Last Updated on
Tilers Place is reader-supported. When you buy through links on this page, I may earn an affiliate commission on qualifying purchases.
Best Grout Sealer Reviews For 2020
Sealer Buyer’s Guide + Review
Grout sealers are easily the most common tiling product out there and everyone that has a tiled surface knows about them – they work wonders and the best way to protect an investment for years to come.
My choice of grout sealer is the Aqua-X Sealer by Black Diamond Coatings.
It is extremely easy to apply, has little to no odor thanks to its water-based formula and truly protects your grout.
To help battle mold and mildew growing in wet areas, this grout sealer has built-in inhibitors to prevent growth.
This review of the best grout sealers for 2020 is designed to help you select the right sealer for your application. (Plus show you the lowest’s online prices ;-))
If you are looking for the best tile sealers – click here
Click here to jump to the best grout sealers information table.
The trouble you may find is due to the popularity of grout sealants. They are the best solution to maintaining the look of tiles and grout – making them most misunderstood and difficult to buy tiling items.
From penetrating sealers to solvent or water-based formula, the mumbo-jumbo gets more confusing the more you read about them.
Luckily, your
Let’s seal some grout!
The Best Grout Sealers/Sealants – Information Table
| Name | Type | Rating | Use | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Aqua X Grout Sealer | Penetrating | 5 | Grout In All Areas - Commercial or Residential Use | Check Price |
Miracle Sealants - Porous Plus Sealer | Penetrating | 4.5 | Ideal for porous surfaces like sanded grout and travertine etc | Check Price |
Aqua Mix Sealer's Choice Gold | Penetrating | 4 | Ideal for sealing natural tiles & grout in one go. | Check Price |
Tuff Duck Grout Sealer | Penetrating | 4 | Ideal for grout, marble, granite and slate. | Check Price |
Professional Tiler’s Pick ✓
Ideal for most situations. Very easy to apply grout sealer that truly protects and repels dirt, stains and water.
1. The Best Grout Sealer : AQUA-X
,The best grout sealer is Aqua-X by Black Diamond Coatings.
It is a low odor, high yield penetrating grout sealer suitable for:
• All Types of Grout (excluding Epoxy grout)
It is a modern sealing solution with added mold and mildew inhibitors that make it perfect for damp areas like showers and kitchens. It is safe for both exterior and interior use and has the best properties overall for every day and most common uses.
It also scores consistently high ratings from customers, time after time, something I haven’t seen with any other grout sealers.
Hi there and welcome to Tilersplace.com
My name is Carl and I have been tiling professionally for over 20 years in both the USA and England.
In that time I have sealed my fair share of grout, stone, cement tiles and I’ve used some great and some not-so-great sealants
Today, I want to pass on my experience with grout sealers on so that you can make the right and proper decision when selecting one for your project.
Grout Sealers Choice
The Best Grout Sealer
When it comes to selecting a suitable sealant for your tiles or grout, it’s important to take some time to consider what kind of result you are expecting from it.
Every sealer is made for a different purpose and can affect the end result.
Below you will find the best 3 overall sealing solutions from leading brands like Miracle Sealants, Aqua Mix and Black Diamond. These grout sealers that can be applied for most situations and expected results.
QUICK TIP: When we say “Grout Sealer” it’s the general term for a sealer that works on both grout and tiles. If you want a specific tile sealer, check out my best tile sealer review.
Best Overall Choice In Grout Sealants
This is a modern and feature packed grout sealer that is perfect for most situations.
1. Best Grout Sealer:
Black Diamond Coatings – Aqua-X Grout Sealer
Aqua-X is a new product that has already made an excellent name for itself in the short time that has been on the market.
Black Diamond Coatings have outdone themselves by providing an affordable grout sealing solution that is packed full of features.
It’s very easy to apply, has no VOC‘s or foul odors thanks to its water-based formula and you get a lot of bang for your buck with an average coverage rate of up to 75 square feet per 16 oz’s.
Did I mention it has mold and mildew inhibitors that prevent nasties growing on your grout?
The water beading effect is very impressive as well, water simply doesn’t want to stick to the grout.
Pro's
- Natural look with no extra sheen on grout
- Grout sealer doesn’t change the color in grout or turn it a darker shade
- Industry leading sealer coverage
- Protect’s against all grout stains
- Added Mold + Mildew Inhibitors to keep grout clean
- Very easy to apply – the grout sealer goes on milky and dries clear
Con's
- Grout sealer requires 2 or 3 coats for best performance.
Best Sealer For Porous Surfaces
This sealer from Miracle Sealants is great for porous tiles like marble and sealing large amounts of cement grout like in a stone/pebble shower floor
2. Best Porous Sealer:
Miracle Sealants – Porous Plus Sealer
Miracle Sealants have lived up to their name and created a miracle sealer
This formulation allows the stain fighting component to remain close to the surface of the tile/grout allowing maximum protection of permeable surfaces. Its a proper heavy duty solution for shower floors and high traffic areas that lasts a long time.
Miracle Sealants 511 Porous Plus also provides a natural look without added gloss and adds a non-slip property to the surface, making it great for outdoor areas where safety is a concern.
U.V and weather resistance ✅
Pro's
- Natural grout look with no extra sheen
- Ideal for porous natural stone and gritty grout.
- Excellent grout sealer coverage
- Suitable for food areas
- Protect’s against all grout stains
Con's
• The most expensive grout sealer on review
• Can discolor some marble surfaces
• Strong Odor
Best Sealer For Sealing Tiles & Grout
This sealant is great for those wanting to seal natural tiles and grout at the same time. It penetrates the surface and does not effect the natural finish of tiles or grout.
3. Best Tile & Grout Sealer:
Aqua Mix – Sealer’s Choice Gold
Aqua Mix has been producing quality tiling solutions and problem solvers for over 30 years and I have been using their product for nearly as long.
The Sealer’s Choice Gold is my go-to tile and grout solution for most everyday job’s as it provides a natural, non-sheen look to natural stone and grout that doesn’t affect the final finish of the surface.
It is an impregnating sealer also, making it suitable to seal and protect ALL natural stone from oil and water based stains making it ideal for all areas of the home, from food preparation to bathrooms and shower floors.
Its also has a water-base formula which provides less harsh odor and VOC’s over solvent-based products. There really is no surprise why its called “sealer’s choice”, its a very quality product.
Pro's
- Natural grout look with no extra sheen
- No color change in grout or darker shades
- Suitable for all types of Natural Tile + Grout
- Excellent grout sealer coverage
- Penetrate’s dense, low porosity materials
- Protect’s against all stains
- Suitable for Exterior/Interior Surfaces and Grout
Con's
- Higher Price Than Common Grout Sealers
- Requires multiple coats for best results
Best Sealer For Marble Surfaces
Tuff Duck granite grout takes the
4. Best Natural Tile Sealer:
Tuff Duck Granite Grout Sealer
Tuff Duck is a lesser known name but that in no way makes it’s Natural Stone Sealer a lesser product.
Tuff Duck granite excels at sealing granite, grout and marble tiles and countertops without affecting the natural color or leaving an undesired gloss coat on top of it. It has a high yield that covers many square feet however make sure to apply multiple coats for it to last a long time.
On top of being able to work on all natural stones and tile, it can also be used on concrete and various forms of unsealed tiles like terra cotta and terrazo.
Pro's
- Great for Marble + Granite
Wide variety of applications- Cheaper than other sealers
Con's
- Doesn’t penetrate as well as other sealers
- Longer application time
- Low Coverage
- Can’t be used on cement
Grout Sealer Question – When Do I Use A Grout Sealer?
The purpose of a grout sealer is to prevent water and any other external matter from staining or penetrating the grout or tile it is used on.
On a normal porcelain tile used in interior surfaces, that job is taken care of by the glaze, or that beautiful shiny part on the surface of the tile that is the pattern.
Your grout and marble, however, are not impervious to water, mold & mildew and the worst of them all – red wine!
The same applies to all natural stones like granite, sandstone, white marble, travertine. Its best to get them sealed with a quality natural tile sealer before any work is done.
These natural tiles are penetrable by nature and do not come sealed from the factory. Meaning that
So to translate this into terms you want to hear:
If you are installing natural stone tiles or counters in your home, you require a quality sealant to prevent any oil and water based stains. A sealant product will also save time with easy cleaning and maintain the finish of your expensive stone.
To achieve a natural look: Use Aqua Mix Sealer’s Gold
To achieve an enhanced color, always wet look: Use Miracle Sealants Seal & Enhance
If you did not use Epoxy Grout in your tiling installation and are wanting to maintain the look of your grout color, prevent mold & mildew build-up and make tile maintenance a breeze, then you require a grout sealer.
Grout Sealer Question – What Is A Grout Sealer/Grout Sealant?
I have seen some pretty horrific explanations of what a grout sealer is on similar grout sealer reviews so I will try to explain it properly.
A grout sealer is best described as a water or solvent based solution that is designed to create a protective layer between grout/tile and external dirt, stains
This is achieved by using polymerized silicone resins and additional polymers that penetrate the absorptive surface of grout and marble and create a barrier against external forces while still allowing the natural color and texture of the protected surface to show through.
The water or solvent that carries this resin is there so you can easily apply the grout sealer and allow for penetration of the surface and all of its numerous cores. With time, the carrying agent evaporates into the air and leaves only the resin behind.
“This is why multiple coats of a grout sealer are needed; because one coat of grout sealer is not enough to fully cover an area and create a thick enough layer that will endure living conditions and stains as the protective agent is diluted with the liquid based carrier.”
What Is A Grout Sealer In Layman’s Terms:
A grout sealer is the best solution against grout staining for interior surfaces and outdoors. It is a magical liquid that enters tile and grout and protects them against everything. It goes on wet and dries up and your grout is sealed.
How Do I Use A Grout Sealer/Grout Sealant?
To use a grout sealer you will require an applicator to apply the grout sealer and a clean surface to work on.
Depending on the scale of work you can either use a mini paint roller for sealing tiles or a sponge pad and a specialized grout sealer applicator bottle for grout sealing. A soft haired paint brush can also be used. I found the paint roller to be the best grout sealer applicator.
Lastly, you will need a clean cotton rag or paper towel to wipe away any excess solution that gets onto your tiles or surfaces that you do not want sealed.
If you are wanting to seal old grout or tiles, you will need to thoroughly clean them first with a brush and cleaning solution.
Grout-Eez is one of those miracle products that combined with a proper scrubbing brush, will clean your aging grout and get it ready for sealing.
Its a nice alternative to heavy duty grout cleaners like acid that are difficult and dangerous to use.
Remember to always do a spot-check first to ensure no undesired changes occur on your tiles or grout.
Once cleaned, its best to give
If you are sealing newly applied grout, give at least 48-72 hours for the grout to fully cure and dry out properly.
How To Apply Grout Sealer In 3 Quick Steps:
Step 1: Apply your chosen product that best fits your needs to the surface using your applicator of choice. Remember to buy enough to cover the needed square feet of your installation. Aim to go in one direction only to remove smudge marks and build-up of product. Try to cover 100% of the surface. Remember to apply a thin coat.
Step 2: Allow the product to sit on the grout for at least 5 minutes and then use a clean rag to buff away any excess left on the tiles. If you are sealing stone, you will likely skip this step as the sealer would have fully penetrated the surface. (Make sure your product is a suitable granite, grout and marble sealer.)
Step 3: It’s best to wait
If you require further details and instructions for using the best grout sealer, make sure to check out my full and in-depth grout sealing guide.
You can find it in the search bar, just type “how to seal grout”.
Alternatively, you can view the video below from the makers of Aquamix grout sealers.
Grout Sealer
How Does A Grout Sealer Benefit Me?
Deciding to seal your tiles and/grout will only give you benefits with little to no drawbacks. Some benefits include:
• Best Grout Stain Resistance
• Easier Grout Maintenance – Less Cleaning
• Enhanced color (on stone tiles)
• Higher degree of Waterproofing
• More hygenic wet areas. (Germs can’t grow on the grout.)
Grout Sealer F.A.Q – Grout Sealer Help
“The only silly question is the one unasked” and so I want to answer all the most common questions asked about grout sealers and their use.
If your question is not answered, you may leave a comment below! I’ll answer it to the best of my knowledge and your question might be featured in an updated version of this Grout Sealer Buyer’s Guide 🙂
Answer: No, it is not necessary if you don’t want to. Your grout will still carry out
Also, if you have epoxy grout, it is not necessary to seal it, nor is it recommended to even attempt this. Epoxy grout is nearly 100% waterproof and can not absorb any kind of grout sealers.
Grout Sealer Question: What is the best product to protect grout?
Answer: The best product is AQUA-X Grout Sealer. It effectively penetrates all types of grout and applies a protective film over it that stops staining and helps retain the grouts
For more pervious grouts or large sections of grouted areas like a pebbled shower floor, your best bet is a heavy duty grout solution like Porous Plus Sealer by Miracle Solutions is the best grout sealant for the job. It excels at protecting highly porous materials with its resin that remains close to the surface, battling stains before they penetrate the pores.
Grout Sealer Question: Can I Grout Stone Tile With Epoxy Grout? Will The Grout/Tile Sealer Protect It?
Answer: Generally, the answer is no. All stone tiles are created/treated differently and have various degrees of porosity. Highly pervious stone may absorb the epoxy grout resin through the edges of the stone, leaving a picture frame effect where the outer edges are darker. This color change is irremediable and will stay there for the life of the tile. If you want to use epoxy grout on stone tile, its best that you apply a grout and marble sealer to all sides of the tile before installation and test it first before proceeding. Without prior testing, you may end up with a multi-thousand dollar tile installation that is ruined forever. A solvent based product will generally provide more protection over a water-based sealer as well.
Question: Should sanded grout be sealed?
Answer: Yes, it is best practice to seal all types of grout as it is highly porous and allows water to penetrate it. Especially if you are wanting to retain the
Question: How do you seal porcelain tiles?
Answer: Porcelain tiles do not require sealing as they come with a factory glaze that is 99.9% waterproof and
There are, however, some forms of unsealed porcelain tiles that could benefit from a light coat of a tile sealer. These tiles are very rare and you’ll be warned of this from the tile seller upon purchase. Its best to ask the salesperson while buying your tiles if you are unsure.
Question: How long do you have to wait to seal grout?
Answer: The best practice is make sure the new grout has cured for at least 48 to 72 hours before sealing. This is to ensure the grout reaches full strength and is fully dry. Old grout installations should be cleaned thoroughly before sealing and inspected for any cracking, or loose areas before applying a sealer.
Grout Sealer Question: What is the best grout sealer to use on shower floors?
Answer: The best grout sealer to use on shower floors is AQUA-X Grout Sealer. It is a high quality, penetrating sealer that will repel and bead up water. Sealing a shower and shower floor is recommended and best practice as it will ensure the grout will retain its
Grout Sealer Question: How long does grout sealer take to dry?
Answer: Grout sealer takes 24 hours to dry and cure properly. If you are using grout sealer in a shower, it is best to wait longer (36 hours) to ensure it has dried out properly in all sections of the shower. For best results, check the label on the product you are using.
Question: How often do I need to apply grout sealer?
Answer: A grout sealer provides the best results when applied once a year to tiles and grout in high traffic areas like showers and kitchens. This is to ensure an even coat is present
While manufacturers claim their products can last up to 10 years, the reality is once a year at least. Reapplying once a year will ensure the best results.
Best Grout Sealer Conclusion
Overall, the AQUA-X solution by Black Diamond was the best all-round sealer for granite, grout and marble plus everything in between. It offers a great range of features in a very easy to apply solution.
Since trying out this range of grout sealers it has become my favourite and one I will recommend to future clients and readers of this website. It’s so easy to use and provides an excellent result.
It is a tad more expensive over regular sealers however in this game, you get what you pay for. A cheap product will require more coats and deliver a lesser result so a few pennies saved today will cost more in maintenance in the long run. Just use the best and ignore the rest.
Hats off to Black Diamond Coatings, this product is a game changer.
Hi Carl, thanks for the easy to follow guide on grout sealers. I have purchased some patterned cement tiles for my patio and was told I need to seal them. Would the Aquamix sealers gold be alright to use on them? Im sure you have said that you can but i’d like to be sure. Thank you.
Hi Susan,
Yes, the Aqua Mix Sealer’s Gold Choice is a suitable sealer for those types of tiles. You can also use it to seal your grout after the job is done if you wish. Remember that this is a natural look sealer that won’t leave a sheen on the tile, for that type of tile, I reckon it’s ideal.
Thanks for reading!
Thanks for the guide! I used the Sealer’s Choice Gold in my bathroom and its looking great 🙂
Hi Rosie,
I’m really happy to hear the Aquamix Grout sealer did the trick for you! Enjoy your fully sealed bathroom!
Best grout sealant review out there, thanks!
Hi James,
Thanks so much buddy, really appreciate it 🙂 Hope my guide helped you out.
the aquax grout sealer is the best best best! 😀 like really! I applied this grout sealer in my pebble shower floor and it’s made cleaning it so easy! Water and dirt just slide off! The grout sealer stuck to the pebbles and the grout and just seems to work. Glad I listened to you Carl, thank you.
Hello Carl, Thanks for this review. I’m moving into a new place and want to seal the grout in the bathrooms and kitchen (walls and floors). How can I tell if epoxy grout was used in any of these areas?
Hi Anita,
Thank you for reading and enjoying the review!
Hmm, now that is a very good question!
Epoxy grout usually looks very, very smooth. Some would say it almost looks like plastic.
Take a good look at it, if you can see fine grains in the grout, that would indicate that it is regular grout and not epoxy.
I think the best way to tell whether you have epoxy grout is to drip some water on the grout and see if the water gets absorbed into the grout. If you have epoxy grout, the water should remain on top of the grout and not sink in. If the water sinks in and the grout appears darker – you have regular grout that can be sealed.
I hope that helps! Please let me know if you need any further assistance.
Kind Regards,
Carl.