Porcelain

TSSPRO SEALANT PRODUCTS FOR PORCELAIN

PORCELAIN: There are two types of porcelain tile, glazed and unglazed. With glazed porcelain there is usually not a need or benefit to using a sealer. Unglazed porcelain tile comes in polished and unpolished finishes. Unglazed polished porcelain tile is susceptible to staining. This is due to the grinding or smoothing process used to polish the tiles. This process opens up microscopic pinholes and pores in the tile that were not previously exposed. and therefore, makes it susceptible to staining. You can test if a tile, glazed or unglazed, should be sealed by pouring water on the surface. If the tile changes color and absorbs the water, or some of the water, then you should consider sealing the tile.

Considerations for choosing a sealer: The following are all factors for selecting a sealer.  The sealer descriptions below will mention which attributes they have to help in your selection; color enhancing/color change, adding a wet look, minimizing cooking area stains, salt-water erosion resistance, efflorescence resistance, preventing oil (cooking/motor) stains, preventing discoloring mold/algae, preventing deterioration/flaking, adding slip resistance, VOC compliance, general stain resistance, general protection.

Coverage, Number of Coats: Porcelain is dense.  Only one light or medium coat is required whether polished or honed.  After application, any excess sealer should be wiped off.  Coverage will vary with the sealer selected but will vary from 350 to 500 sq ft / gallon.  

Although dense, unglazed porcelain can stain and should be protected from staining.  Below are sealers for stain protection.

  • TSS550-Stain Safe, solvent based, penetrating, repels water, oil, powerful, premium stain resistance for long periods including red wine, strong beading, slight darkening