If you want to prevent some moisture from getting in the grouts under your tiles, then you might want to consider applying a grout sealer to it. Using a grout sealer is necessary whenever you are doing a tile installation process.
A grout sealer is a material that will fill all the seams between each of your tiles, but some people will use a grout sealer to stabilize their tiles. A grout sealer does not act as a mortar that would hold your tiles in place. Instead, a grout sealer would just seal your tiles to avoid uninvited guests from entering the seams.
The most common grout is called a sanded grout, which contains sand. They use sand because it is cheap and, at the same time, a good material for covering holes. You can look up the best grout sealers, what would be appropriate for your restroom and more here.
Having a sand-like component as your grout is that it absorbs any liquid that comes between the tiles. To prevent pre-empting water and other kinds of liquid from going in between the tiles, you must apply a grout sealer. That is the primary purpose of this component, but why is it necessary to avoid liquid from penetrating the grout?
Why is it necessary?
When you pour something into your tiled floor, and you fail to clean it up right away, there is a high probability that your grout will absorb the liquid, which will make your tiles dirty and smelly. Grouts will also absorb stains and bacteria when they are not sealed with a grout sealer. Having a grout sealer will not only prevent liquids, bacteria, and stains from entering your grout, but it will also help in protecting it from mold and mildew growth.
Applying a grout sealer will also strengthen your grouts and will slow down the wear-and-tear process. If you want to make your grout look better and last longer, then a grout sealer would do the job for you.
How to apply a grout sealer?
Here are some steps:
1. Let the grout sit for 48 to 72 hours before using a grout sealer.
You need to let the grout be dry first and get it cleaned before applying a grout sealer. Make sure to check that the lines of your grouts are not cracked and whittled. If your grouts are somewhat cracked and whittled, then wait for 48 to 72 hours before sealing.
2. Use tape to tape off the base of the boards and other things near the surface.
Taping the baseboards and other things nearby will help prevent unintentional stains.
3. Use a paint pad, a small roller, or a foam paintbrush.
When you apply the grout sealer, make sure to use any of the tools mentioned above, and these tools will cover the grouts completely. After applying, take any cloth and wipe the extra sealer from the grouts off.
4. After applying the grout sealer, make it dry for at least 15 minutes.
Waiting for 15 minutes will allow the sealer to soak into the grout. Apply the second coat and wait for another 15 minutes to let it drench.
5. After 5 minutes, wipe the sealer with a clean towel.
It is better to use a nylon pad when you scrub the excess from the dried grout sealer. Make sure to scrub it with water to completely eradicate the excess. You can also use any clean if you don’t have any nylon pad.