Porcelain Tile Flooring - Comments
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Your article says that porcelain tile needs to be sealed. I've read in several other articles -- and have been advised by a flooring specialist locally -- that it does not. If fact, that it doesn't need to be sealed is listed over and over again as one of its advantages. Could you double check on that?
Pat at August 4, 2007 10:58 PM
Posted by: Pat at August 4, 2007 10:58 PMThere are indeed many opinions on either side of the discussion of to seal or not to seal. Yes, porcelain is very hard, but sometimes even hard surfaces can benefit from a little protection.
Grout clearly needs to be sealed to keep it from absorbing stains and dirt. Whether you choose to seal the porcelain tiles at the same time I think is just a matter of preference. Perhaps a floor polish would be more to your liking. And maybe you want your floor to go bare.
If the manufacturer of your tiles says don't seal the them, and your flooring specialist says don't seal them, stick with that advice. At least they'll back their guarantees if you do as they suggest.
The Flooring Lady at August 5, 2007 10:23 AM
Posted by: The Flooring Lady at August 5, 2007 10:23 AMMy bathrooms have old ceramic tile and grout floors...they are in good condition but filthy. How do I go about safely cleaning them (tile and grout) and then can I seal them somehow? The original shine is long gone and white is now gray....help!!
Anne Klenke at September 24, 2007 05:27 PM
Posted by: Anne Klenke at September 24, 2007 05:27 PMI had a maintenance man years ago who cleaned my bathroom tiles with a diluted grout slurry. Not only did it clean the tiles but it also filled in the grout and made everything look fresh and new.
Maybe that could work for your situation too. Just use a grout mix with more water than directed. Be sure to use gloves when working with the grout slurry so you don't burn your skin (it hurts when you do that).
After the slurry has had a chance to dry, rinse the tile. Then you can either leave it alone or seal it so it's more impervious to water and dirt.
The Flooring Lady at September 24, 2007 10:06 PM
Posted by: The Flooring Lady at September 24, 2007 10:06 PMI uderstand we must wait 48 hrs. before sealing the grout on porcelin tiles , should the tiles being cleaned once more before sealing?
Doris at October 18, 2007 09:57 PM
Posted by: Doris at October 18, 2007 09:57 PMPLEASE HELP I HAVE A HIGH GLOSS PORCELIN BLACK TILED FLOOR IN MY KITCHEN AND DINNING AREA I HAVE HAD IT DOWN FOR A YEAR NOW AND IT IS DULL AND DUSTY IT NEVER LOOKS CLEAN.I DID PUT A STAIN GUARD ON IT WHEN IT WAS LAYED.NOW WHEN I MOP IT IM LEFT WITH STREAKS OVER THE FLOOR THERE ALSO SEEMS TO BE A RESIDUE .ANY SUGGESTIONS A WRIGHT
A WRIGHT at October 23, 2007 07:46 AM
Posted by: A WRIGHT at October 23, 2007 07:46 AMYou are right your tiles and grout should be clean and dry before sealing them. If you live in a humid climate you might wait even longer than 48 hours before sealing them.
The need to clean them again depends a bit on how well the tiles were cleaned after the grouting was finished, as well as how clean or dirty your area is. High dust or pollution locations may have more fall out on your tiles, thus requiring a quick cleaning. But be sure to let that job dry well before you seal the tiles.
The Flooring Lady at October 26, 2007 07:24 AM
Posted by: The Flooring Lady at October 26, 2007 07:24 AMI'm considering buying porcelain tile for my kitchen. Some tiles I have seen and like have divots or small round depressions in them for texture. How difficult is the tile to clean, considering a mop could leave dirt behind in the depressions? Does anyone have problems cleaning this type of tile?
Joy at October 27, 2007 01:27 PM
Posted by: Joy at October 27, 2007 01:27 PMI'd love to hear others' experiences too.
My immediate answer is that it probably depends on how frequently you mop your floor as to how much those divots hold dirt. I've had porcelain tile counters and not had too much problem with those divots. The floor would probably be a similar experience.
The Flooring Lady at October 27, 2007 03:01 PM
Posted by: The Flooring Lady at October 27, 2007 03:01 PM
A recent porcelain tile installation has to be redone.The contractor has recommended retiling on top of the existing tile.Your comments would be appreciated.
Gene at November 7, 2007 07:18 PM
Posted by: Gene at November 7, 2007 07:18 PMComment Page: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13
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