Ceramic Sealing McKellar - Belconnen

We often get asked to recommend a sealer for ceramic tiles, the simple answer is if they are glazed then the tiles usually won't require sealing, but grout lines should always be sealed with a water based impregnating penetrating sealer, however if your ceramic tiles are porous then we recommend you seal the tiles and grout with a high quality impregnating water based sealer like Australian Deepshield™ Penetrating Sealer.

Certain varieties of ceramic tile will require an impregnating sealer to fill the micro pores on the tile surface. Australia's Deepshield™ Gold non-toxic sealer is specially designed to penetrate denser materials such as ceramic, porcelain, granite and marble, offering peace of mind by forming a barrier between the micro pores of your ceramic tiles against potential water and oil based stains, while preserving the tile's appearance and resulting in maintenance becoming easier.

Deepshield™ Gold impregnating sealer performs well on ceramic and porcelain tiles and also provides excellent protection to the typically cement based grout lines.

The first step in maintenance of ceramic tiles is the sealing of the tile (if porous) and the grout.

Sealing your ceramic tiles will keep most stains suspended at the surface, creating a barrier that provides protection against chemical attack, deterioration and contamination

Generally, glazed tile requires no sealer and some unglazed tile also requires no sealer. Know the type of tile you are installing. Test it with a small amount of water. If the surface darkens, it absorbs water and needs to be sealed.

Generally, cementitious grout requires sealing while specialty grouts like epoxy and furans do not. If the grout darkens with water, it also needs a sealer.

Many people seal their tile that is installed indoors to protect against everyday dirt, stains and wear. When sealing tile indoors a topical sealer is important in some types of softer tiles like saltillo (topical produces a surface coat). When using a topical sealer, a "wear layer" or "sacrificial coating" of acrylic floor finish should be applied in addition to the sealer. This "wear layer" of acrylic floor finish will keep you from wearing through the sealer and having to strip and reseal the entire floor.

Some Manufacturers have sealers that incorporate a sacrificial coating together with a penetrating sealer. This can be the best of both worlds. However, it is critical that you maintain this wear layer.

On indoor installations of hard, dense tiles or stones, many people select a penetrating sealer only. This type of sealer leaves no topical finish and therefore does not require a "wear layer" coating, but will give lasting protection from everyday dirt and stains.

The use of sealers on tile is an area that books could be written about, with all the options available and their relations to each other. We speak only in very general terms and keep in mind; there are exceptions to every rule. Our technicians throughout are fully trained and experienced on using different types of sealers and will make sure your job is done professionally.

You can once again enjoy your surfaces in the best possible condition

Give us a call today, our knowledgeable and friendly customer service can assist you with all your questions and bookings. Call 1300 771 201

Clay mud, mixed with various other natural minerals and materials, when dried and then “Fired”, combines forming a solid, hardened mass. Over the centuries people have learned to form the clay into tiles to be used for decoration or protection. Tiles can be painted using a coloured, powdered glass compound then “Fired” again causing the glass to melt to the surface of the tile. The “glazed” surface resists moisture and staining and works as a floor or wall surface because of those traits and the fact that it is highly durable.

The term “ceramic tile” is often used as a generic name for all types of man made tile. But the composition of true ceramic is very different from that of the other types. Since ceramic material is porous, the top surface is usually sealed with a glaze. The glazed surface is referred to as the design layer since it determines the tile's finished colour, design and texture. Glazed ceramic tiles are a popular option these days due their durability, water and scratch resistance. However, not all ceramic tiles are glazed.

Ceramic tile is categorised in many ways. At the most basic level, tiles come either glazed or unglazed. With unglazed tile, the colour runs throughout the tile body. The colour can be the natural earth tone of the clay itself, or the colour of a pigment that has been added to it before firing. Glazed tiles, on the other hand, have colour which has been added to the surface of the tile. The colour is applied to the tile after firing. The tile is then fired again to bond the glaze to the clay body. Glazed tiles range from a high gloss to a dull matte finish and come in a much wider range of colours, patterns and surface textures.

Glazed tiles should not be sealed. The glaze is the “sealer” and is far more permanent and resistant to wear than a sealer.

Glazed ceramic tile is very durable, and when properly installed and cared for, will last longer than any non-tile material used for the same purpose. It is also one of the easiest surfaces to clean, and because of its composition will not absorb odours, nor support allergens or bacteria. When coated with a Grade III or higher glaze, ceramic tile is highly resistant to scratching and moisture. Another important feature is that it will not burn, emit toxic fumes or scorch.

Glazed Ceramic Tiles are Easy to Maintain, however the grout lines should always be sealed to protect against discolouration

We cover all Canberra suburbs, all Belconnen area and all surrounding suburbs to McKellar

Call 1300 771 201

Once you decide to install unglazed ceramic tile, you would need to decide whether sealing is required. This will depend on whether the tile is porous or not.

Ceramic or porcelain tiles usually aren't a problem to keep clean, they are most often glazed and baked from the tile manufacturer and repel soil and stains extremely well. The problem, as we all know, IS the grout. And unfortunately most grout is not sealed, at all.

As soil soaks into unsealed or poorly sealed porous grout, it builds up and compacts. This impacted soil and grime has nowhere to go but on top of the existing dirt on the grout, causing layer upon layer of soiling inside the grout. When it's cleaned the traditional way with a mop and bucket, the embedded dirt is not fully removed – because it can’t be fully removed on unsealed or traditionally-sealed grout.

Grout is an extremely porous sand based material that absorbs and holds stains easily. Just as tiles are sealed to protect them grout can also be sealed. Often if you have a ceramic or porcelain tile that doesn't need sealing you can overlook the need to seal the grout. However, for non-porous tiles, the grout tends to act as a magnet to any grime, dirt or mould. Mopping can just end up transferring grime into the porous grout. Sealing grout can also extend the life of your tiles as grout is the entry point for moisture that can lift tiles.

Tile Cleaners® have specialised methods to successfully seal grout lines, either on their own or as part of an entire surface seal. We strongly recommend that any newly laid porous tiles and grout be sealed immediately so the area gains the full benefit of the protection. Tiling is not an inexpensive exercise, so why not protect your investment?

Tile Cleaners® grout sealing service for glazed Ceramic tiles will protect the grout lines between your ceramic tiles for years to come, while making them easier to maintain

We provide specialised cleaning & sealing solutions for Ceramic floor surfaces, covering all Canberra suburbs, all Belconnen area and all surrounding suburbs to McKellar

Call 1300 771 201

A lot of people want ceramic tiles in their home because of their remarkable looks, however many people of course do not enjoy cleaning ceramic tile floors. This is because ceramic tiles can be hard to clean, particularly in the grout lines and cracks. Once you do find the appropriate techniques, methods and products for cleaning, you will find that it is easy to keep your ceramic tiles clean and in great shape.

Cleaning the ceramic tile surface is usually not too difficult but cleaning the grout lines is generally the most difficult aspect of cleaning ceramic tiles. Ceramic tile is a durable and decorative surface covering. The grout between tiles, however, can be a dirt and mildew magnet, which is why we always recommend sealing the grout lines between your ceramic tiles using a quality grout sealer. Cleaning ceramic tile grout is not particularly difficult, but it can be tedious and require a bit of elbow grease.

Cleaning ceramic tile can be a huge pain for anyone who isn't using the right tools. Don't waste unnecessary time cleaning ceramic tile by hand, with Tile Cleaners® cleaning machines and equipment it has never been easier to achieve the sparkling clean that you want and others will notice.

Tile Cleaners® Ceramic Tile Restoration service will restore your Ceramic tiles & grout to their best possible condition

We cover all Canberra suburbs, all Belconnen area and all surrounding suburbs to McKellar