MAPEI recommends using UltraCare Penetrating Plus Stone, Tile & Grout Sealer or UltraCare Penetrating Plus SB Stone & Porcelain Tile Sealer on all cement-based grouts, porous natural stone, clay tile, cement-based tile, quarry tile, brick and polished porcelain tile. UltraCare Penetrating Plus Stone, Tile & Grout Sealer leaves the surface unchanged in appearance, is breathable, and does not peel, flake or darken the tile or grout. Once fully cured, UltraCare Penetrating Plus SB Stone & Porcelain Tile Sealer helps protect against the absorption of both water and oil-based contaminants, making the surface easier to clean and maintain.

It used to be said that solvent-based products were more durable and longer lasting than water-based products. In today’s world, we have water-based technology that is equal to, or better than, solvent-based products. Because of their unique molecular construction, MAPEI’s UltraCare Penetrating Plus Stone, Tile & Grout Sealer and UltraCare Penetrating Plus SB Stone & Porcelain Tile Sealer are formulated for use on both porous and dense surfaces. To learn more, watch the video below.

Both sealers and grout releases protect the tile surface from staining that is caused by grouting. The difference is, a grout release, such as UltraCare Grout Release, is designed to be washed away during the grouting process, leaving no protection behind, while a sealer, such as UltraCare Penetrating Plus Stone, Tile & Grout Sealer or UltraCare Penetrating Plus SB Stone & Porcelain Tile Sealer, stays behind, providing continued protection after grouting. For more details, click here.

The type of stone, tile and grout that you have will determine if sealing is necessary. Glazed ceramic and porcelain tiles have almost no porosity and are highly resistant to staining; therefore, sealing is not required. However, it is beneficial to seal unglazed, polished porcelain floor tile. If either the tile or grout is considered porous, such as natural-stone tile, terra cotta, Saltillo, brick or cement-based grout, sealing is recommended.

The best time to apply a sealer to the grout is after the grout has cured a minimum of 24 to 72 hours, depending on the manufacturer's instructions.

It is best to seal all porous stone before grouting the floor, and again after the grout has fully cured.