Sealing Tiles Guide

Sealing Tiles Guide

Sealing Your Tiles 

Why should you seal your tiles? 

  • Protects the tiled surface 
  • Reduces the porosity of the tile 
  • Prevents against staining 
  • Makes future maintenance easier 

What types of tiles need to be sealed?

  • Quarry tiles
  • Terracotta tiles
  • Polished and textured porcelain tiles
  • Natural stone tiles

What types of tiles don't need to be sealed?

  • Glazed ceramics
  • Quality un-polished tiles
  • Porcelain tiles that have been factory sealed

What are the basic steps of sealing tiles?

  1. Clean the entire tiled area prior to sealing
  2. Apply the first coat of the sealant
  3. Grout the tiles
  4. Apply the final coat of sealant

How much sealant should you use?

The type and amount of sealant that is needed depends on the type of surface that is being sealed. Some tiles have a higher absorbency rate than others. It is extremely important that you use the correct sealer for the type of tile that has been laid. The wrong sealer can damage the tile and result in an expensive renovation.

Note:
It's advisable to seal the front and sides of porous substances (travertine, terracotta, and limestone). Also, you may want to wear gloves while handling these tiles as fingerprints can stain the surface.

Tile Sealers

Lithofin Sealers

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Lithofin Stain-Stop ECO
Lithofin Stain-Stop
Lithofin Stainstop Plus
Lithofin Stainstop W
Lithofin Multiseal
Lithofin Slate-Seal
Lithofin MN Colour Intensifier
Lithofin KF Protective Impregnator

LTP Sealers

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LTP Mattstone
LTP Colour Intensifier
LTP MPG Sealer
LTP Boiled Linseed Oil

HG Sealers

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HG Impregnating Protector
HG Natural Stone Impregnating Protector
HG Natural Stone Protective Coating Gloss Finish
HG Stain Protector
HG Marble Protector
HG Satin Gloss Polish

* Polished surfaces only.

Tile Porosity

This test will help to establish whether the surface porosity of the tile is high,medium or low. When the intensively cleaned or new /untreated surface is completely dry, place a teaspoon of water on a tile and time how long it takes for the water to absorb.

  • High Porosity - Water is absorbed within 5 minutes: 4 coats of sealer required in normal conditions.
  • Medium Porosity - Water is absorbed within 15 minutes: 3 coats of sealer required in normal conditions.
  • Low Porosity - Water is absorbed within 1 hour or longer: 2 coats of sealer required in normal conditions.

Sealing Terracotta

The following steps are a guide for you to follow as your waterproof and seal terracotta tiles that are used indoors.

  • Step 1:
    Fix the terracotta on to a 100% bed of adhesive. Make sure that you don't get any adhesive on the top of the tile. If you accidentally get adhesive on the top of the tile, wipe it off immediately with a clean cloth.
  • Step 2:
    Coat the tile with LTP Boiled Linseed Oil. Apply 3-4 coats using a paint brush as a continuous process. Do not apply any additional oil at a later time. Remove any unabsorbed oil with a cloth soaked in white spirit.
  • Step 3:
    Leave the tiles to stand for 24 hours after applying the oil. After, grout as normal.
  • Step 4:
    Apply 3-6 thin coats of a synthetic sealant (LTP Ironwax Satin or Lithofin Multiseal) until you achieve an even sheen. Allow 30 minutes between each coat. After all of the coats have been applied, allow 24 hours for it to become waterproof.
    Note: You'll need to replenish the synthetic sealant every 9-12 months.
  • Step 5:
    Maintain your tiles using the appropriate cleaner such as Lithofin Easy Care. This type of cleaner will not strip away the protective sealants that have been applied to your tiles.

Sealing Slate

The following steps are a guide for you to follow as you seal slate tiles.

Note: If the slate isn't calibrated by thickness, grade the tiles on thickness before you fix them to achieve a flat floor.

  • Step 1: Fix the tiles on to a 100% bed of adhesive using the thicker tiles first.
  • Step 2: Apply one coat of Lithofin MN Stain-Stop or LTP Colour Intensifier to the fixed tiles to begin the sealing process.
  • Step 3: Grout the tiles as normal.
  • Step 4: Apply two more coats of Lithofin MN Stain-Stop. This fully seals the tiles and leaves them with a matte finish.
  • Step 5: Apply a couple of coats of Lithofin Multiseal or LTP Ironwax Satin to achieve a soft sheen. Note: This process will need to be repeated every 9-12 months to maintain the soft sheen effect.
  • Step 6: Maintain your tiles using the appropriate cleaner such as Lithofin Easy Care. This type of cleaner will not strip away the protective sealants that have been applied to your tiles.

Note: If you're using slate outside, you'll need to make sure that it is frost proof. Then, just follow steps 1-4 to properly seal your external slate tiles.

Sealing Limestone and Sandstone

The following steps are a guide for you to follow as you seal limestone and/or sandstone tiles.

Note: Use a white adhesive when fixing limestone and sandstone tiles. A white adhesive is less likely to colour the finished tile.

  • Step 1: Fix the tiles on to a 100% bed of adhesive.
  • Step 2: Apply Lithofin MN Colour Intensifier or LTP Colour Intensifier if you would like to enhance or gently deepen the colour of the stone. Test it on a small piece of tile before applying to the entire area.
    Note: This step isn't necessary; however, it should be completed if you'd like to enhance the colour of the tile.
  • Step 3: Apply one coat of Lithofin MN Stain-Stop or LTP Mattstone with a sponge roller.
  • Step 4: Grout the tiles as normal.
  • Step 5: Apply an additional coat of Lithofin MN Stain-Stop. A third coat may be needed depending on the porosity of the tile.
  • Step 6: Apply two to four coats of LTP Ironwax Satin or Lithofin Multiseal with a clean sponge if you'd like to achieve a soft sheen to tiles that are indoors.
    Note: This step isn't necessary, but should be completed if you'd like the soft sheen effect.
  • Step 7: Maintain your tiles using the appropriate cleaner such as Lithofin Easy Care or LTP Wax Wash. This type of cleaner will not strip away the protective sealants that have been applied to your tiles.