Do I Need to Seal My Bathroom Tiles?

It depends on the type of bathroom tile you have.

Glazed ceramic and porcelain tiles don't need sealing. The glaze creates a non-porous surface that water and stains can't penetrate.

Natural stone tiles (travertine, marble, slate) are porous and do need sealing. We'd suggest sealing before grouting and again after grouting, then periodically as the sealer wears. How often depends on the stone and the level of use, but annually is a reasonable starting point for a busy bathroom.

Unglazed porcelain and matte finish tiles can be more porous than glazed tiles and may benefit from sealing in wet areas. Check the manufacturer's recommendation for the specific tile.

Grout is a different matter entirely. Even with sealed tiles, grout is porous and will absorb water and staining over time. We'd suggest sealing grout lines in all bathrooms, regardless of tile type. It's a simple step that makes cleaning much easier and prevents discolouration.

Questions about a specific tile? Our team at the Buildmat Selection Centre can advise.