PORCELAIN TO SEAL OR NOT TO SEAL?
Lisa Breakspear, Business Development Manager at FILA UK, discusses the longstanding debate of whether or not porcelain tiles should be sealed after installation.
Should a porcelain tile be sealed after installation? It’s a question that we get asked on a regular basis. Take a quick look on Google and you’ll come across a whole host of conflicting views. So, what’s the correct advice and what treatments are the safest and most effective?
For textured and matt surfaces, a sealant isn’t generally recommended or deemed necessary. However, a protective ‘dirt barrier’ can be very beneficial: textured porcelains have a ‘high-low’ finish that can be difficult to clean, as a mop won’t dig out the dirt and will often snag on the surface. Some matt finishes also have a slight surface texture, and even the tiniest surface undulation will collect dirt. We recommend FILASTOP DIRT – a barrier treatment which chemically bonds to the tile surface, without forming a film, and protects the surface from water and oily stains. Importantly, it doesn’t alter the tile’s original anti-slip rating and, going forward, it makes cleaning easier and helps promote good hygiene.
In terms of polished porcelain, many people believe that these tiles don’t need sealing; after all, shiny surfaces generally repel dirt. However, during the porcelain polishing process micro-pores are opened up and this makes the tiles more vulnerable to staining. Some polished porcelains are sealed as part of the manufacturing process, to protect them during installation, but a further seal with a compatible product is recommended, to offer additional protection for the tile and grout joint. There are now a number of high performance, water-based sealants available, like FILAMP90 ECO PLUS, which offer a safer alternative to traditional solvent preparations. As well as providing
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eco and safety benefits, water-based treatments can be applied with some residual moisture. This can cut application time by as much as 80%, making porcelain treatment a more viable proposition on all fronts!
At this juncture, it can’t be stressed enough that all tiles should be thoroughly cleaned before any type of dirt barrier or sealant is applied. If the tile isn’t completely clean, any accumulated dirt or installation residue will become trapped between the tile surface and the treatment being applied. As a result, the treatment won’t be able to bond or penetrate the surface, performance will be compromised and the surface will be patchy. Longer term, tiles will also be more difficult to clean.
So, if you’re looking to treat a textured or matt porcelain, look out for a ‘dirt barrier’ that doesn’t affect the tile’s slip resistance, or create a shiny effect. Quality treatments, like FILASTOP DIRT, conform with B.C.R.A. and ASTMC 1028-2007 and with English Standard BS 7976 Pendulum tests. For polished porcelain, choose a treatment that’s compatible with any in-line sealer applied and opt for a high performance, water-based treatment, like FILAMP90 ECO PLUS, to maximise benefits.
And lastly, remember to apply a grout protector on unsealed textured/matt porcelain. Grout is porous and nothing lets down a beautiful porcelain installation like a dirty grout line! We recommend a water-based pump spray grout protector, like FILAFUGA PROOF, which will prevent water and stain penetration and, unlike a traditional aerosol, provide a safe treatment.
www.filasolutions.com www.tomorrowstileandstone.co.uk
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