Buying a grout sealer is one thing that most people find to be pretty much straightforward. It is as easy as walking into a store, grabbing the first or cheapest product that you see, and paying for it.
However, not a lot are aware that grout sealers differ in many ways. It is best to look beyond their prices.
The main function of a grout sealer is protection of porous surface where the adhesive lies between the tiles. It seals the grout, which will make it water-resistant. This will prevent the absorption of water and bacteria. It will keep your tiles looking good even after years.
If you are looking for the best grout sealer, keep on reading and learn from the insights that we will share.
Top 5 Picks for the Best Grout Sealer Reviews
Even if your tiles have attractive colors or made using high-quality materials, if they are not properly laid, they will look bad. With this, the right grout sealer can definitely save the day, including our recommendations below.
1. Miracle Sealants PLUS QT 511 Porous Plus Sealer
The versatility of this product is one thing that has captured the attention of many of its users. It can provide the best bang for the buck because of its many uses. Looking at its label, it says that it is good for porous natural stone. You can use it for granite, marble, limestone, and quartz, among others.
There are also many who are happy with the great coverage that it provides. The price can be high, but this is easy to justify because one quart covers up to 1,000 square feet.
You will also like how this grout sealer is permanent but invisible. This is one of the sealers that won’t need reapplication, which is one of the best ways by which it helps you save money. As a proof of this, the manufacturer is offering a satisfaction-guarantee for 20 years.
To make it long-lasting, it has components that will make it resistant to damages caused by UV light. This means that light will only pass through without causing damages on the surface. Despite this, there are some complaints over how the surface can instantly suffer from discoloration, which can end up being an eyesore.
However, be warned that this grout sealer uses toxic chemicals. Especially during indoor application, protect yourself from the toxic fumes by wearing a mask. Proper storage is also crucial.
Pros:
- Long-lasting
- Great coverage
- Preserves natural texture
Cons:
- Can easily turn grey
- Not eco-friendly
2. Tuff Duck Natural Stone Sealer
With the professional-strength formula of this product, you can expect that it will deliver exceptional outcomes. It comes with a water-based formula, which makes it effective when used on natural stone. This is unlike others that can cause heavy damages.
It is also worth noting that it has a non-acidic formula. With this, you can use it safely in a variety of natural materials, such as marble.
Based on the information from the manufacturer, this grout sealer can last approximately five years on interior application. On the other hand, for exterior application, the expected lifespan is only three years.
However, there are some people who did not like the chemical smell and how it requires a lot on your end when it comes to care and maintenance.
Pros:
- Has a natural appeal
- Easy to wipe off stains
- Protects up to five years
Cons:
- Has a strong smell
- Produces a lot of residues
3. Clean-Eez Pro Grout and Granite Penetrating Sealer
If you are looking for a budget-friendly grout sealer, this is one option that should be on your radar. Despite its price, you can expect that the quality is not compromised in any way.
It has a professional-strength formula, which will make it long-lasting. Nonetheless, there are some people who noted that it might take a few coats of using this product before you are finally able to seal grouts.
Ease of use is one more thing that you will love in this grout sealer. You don’t have to be a pro to do a good job with the use of this product. You can apply the sealer even when standing up, and it will take only approximately five minutes before you are done.
This sealer is fluoropolymer-based. One of the best things about the latter is that it does not generate a chemical-like smell, making it comfortable to apply even in a large area. To add, it will penetrate deep into the grout to ensure maximum protection from dirt.
Pros:
- Affordable
- No foul odor
- Works for both sanded and unsanded grout
Cons:
- Requires scrubbing
- Might require a few coats
4. Aqua-X Grout Sealer
Ease of use is one of the best things about this grout sealer. Even if you are sealing grouts for the first time, you will not have any problem. One reason for this is the nozzle-type applicator, which makes it easy to direct the sealer exactly where you want to use it.
We also love how it effectively protects the natural appearance of the tiles. This is also good for inhibiting the growth of mold and mildew, making it one of the best ways to make your home more hygienic.
When applying this grout sealer, you don’t need to end up struggling. It has low VOCs, so you can expect that there will be no foul smell. This is unlike other grout sealers that might make it hard for you to breathe during application.
Lastly, this is also a great choice for those who are looking for value for money. We like how it has exceptional coverage. It is smaller than most of the options included on our list, but it is economical. Based on the information from the manufacturer, every 16 ounces can cover up to 75 square feet. Even better, it takes up to five years before there is a need for resealing.
Pros:
- Creates a natural look
- Easy to apply
- Effective protection from mold and mildew
Cons:
- Need multiple coats
- Non-penetrating
5. Aqua Mix Sealer’s Choice – Gold
This is an expensive option for the best grout sealer, but do not let the price discourage you from choosing this over other products.
One thing that we like in this product is how it dries quickly after application. This is unlike other grout sealers wherein you will need to wait a long time. With this sealer, protection is ready in less than four hours.
The water-based formula is also great. Plus, it is food-safe. With the latter, you can use it even in the kitchen without worrying that there are toxic chemicals that can get in contact with your food.
It also offers maximum stain resistance. This means that even through the years, you can expect it to look good. Based on the technical specifications from the manufacturer, this sealer can last up to 15 years.
Pros:
- Dries quickly
- Long-lasting
- Good stain protection
Cons:
- Expensive
- Thin
How to Choose the Best Grout Sealer
To make it easier for you to narrow down the possibilities, here are some of the most important things to consider.
Type of Grout Sealer
The first thing that you have to do is to choose the right type of the grout sealer that suits your needs. They can be categorized into two.
- Penetrating Grout Sealers: This type will get into the pores of the grout. While it is not permanent, it can last ten to fifteen years with proper care and maintenance. However, take note that its application can darken the shape of the grout. This can be further classified into two types. The first is oilophobic and the send is hydrophobic.
- Non-Penetrating Grout Sealers: It works as a semi-permanent overcoat when laid between the tiles. This is a great choice to repel water and other liquids. Overtime, discoloration is one of the main problems.
Compatibility
Another important consideration would be the compatibility of the grout sealer on the surface where it will be used. This is important to make the most out of the sealer. Otherwise, you might end up wasting your money.
- Cement-Based Sanded Grout: This is an adhesive that contains a mix of sand, water, and cement, which will be used for filling the gap between the tiles. It has natural porous compounds. This means that water can penetrate.
- Epoxy-Based Unsanded Grout: It has epoxy resins with filler powders, which are known for creating an exceptionally tight bond. It is non-porous and easy to clean.
Toxicity
Read the label carefully before deciding what to buy. Not all grout sealers are created the same, especially in terms of their components. Stay away from those with toxic chemicals. Solvent-based sealers are not recommended because they have heavy chemicals that are toxic when ingested or inhaled. As a safer alternative, go for water-based grout sealers. Look for the words non-toxic, safe, and formaldehyde-free, among others.
Conclusion
Keep your tiles looking good and free of bacteria! The best grout sealer can make that possible, including our recommendations above. Stop looking for other products. With confidence, we can say that those on our list will not disappoint!
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