Home 5 Surface Guide 5 Cleaning & Sealing Porcelain Tiles

Cleaning & Sealing Porcelain Tiles

Porcelain tiles are ceramic tiles with a water absorption rate of less than 0.5 percent that are used to cover floors and walls. They can either be unglazed or glazed and are available in a variety of colours, textures and finishes. Porcelain is much harder than ordinary ceramic tiles and is usually selected, despite its higher price etc. in areas where strength is more important, such as floors and commercial use, or in areas of high wear and hard knocks. Sealing porcelain tiles may be required, it is always best to consult with your tile supplier to verify whether your porcelain tiles require this treatment.

Type of Finishes

 

Polished Porcelain Tiles

A glossy, highly reflective surface

  • Surface is very smooth and reflective
  • The polishing process creates micro pores on the surface which are subject to staining
  • Sometimes has a wax or pre sealer applied during manufacturing process

Honed Porcelain Tiles

A flat matte, low sheen finish

  • Surface is very smooth
  • Sometimes has a wax or pre sealer applied during manufacturing process

Textured Porcelain Tiles

A rough textured non sheen finish

  • Ideal for external use
  • Non slip texture

Glazed Porcelain Tiles

A glossy, reflective surface

  • Sealing is not necessary

Pre-Grout Sealing Porcelain Tiles

In most cases pre-grout sealing porcelain tiles prior to grouting or installation is not required. However if a dark coloured grout or an epoxy grout is being used it may require an application of a pre-grout sealer. This is to prevent grout staining and also acts as a grout release and assist in the grout clean-up process.

If the surface is textured applying a coat of Aqua Mix® Grout Release can be used.

If the surface is smooth (polished, honed) than applying a coat of the final sealer you select is recommended.

Grout Haze Removal

It is best that all of the grout haze is removed between 3-10 days. A minimum of 3 days for the grout to cure and harden, and no longer than 10 days or it will be more difficult to remove.

Aqua Mix® Grout Haze Clean-Up can be used within the first 10 days of grouting. If the grout has been left for more than 10 days grout haze can be removed using Aqua Mix® Cement Grout Haze Remover.

If epoxy grout has been used you can remove using Aqua Mix® Sealer & Coating Remover.

If Aqua Mix® Grout Release was used, the grout and Grout Release can be removed using Aqua Mix® Heavy-Duty Tile & Grout Cleaner.

Factory Wax Removal

Sealing Porcelain TilesIf the factory wax was not completely removed during the grout haze removal process, the surface should be scrubbed using Aqua Mix® NanoScrub® and an Aqua MIx® AquaScrub.

Detailed instructions: Click Here

Sealing Porcelain Tiles

In most cases, you should only be sealing these tiles using either a Natural Look Sealer or an Enhancing Sealer. The best sealer for porcelain tiles is Aqua Mix® Sealer’s Choice® Gold – Rapid Cure however, we have a range of sealers to suit your requirements:

Sealing Porcelain Tiles with a Natural Look Penetrating Sealer:

Sealing Porcelain Tiles with an Enhanced Look Penetrating Sealer:

Note: Sealing porcelain tiles with a penetrating sealer will not alter the slip resistance. For more information regarding slip resistance, click here

If the surface is an unglazed internal textured floor you also may use Aqua Mix® High-Gloss Sealer. However, we do not recommend Aqua Mix® High-Gloss Sealer to be used in wet areas.

Maintaining Porcelain Tiles

Countertops and Walls

Sealing Porcelain TilesCountertops/Bench-tops, vanities, and walls should be regularly cleaned using any of Aqua Mix® Routine Cleaners.

Regular use of Aqua Mix® Aqua Shield™ Cleaner & Resealer will ensure that your porcelain always maintains maximum stain resistance.

Floors

Floors should be regularly cleaned using Aqua Mix® Concentrated Stone & Tile Cleaner. If the surface is allowed to build up, then scrub the surface using Aqua Mix® Stone Deep Clean, Aqua Mix® Heavy-Duty Tile & Grout Cleaner or Aqua Mix® NanoScrub® and an Aqua MIx® AquaScrub.

More info on Maintaining Porcelain Tiles: CLICK HERE

Stain Removal

Sealing Porcelain TilesIf you have a stain that you wish to remove, Aqua Mix® Poultice Stain Remover should be used. This product is a blend of absorbent clays that can be mixed with water or an appropriate chemical to extract the stain from within the stone.

Require Technical Assistance?

Please contact us at 1300 AQUA MIX or info@aquamix.com.au

Contact Us