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Just wonderinng. I just had 20x20in porcelain tile installed in my home. It hasn't been sealed. Any thoughts on whether it "should" be, "must" be, "doesn't need" to be sealed? I like the look of it as is but am just wondering if it "needs" to be sealed.
Glazed porcelain typically does not need to be sealed, though ecrane is right about the grout.
Unglazed tile, however, is porous enough that I would seal it with something to prevent stains. Ideally, take a leftover piece of tile & test for color/look changes with whatever sealant you use, but most that I've tried don't change it that much. You might end up with a slightly darker looking tile for a while, but that's about it. At the very least, however, start in an inconspicuous corner.
Either way, remember to REseal the grout &/or unglazed tile every few years, according to the suggestion on the brand of sealant you use, to prevent stains.
Thank you both for the information! I'll have to check with the vendor to see if its glazed. I can't tell at all. Maybe it says on the boxes... I have lots left over and will tile my back patio.
It should be easy to tell - porcelain glaze, IIRC, is actually a sort of glass that is melted onto the tile. It has a smooth, glass-like feel. It's the most common tile you see in bathrooms and such.
Unglazed tile will have a rougher, fine-grit sandpaper-like feel to it and looks more earth-like. Basically, unglazed tile looks more like the baked mud that it is :-) (Which is not to say it's not pretty! Just more natural-looking)
Some glazed tile has a texture added, but it should still be shiny-looking like glass.
If you know the name of the tile and who made it you can google them and should be able to find all the information you need about your tile including their reccomendations regarding sealing and cleaning methods.
Porcelain Tile
Q. What is the difference between Porcelain Tile and Ceramic Tile?
A. Porcelain tile is more scratch resistant than ceramic tile. Porcelain is made from a finer, more dense clay, which results in a more dense, harder body. Also, porcelain tile is fired at higher temperatures than ceramic, resulting in superior durability and stain resistance.
Q. How do I care for my Porcelain Tile floor?
A. Porcelain tile is stain-resistant requiring minimal maintenance. Simply wipe up spills with a damp cloth or sponge. Regular cleaning with clear water or a mild detergent is recommended.
Q. What is Shade Variation?
A. Any variation in color or texture from tile to tile.
Q. What is a Moh?
A. A Moh is a scale of hardness developed by the German mineralogist Fredrich Mohs. The scale ranges from 1 (talc) to 10 (diamond).
