Tiled floors look beautiful. No one can argue about that, except maybe homeowners that are cursed with bad tiling jobs. Nevertheless, tiled floors and surfaces need a little bit more care than just the regular wipe down. In fact, a grout sealer can help keep your tiles looking good as new, for as long as possible. Thus, I’ve found it necessary to offer my readers something to help them out—a best grout sealers buying guide!
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What is a Grout Sealer?
Simply put, a grout sealer is a substance applied to the grout between your tiles (or on applicable surfaces) in order to help them withstand staining and resist water absorption. Otherwise, when water is absorbed into the grout, there can be growth of bacteria due to the water source.
Moreover, un-sealed grout can be more prone to staining, which is just plain awful to look at in a kitchen or bathroom, especially in showers and bathtubs.
Types of Grout Sealer
There are two main types of grout sealers available. The first one is Impregnators or Penetrating sealers. This kind of grout sealer is meant to fill up the empty spaces in between your grout, thus blocking debris, oil, dirt, and water from entering.
Moreover, under penetrating sealers comes two sub-types, which are Hydrophobic and Oilophobic.
- Hydrophobic – this kind of penetrating grout sealer will block water and water based chemicals (e.g. drinks, coffee, tea)
- Oilophobic – this kind of penetrating grout sealer repels both water and oil. Thus, cooking fat, lard, oils, plus water-based substances will be blocked from entering the grout.
The second main type of grout sealer is referred to as Coatings. Coatings are essentially sealants that are applied on the surface of the grout, thus barricading the grout underneath from dirt, debris, oil, and water.
Two subtypes of coatings are strippable (can be removed easily) and permanent coatings (difficult to remove).
Factors to Consider Before Buying
1. Function
Before buying a grout sealer, you have to look at its other functions aside from being a grout sealer. Of course, the number one priority is being an effective grout sealer, but if you're buying a quart of it, it's better to make sure that it has some other functions, such as acting as a sealant for other surfaces (marble, cement, or stone)
In buying a multi-purpose sealer, you can use it for numerous projects around the home. Moreover, if you buy an outdoor-indoor sealer, you can use your whole quart for more projects inside and outside the home (garage, patio, kitchen, bathrooms).
2. Effectiveness
I cannot vouch for all grout sealers out there, but in this list, we have the most effective products in the market. What you're going to need to look for in a particular product is of course, its efficiency in sealing surfaces and grout.Through the above article, we can recommend you the latest dresses.Shop dress in a variety of lengths, colors and styles for every occasion from your favorite brands.
How would you know if a product is effective? Well, this product review should help you distinguish the brand names that are most effective. However, effectiveness sometimes depends on the type of surface you have and if you've applied the sealer correctly.
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In order to maximize the effect of your grout sealer, make sure that you've followed the instructions correctly. However, number of applications can depend on the type of surface or grout that you have, as well as the amount of time between applications.
3. Longevity
Another important factor when choosing a grout sealer is how long it's going to last on your surfaces. It is essential that we select a product that can last up to 3-5 years until a reapplication is needed. Otherwise, we're just wasting money and effort on cheap grout sealers that cannot protect your surfaces for long.
Top 4 Best Grout Sealers
1. StoneTech Heavy Duty Grout Sealer, 1-Quart (.946L)
From the name itself, this product is a heavy duty entry to our list. It’s a water-based, impregnator type sealant that protects tiles against staining and water damage without smudges or residue.
Pros
- Does not stain or leave residue on tiles
- Easy to apply
- Has no discoloration effect on both grout and tiles
- Can be used for different surfaces
Cons
- Requires multiple coats
For homeowners with a lot of tiles to grout-seal, this is the product for you if your tiles to stay clean and be easy to clean at the same time.
2. Miracle Sealants 511 QT SG 511 Impregnator Penetrating Sealer, Quart
For homes with tiling both indoors and outdoors, I highly recommend this grout sealer for you. This particular item is an impregnator type sealant which protects your tiles from dirt, debris, staining, while being weather-resistant. Thus, it can be used for patio tiles, garages, and more outdoor places.
Pros
- Can be used outdoors and indoors
- Does not cause discoloration
- Allows vapor to escape from underneath the grout
- Leaves a smooth finish
- Works great for multiple surfaces
Cons
- Vapors can be a bit harsh to the senses
The Miracle Sealant will give you smooth and hard grout for a very long time. Definitely worth the price!
3. Tuff Duck Granite, Grout and Marble Sealer 1 Quart Stone Tile
The Tuff Duck sealer prides in its ability to provide maximum protection for a multitude of surface types (granite, grout, travertine, limestone, etc.). Moreover, it also works doubly as both a marble sealer and a grout sealer!
Pros
- Has a variety of functions all in one product
- Aims to protect interior surfaces for 5 years
- Aims to protect outdoor surfaces for up to 3 years
- Does not emit strong fumes
- Easy to apply
Cons
- Can leave residue or discoloration on dark-colored surfaces
For homeowners looking to protect a lot of tiled surfaces plus their marble at the same time, I definitely recommend this product to save you money. However, you may need to be a little bit careful with dark-colored surfaces.
4. Aqua Mix Sealer Choice
This product is the premier sealer for your tiles, especially designed to give you a natural, no-sheen look after applying.
Pros
- Perfect for kitchens
- Allows vapor and moisture transmission
- Rapid curing process
- Great stain-repelling ability
- Long-lasting and durable
Cons
- Less affordable than the other brands
Conclusion
We’ve seen several of the best grout sealers available in the market today. But to help you even further, I’m going to give my opinion on the best choice for this list.
Due to its multi-functionality and fair price, I deem the Tuff Duck Granite, Grout and Marble Sealer 1 Quart Stone Tile as the best choice for this list. Why? Well, this product provides the most effective protection for my surfaces (both indoor and outdoor), and for a really long time. In addition, it’s a practical product; you’ll only be applying it to your surfaces once every few years. (I can attest to that!)
More than that, the Tuff Duck Granite and Grout Sealer offers a natural-looking finish to my sealing work, with zero discoloration whatsoever. And that’s what I hold most important other than efficiency.
On the other hand, the best value product for this grout sealer buying guide is none other than Black Diamond Stoneworks Granite Sealer: Seals & Protects, Granite, Marble, Travertine, Limestone & Concrete Counter Tops.
This particular product is one of the cheapest on the list. But despite that, it offers multi-functionality as well and can protect a variety of surfaces other than grout. Other than that, it’s also very easy to apply with its spraying mechanism, and doesn’t emit fumes, as well.
And that ends our Best Grout Sealers buying guide. I hope you enjoyed this article as much as I did making it. If so, don’t forget to share this with your friends and leave a comment below. Thanks for reading!
