Best Grout Sealer

It’s time to seal grout like a professional!

A Grout sealer is easily the most common tiling product out there and everyone that has a tiled surface knows about them.

Click here to jump to the best grout sealers information table.

This popularity as the best solution to maintaining the look of tiles and grout also means a grout sealer is also the most misunderstood and difficult to buy tiling items.

From penetrating sealers to oil or water-based grout sealers, the mumbo-jumbo gets more confusing the more you read about them.

Luckily, your favorite tiling site has got your back again and I will teach you everything you need to know about the best grout sealers and which one you require for your sealing work!

Let’s seal some grout!

The Best Grout Sealers

The Best Grout Sealer

When it comes to selecting a grout sealer for your tiles or grout, it’s important to remember what kind of result you are expecting from your grout sealer.

Every grout sealer is made for a different purpose and can affect the end result.

Below you will find the best 3 overall tile and 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.

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, 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 tile grout, however, is not impervious to water, mold & mildew and the worst of them all – red wine!

The same applies to all natural stones like granite, sandstone, marble, travertine.

These natural tiles are porous by nature and do not come sealed from the factory. Meaning that they 100% require some sort of sealing prior to installation in order to prevent any cement staining and dust build-up that will occur during tiling.

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 grout sealer to prevent any oil and water based stains, 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.

What IS A Grout SEaler?

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 a water or solvent based solution that is designed to create a protective layer between grout/tile and external dirt, stains and liquids.

This is achieved by using polymerized silicone resins and additional polymers that penetrate the porous surface of tile grout and tiles 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.”

In Layman’s Terms:

A grout sealer 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?

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 sealing newly applied grout, give at least 48-72 hours for the grout to fully cure and dry out properly.

Grout Sealer F.A.Q

“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, please 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 🙂

Question: What is the best product to seal grout?

Answer: The best product to seal grout is Sealer’s Gold Choice by Aqua Mix. It effectively penetrates all forms of sanded grout and applies a protective film over it that stops staining and helps retain the grouts color.

For more porous grouts or large sections of grouted areas like a pebbled shower floor, Porous Plus Sealer by Miracle Solutions is the best grout sealer 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.

Question: Should sanded grout be sealed?

Answer: Yes, you should seal sanded grout as it is highly porous and allows water to penetrate it. Especially if you are wanting to retain the color and prevent mold and mildew building, you should be sealing sanded grout with a quality grout sealer that is formulated for sanded grouts. Sealer’s Gold Choice by Aqua Mix is suitable to seal sanded grout.

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 do not allow water or anything to penetrate it.

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.

Question: How long do you have to wait to seal grout?

Answer: Allow new grout to cure 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 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 Sealer’s Gold Choice by Aqua Mix. It is a high quality, penetrating sealer that will repel and bead up water. Sealing a shower and shower floor is recommended as it will ensure the tile grout will retain its color and allow for much easier cleaning over the long-term.

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 the grout sealer 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: Grout sealer should be applied once a year to tiles and grout in high traffic areas like showers and kitchens. This is to ensure an even coat of grout sealer is present in the surface at all times and no patches of dirty grout appear over time.

While manufacturers claim their products can last up to 10 years, the reality is once a year at least. Reapplying grout sealer once a year will ensure the best results.

Grout Sealer Conclusion

In this best grout sealer buyer’s guide we took a look at the best sealers for all types of tile and grout and took a look into what a grout sealer is and why you need to use one.