The 10 Best Grout Sealer – Recommended by Experts

Tile installers use grout to fill the seams between tiles. In most cases, the grout material is sand, a porous material. That is why you will need to use the best grout sealer to prevent moisture from finding its way under the tiles. Grout sealers are a necessity unless in the cases of epoxy-based grout. This type of grout sheds water naturally.

However, it is expensive compared to sand grout. Grout sealers do not require an expert to apply. However, the application process can be tedious if you have small tiles. In addition, your tiles will need grout sealer application occasionally. That is especially true in high traffic areas and areas with a lot of water, such as bathrooms and kitchens.

Of course, the quality of the grout sealer determines its waterproofing effectiveness and its durability. The following is a review of some of the best grout sealers in the market.

Best Grout Sealer Reviews

1.Miracle 511 Impregnator Seal

The miracle 511 is a favorite sealant and tile maintenance brand. The company has a wide range of tile and grout sealers. Among their best products is the 511 Impregnator Sealer. The 511 Impregnator Sealer is a VOC-based sealer that can be used on grout, tile, and a wide range of stone surfaces. This product prolongs the life of your tiles by protecting the grout from moisture and bacteria.

Miracle 511 Impregnator sealer has a unique formula that allows it to effectively waterproof tiles in highly wet areas such as shower cabinets. Its molecular structure allows vapor to escape. The 511 Impregnator Sealer is a penetrating sealant. Therefore, it does not alter the natural lock of grout, tile, or stone.

Its other unique features include:

• Weather resistance can be used in both interior and exterior surfaces.
• It has low toxicity, meaning it can be safely used in food areas such as kitchen floors and countertops.
• Good coverage one gallon can cover between 1000 and 4,000 square feet.
• Longevity, according to the manufacturer, one application can last up to 15 years.

Cons:

• Since it is VOC based, the vapor from the sealer during application irritates the eyes.
• Excessive exposure to sunlight and UV rays makes its surface to turn yellowish.

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2. Tuff Duck Granite, Grout and Marble Sealer

Rocklinite Labs manufacture Tuff Duck sealants. The manufacturer has more than a decade of experience and is committed to creating effective sealants. One of their best grout sealers is the Tuff Duck Granite, Grout, and Marble Sealer.

The sealant has a unique formula that allows it to penetrate grout with ease. Water-based formula is non-acidic, meaning it will not degrade grout. In addition, it brightens the surface of the grout rather than fade or dull the color. Additionally, it protects the grout and the tiles from oil-based stains.

The main reason to use this product is its versatility and durability. You can use the sealant on both exterior and interior surfaces. In exterior surfaces, the grout sealer offers protection for up to three years. In interior surfaces, its durability is five years.

This sealant requires only one coat of application. Therefore, you need a small amount for a large surface. Typically, one gallon of this product covers 800 square feet.

Tuff Duck Granite, Grout, and Marble Sealer have the following unique features:

• It is cheaper than most high-quality grout sealers.
• Aside from grout, it can protect sandstone, granite, slate, limestone, and other natural stone surfaces.

Cons:

• The sealer does not work effectively if the surface is not cleaned well before application.

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3. StoneTech Professional Bulletproof Grout Sealer

StoneTech is a reputable brand in the grout, tile, and natural stone protection industry. The manufacturer has several product lines in the field of grout sealers, including the Professional Bulletproof Grout Sealer.

The Professional Bulletproof Grout Sealer is an advanced penetrating sealant designed to provide maximum waterproofing and protection on grout and a wide range of natural stones. Additionally, it protects against water and oil-based stains.

The grout sealer is water-based. It has no harsh or toxic chemicals that could compromise the grout or make it inconvenient for use in food areas. Moreover, it preserves the natural look of grout.

Some of its unique features include:

• Durability- It lasts five years in interior surfaces and three years in exterior surfaces. However, the manufacturer recommends annual reapplication for the best results.
• Versatility- It can be applied to grout and other natural stones such as granite and marble.
• It can be applied in a tile area of up to 900 square feet per gallon. You will only require a single application.
• Easy and convenient application sealer dries within 20 minutes and has a curing period of 24 hours. The excess on the tiles can easily be wiped off with a piece of cloth. For more convenience, you can use a coating stripper during the application.

Cons:

• Some users report a layer of white residue in case of an excess application during sealing.

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4. Super Grout Additive

Super Grout Additive, manufactured by Ceramic Tile Pro, is an epoxy alternative and replaces traditional caulking in bathrooms and shower cabinets. It is a good buy where siliconized acrylic and caulking have failed. It has the strength of epoxy grout and the ease of clean of silicone sealants. Moreover, it offers a longer lifespan in areas that need to be caulked.

Industry standards recommend the use of silicone in the corners of the shower floor. However, after some time, silicone will allow water to sip through, and you will start to see mildew growing along with the corners. Super Grout Additive provides 99% waterproofing. Therefore, after application, it will be a long time before you see mold in your shower area.

Super Grout Additive is added to both sanded and non-sanded grout. It is convenient for use during tile installation and tile repair. Its application does not require an expert to follow the instructions, and you have the right tools the 6 oz. The kit is enough for two bathrooms.

The main advantages of Super Grout Additive are:

• It prevents the cracking of grout.
• It inhibits the growth of mildew.
• It can be used with any color of grout.

Cons:

• For the best results, it requires new-sanded grout.

5. Grout & Granite Penetrating Sealer

In wet, highly wet areas such as bathrooms, sinks, and countertops, builders used silicone to seal the grout. That is because silicone is less porous in comparison to sanded grout. However, silicone is not very durable, and it only protects against the penetration of water. Therefore, you need a strong sealant such as the Grout & Granite Penetrating Sealer from the Floor Guys.

Tile installers prefer this sealant as it is strong and has high penetrating power. On application, it seeps into the pores in the grout and does not change the look of both the grout and the tile. This grout sealer is easy to apply. The manufacturer recommends applying it using a paintbrush. After application, allow it to sit on the grout for five minutes.

Then, you can wipe off the excess using a mob or a damp piece of cloth. The one-quart container can cover an area of up to 500 square feet.

Pros:

• Effective on sanded grout and granite as well as other natural stones
• Easy application
• Provides a long-lasting layer of protection
• Odorless, it is a water-based sealant.

Cons:

• Might discolor light-colored surfaces
• It is costlier than other sealants.

6. Aqua Mix Sealer’s Choice Gold

Aqua Mix Sealer’s Choice Gold is widely used by professionals in the tile installation and restoration industry. The sealant is a water-based formula manufactured with the latest micro-bond technology. It penetrates and seals the pores, making your grout both strong and impenetrable. The sealant can also penetrate solid surfaces with low porosity.

It has a VOC level of 47g/I, which is higher than most water-based sealers. Still, the VOC level is low enough for the safe application and use in any part of your home. This sealant is also ideal for application on natural stone such as slate, travertine, limestone, porcelain, terrazzo, marble, and granite. It maintains the natural look of these porous stones and protects them from moisture and oil-based stains. It can also be applied in all areas, including kitchen floors, countertops, walls, and bathrooms.

Aqua Mix Sealer’s Choice Gold has a coverage of up to 1,500 square feet per gallon. The coverage area depends on the size and configuration of tiles, the texture of grout, and the method of application.

Pros:

• It provides grout protection for up to 15 years
• Can be used in indoor and outdoor surfaces
• Ideal in food areas and highly wet areas
• A penetrating sealer that shields against moisture and staining
• A common choice among industry professionals

Cons:

• Difficult to remove if it dries on an undesirable surface

7. Laticrete Stone Sealer

Laticrete Stone Sealer protects grout and stone from moisture penetration in one application. Its approximate coverage is up to 900 square feet for a single coat application. The sealant keeps grout looking new and clean. It also makes cleaning grout lines easy. Dupont previously distributed it. However, Laticrete maintains the same strong Dupont formula.

Laticrete’s Stone Sealer is a water-based sealant based on Teflon technology. It can be used indoors and on exterior surfaces. Also, it protects against both water and oil-based stains. According to the manufacturer, it protects stone and grout for two years. However, in exterior surfaces, you might have to reapply annually.

Pros:

• Waterproofs grout and stone effectively
• Offers protection from oil and water-based stains
• Convenient for both exterior and interior surfaces
• Requires only one coat of application
• It is a water-based formula with no odor, and it does not have chemicals that can degrade grout and tiles.

Cons:

• Not as durable as other grout sealers

Best Grout Sealer Buying Guide

As mentioned earlier, you have to select a high-quality grout sealer to protect your tile from moisture and water damage. Unfortunately, according to the North American Tile Cleaning Organization, there are a few industry standards for testing grout sealers and little warranty enforcement.

Therefore, as a consumer, it is your due diligence to gather enough information before buying a grout sealer and starting your sealing project. The following are some of the factors to consider purchasing the best grout sealer.

The Grout Sealer Type

There are two main types of grout sealers:

Non-penetrating grout sealer or surface coat sealer

This type of sealer provides an essential protection layer. Its main advantage is its easy application. However, after every two years, you have to reapply this type of sealer. Furthermore, a surface coat sealer is not recommended for areas exposed to a lot of water, such as bathrooms.

Penetrating or Impregnator grout sealer

This type of sealer penetrates the grout and fills the empty spaces in the grout. It provides more long-term protection compared to a non-penetrating sealer. Besides, it gives minimum protection for five years. However, it is recommended you assess its effectiveness every two years to determine whether to reapply.

The Application Process

There are three ways of applying grout sealers brushing, rolling, and spraying. The grout sealer you buy will come with application instructions. Cleaning a grout sealer is quite tricky since most sealers will not feed smoothly into the brush.

Rollers are better than brushes as they enable you to keep the sealer close to the seam line. Spraying a grout sealer is relatively easy. Spray-On sealers are designed to soak into the grout line, not the glazed surface of the tile.

The Application Area

Before beginning the sealing project, make sure you have enough product for at least two coats. The square footage of the application area will help determine the amount of grout sealer you will need. You will find the recommended square footage on the product’s packaging or the manufacturer’s website. Typically, a gallon of an impregnator grout sealer will cover 1,000 to 4,000 square feet of tile.

Function

Some grout sealers have other purposes other than sealing grout. For instance, some can act as sealers for marble, stone, and cement surfaces. That should be an essential consideration when you are not sure the tile surface will deplete the amount of sealer you buy.

Grout Sealer FAQs

How do I know if my floor has been sealed?

Sprinkle a few drops of water on the grout line. If, after five minutes, the water has soaked in, your tiles’ tiles have never been sealed, or the grout lines require sealer reapplication.

How is grout sealer applied?

The first step is to clean the grout lines. After drying, the sealer gets sprayed on the grout lines or applied using a brush. The last step is to clean the excess sealer on the surface of the tiles.

How long do grout sealers last?

Most manufacturers claim that their sealers will last 20 years. However, you should assess whether your grout lines need sealer reapplication every two years.

How long does the grout sealer application process last?

It can take up to 90 minutes to apply grout sealer on a floor of about 250 square feet. The time taken to apply the sealer is dependent on the amount of room of dirt on the grout lines and the size of the tiles.

How long after sealer application, can I return to regular use of the tile area?

Before you resume regular use of a sealed floor, allow the sealant to dry. Typically, it takes between 2 and 3 hours fora grout sealer to dry completely.

How should I maintain a sealed tile floor?

A sealed tile floor, or wall, does not require special maintenance. However, you should use neutral tile cleaners. Harsh and acidic bleach and cleaners will break down the grout sealer prematurely.

Final Verdict

There are many brands and types of grout sealers. When buying a grout sealer, look for reputable brands and manufacturers such as Aqua Mix, StoneTech, and The Floor Guys. We recommend you look for penetrating sealers rather than surface coat sealers. Penetrating sealers are more durable and effective.

All the products reviewed above will provide your grout with above-average protection against moisture. Still, you have to take your time to choose which will work best for you, depending on the area of application, cost, and method of application. In our opinion, the best grout sealer, all factors considered, is the Aqua Mix Sealer’s Choice Gold. It outshines other grout sealers in durability.