Sealing Unglazed Tiles
Sealing
Most unglazed tiles require some form of sealing to resist staining and assist maintenance. Generally speaking, the more porous the tile the greater the required number of coats of sealant. It is always advisable, before general application, to test the chosen sealer on sample tiles to ensure that you are happy with the finish and fully understand the methods of use.
Damp
Before sealing, it is vital that both tiles and the substrate to which they are being attached are completely dry. Mineral salts within the tile or lime from the substrate, if activated by damp, appear as a white bloom on the surface of the tile. These unsightly salts will be prevented from escaping if the tiles have already been sealed. Damp may cause such problems at any stage during or after the laying, fixing and sealing of tiles.
Place a teaspoon of water on the intensively cleaned or untreated dry surface. Time how long it takes for the water to fully 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.
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