneshield Daily-Clean™. If the floor becomes hard to clean or starts to stain, reapply Stoneshield Porcelain Tile Sealer™.
Usage Guidelines for Porcelain Sealers
Sealers should not be applied to damp surfaces. Ensure that grout and tile adhesive is completely dry before applying the sealant. After sealing, allow at least 24 hours before wetting tiles. For information on the appropriate drying periods, refer to the Stoneshield sealer label. Wait between four to eight hours before allowing foot activity. If rain is predicted within 12 hours, avoid applying sealer outdoors. Only use and store between 16°C and 32°C.