The grout sealer is a must for installing tiles. Most grouts are consist of sand as it is a good filler. As you are using sand it will easily attract water and dust into the grout. Here comes the grout sealant as a lifesaver. It saves our grout by adding a resistant layer. This will protect the grout from water, dust, and other harmful materials.
At Shower Journal, the most common question we get from our readers is “what to use for sealing grout”. Well, after reading these reviews, you will find the best grout sealer for the shower or bathroom floor.
Please remember that we have done hours of web research before writing this article. In this research, we have considered the performance, materials, ease of use, and customer feedback to determine our top chart. So, let’s read…
Best Grout Sealer for Shower Summary
In case you are in a hurry here is a list of the Best Grout Sealers on the Market:
- Tuff Duck Granite, Grout and Marble Sealer
- Tuff Duck Grout And Marble Sealer 22 Oz Stone Tile
- Black Diamond UGS PT Ultimate Grout Sealer
- Dupont 1 Quart Dupont Grout Sealer
- Ceramic Tile Pro SGA Epoxy Grout Additive
- Serveon Sealants H2Seal H2100
- Eliminate Grout Cleaner And Sealer
- Custom Bldg Products Ammcrqt
Do Grout Sealers Really Work?
Yes, Grout Sealers work. Grout sealers work by acting as a barrier to prevent water from penetrating the spaces between your tile grout and also prevents moisture and gems from the grout by doing so it increases the lifespan of your grout and the look stays cleaner.
Best Grout Sealer for Shower
Is it essential to invest in the best grout sealer? Yes, this is because when you have unsealed grout, there is a high possibility of water penetrating and it can reach the tile adhesive which causes breakage. So, if you can seal properly from absorbing water, it will protect the tile. So, what is the best grout sealer for showers? The following are reviews of tested grout sealers that work amazingly for tiles.
1. Tuff Duck Granite, Grout and Marble Sealer
Tuff Duck Granite is a unique, versatile sealer that will protect your grout from moisture, liquids, and oils. Because of its modern, high-quality appeal, it can be used even on delicate stones like quartz.
What we liked most
The fact that this top sealant is versatile enough to work well with any grout type. It can also be used to seal concrete, limestone, granite, travertine, slate, and marble as well. The sealer works by penetrating the pores of the grout forming a barrier which inhibits any kind of moisture from absorbing or getting behind the grout. It is the top grout sealer for the shower because it is non- acidic so no worry of corrosion. A single coat gives you double protection and can last to a maximum of 5 years on interior surfaces and up to 3 years for exterior surfaces.
2. Tuff Duck Grout and Marble Sealer 22 oz Stone Tile
If you are looking for a tougher sealer to deal with the tough grout destroyer, then look no further. Tuff Duck granite is a multi-use grout sealer.
You can use it for grout and all floor tile surfaces. It is compatible with many surfaces including sandstone, marble, limestone, travertine, granite, slate and terrazzo. The single quart can be used for up to 200 square feet and gives you 5 years protection on interior surfaces and 3 years on exterior surfaces. And with twice the power of protection, it is sure to provide you with your money’s worth. This grout sealer is ideal for most of the floor tiles.
What we liked most
Its non-acidic formula makes it a choice for use on natural stones and easily corroded materials as it will protect the surfaces without a problem. The sealant is easily absorbed into the porous grout covering up all the spaces eliminating space for any water moisture or oils.
3. Black Diamond UGS PT Ultimate Grout Sealer
The Black Diamond grout sealer is a one of kind sealer made of premium quality and with the ability to resist stains. It also repels the growth of mold and mildew. Its versatile performance has placed it on our top grout sealers for the price.
What we liked most
We liked the fact that the sealant is of very high quality and is expected to last you a long time and all this at a reasonable cost. This robust grout sealant is appropriate for use not only in the bathroom but also in kitchens and counter-tops where hygiene is paramount.
Referred to as the top grout sealant for shower floor, it can inhibit the growth of mold and mildew. It is made to wonderfully resist the penetration of oils, water moisture, and food.
4. Dupont 1 Quart Dupont Grout Sealer
Sometimes the application of a grout sealant may be messy especially without the right applicator tools. But with the Dupont Grout Sealer, the application doesn’t have to be unpleasant. Dupont sealer applicator is easy to use for beginners. It is one of the best grout sealer for shower floor.
What we liked most
The sealant comes with an applicator brush for your convenience of use making the hard job of sealing quite a breeze. It is perfect for floors and bathrooms. It’s quite versatile as it is compatible with many surfaces including travertine, ceramic, marble granite and even glass and porcelain. And the bottle can cover a massive 1800 square feet.
5. Ceramic Tile Pro SGA Epoxy Grout Additive
Most contractors have been using caulk or silicone for waterproofing joints ceramics. However, it shrinks when dry and is most suitable for rigid constructions. The Ceramic Tile Pro Super Grout Additive just like its name suggests is the ultimate when it comes to sealing ceramics. This sealer is the Best Epoxy Grout Sealer in our 2019 top chart.
What we liked most
The additive is easy to use and durable than any other sealants on the market. It is arguably the most preferred sealer for showers floors, tubs, and corner grout joints by professional cleaning companies. This best asphalt sealant is incredibly long-lasting and resistant to fungus. Also guaranteed not to discolor.
6. Serveon Sealants H2Seal H2100
The wait for your sealant to dry off to allow you to take the long-awaited shower has been shortened by this new sealant. The H2Seal H2100 Stone Sealer is a quick application, quick-dry sealant. Isn’t that great? It is the quickest grout sealer for any floor type in our list.
What we liked most
It’s the short single hour wait for the sealer to dry. No more waiting 24 hours to use your favorite bathroom. Serveon Sealants H2Seal H2100 has a very minimal odor and will seal your surfaces while maintaining its original stature.
It is resistant to all liquids, moisture mold, algae, and fungus. It can be used on all kinds of marble, Limestone, concrete, slate, ravertine, Cantera, stucco, flagstone, sandstone, quartzite, river rock and more.
7. Eliminate Grout Cleaner and Sealer
For safe and effective grout cleaning and sealing, look no further than the Eliminate Grout Cleaner & Sealer which offers these and more in one bottle. This compact grout sealant can seal anything for you. It is a smart choice for DIY guys.
What we liked most
The bottle comes with an easy to spray top makes application child’s play. It is versatile enough to clean and seal, no need for the extra costs of buying a cleaner. It has no stinging odor making it comfortable to use. You can use the sealer on different surfaces including shower floor, tubs, tiles, and sinks to mention just a few. That’s what we like about it.
8. Custom Bldg Products Ammcrqt
Finding the ultimate cleaner and sealer is a workman’s dream. Well, with the Custom Bldg Quart Marble Slate Cleaner the dream is a reality. Why? The best part of this sealer is, it is super easy to use.
What we liked most
There is a myriad of reasons to love this ultimate bathroom grout solution. First, because it not only cleans but also seals making the grouts waterproof.
The ready to use formulation works well to inhibit the growth of mildew and mold as it effectively cleans all dirt and grime.
The non- acidic formulation is also mild on surfaces making it ideal for even sensitive surfaces. The sealer is compatible for use on travertine, marble, and limestone.
9. Heavy Duty Grout Haze Remover Quart
When it comes to heavy-duty work, you need heavy-duty products to efficiently complete the job. That is why the DuPont Heavy Duty Grout Haze Remover is made especially for those with heavy-duty sealing works.
What we liked most
The heavy-duty grout sealer has the maximum strength to not only seal grout but to also clean it. So as you clean the grout, you also seal it off to ensure that all residues are removed without the possibility of making the reappearance.
The concentrated solution is compactly packaged into a quart, but when diluted it can make up to 9 quarts for extended usage. It’s easy to use and saves time as it is a two in one solution. Its alkaline nature makes it’s a favorite to use on all surfaces as it does not destroy.
10. Ultimate Grout Cleaner
If you need high rated grout sealer for the shower floor, try the Ultimate Grout Cleaner. It is acid-free and removes even the most robust grout. It is especially useful in bathrooms because of ceramic and marble materials.
What we liked most
The most desired features of this sealant are its ability to not only clean but also seal both white and colored grout without discoloring it. The solution as ultimate indicates can be used for professional use as it deeply cleans all kinds of dirt and grime leaving your ceramics and marbles squeaky clean and protected. And best of all it is easy to use.
11. CoverClean CT- 50 Tile Grout Cleaner
A clean tiled floor is a reflection that speaks volumes about how well you take care of your floor. So if you would like your floors to say something positive about you, get the Coverclean CT- 50 Tile Grout Cleaner Surface Treatment. It is a professional quality cleaner sure to speak well of you.
What we liked most
We liked this product because of its high-quality nature and the fact that it is easy to use. It is easy to rinse off and is fortified to eliminate organic stains. Coverclean CT- 50 has a high pH formula that helps clean off soil, grease, oil and works well with porcelain ceramic and natural stone. It is arguably the right grout sealer for porcelain tiles. Finally, it inhibits any further growth of mildew or mold. It is perfect for floor and bathroom maintenance.
12. Marblelife
Are you tired of the constant cleaning of your tiles because of the discoloration from oil? Now it’s time to use the Marblelife Grout Sealer. It is easy to use a sealant that provides resistance to oils and moisture.
What we liked most
It is relatively easy to use and will protect your grout from any water, moisture, oils and food residues that may tend to damage or discolor the grout. This professional grout sealer, is very useful as it penetrates the grout repelling all liquids yet maintaining breath ability. It can last longer without resealing and has minimal odor. Because of its penetrative nature reviewers have often referred to it as favorite penetrating grout sealer.
Is it safe to seal grout?
Grout sealers are chemicals that can be harmful. However, their harm can be kept safely at bay by choosing the right Grout sealers. Choosing the right one with minimum or no harm, even at all, you will have to look for the company that is selling safe Grout sealers for shower.
To buy a sealant, you will first have to do some research on the company which is known to take health precautions before manufacturing their products. Not alone will thus reduce the adverse effects of the chemical, but it may still tolerate you to eliminate them.
Once you have bought the best rated grout sealer for shower from a top-quality company, you need to take only a few precautions. This includes avoiding skin contact with the chemical and keeping it away from heat. Ventilating the area will further reduce its harmful effects. If you take these precautions, the grout sealer will be perfectly safe for you to use.
Factors to Consider While Buying Grout Sealer
Certain factors should be kept in mind while buying the grout sealant. A grout sealer ensures how safely your tiles are secured in place, their general look, and their lasting duration. It is advised that you refer to a Grout sealing buying guide that can tell you which products are worth spending your money on.
Solvent Based
Since most people would prefer tiles in their shower, a grout sealer for the shower should be solvent based. A solvent based sealer consists of molecules smaller than the molecules of water. This helps keep the water from penetrating the sealer and damaging the base of the tiles. This extends the life of the tiles and saves your bathroom from permanent damage that may be caused by water seepage.
Where You Wish To Install The Tiles
This is also a very important factor in choosing the right Grout Sealer. If you wish to install it in a kitchen, where oil spillage may happen, a stain-resistant sealer is recommended. This helps keep the kitchen clean as it prevents the tiles from staining. It is also very easy to clean. A water-based solution for the sealer will make it even better because it will leave no smell. The water-based solution evaporated once the tiles have dried. This allows you to have a kitchen or home that looks and smells natural.
Sealer With Volatile Solvent
A grout sealer with a smell will not only leave your house stinking but also have adverse effects on those living in that house. Children and pet will be less resistant to the effects of this smell and therefore for health reasons, you must choose a Grout sealer that will have a volatile solvent in it. This helps the solvent evaporate and once that is done, the environment of the house will be safe for all.
Durability
The sealers durability is without a doubt, the most important factor. If a Grout sealer is not durable, you are just wasting your money because you will need to repair your entire kitchen or shower floor again after a while. When buying a seller, you can look at how long the product is guaranteed to last. A minimum of five-year guarantee means you are safe and the tiles will not need frequent application.
Material Matching
You need to pick a Grout sealer that matches the nature of the material you are going to seal. Flooring can be of various types and different types of flooring will require different types of Grout sealers. Marble, tile and polished granite will require a solvent-based sealer. While materials like brick, clay, and slate will require water-based sealers. This is due to the varied chemical structure of the Grout sealer and the flooring material.
Appearance
The appearance of your flooring is a significant factor. After all, who would want to spend large sums of money buying high-quality material for their flooring but in the end it looks bad because of bad sealer. You need to choose the sealer that will enhance the looks and durability of the flooring material. This includes prevention from stains. Stains can be of both water and oil. Both can be stubborn stains that simply won’t be cleaned. A good quality Grout sealer coat can help prevent these stains and give the flooring a proper ending.
An AFM soft coat
It will enhance the abilities of a Grout Sealer. This coat is what ensures the long-lasting look of tiles. Many tiles will start to fade after a while, leaving the floor look like old and wary. An AFM safe court will prevent this from happening to the tiles. Once this coat is applied to the tiles, the tiles will be looking like new even after years. This saves you a lot of money on renovation.
How to apply the grout sealer properly on the shower floor?
Application of grout sealers varies. This depends on the type of Grout sealer you choose and the size of the tile you are using it on. However, make sure you are using an applicator brush, wearing protective clothing and avoid skin contact with the sealer. A brush or roller will make the job easier while wearing protective clothing will protect your skin from the harmful chemicals in the sealer. You can use brushes, rollers or spray to apply the sealer.
Use Brush Tip:
When using a brush, you will have to apply the sealer onto the grout. You can easily do it with the brush tip. In doing so, you will have to be careful so you don’t get any sealer on the tile itself. Using a brush can be hard. We suggest brushes for experts only. It can be hard for beginners.
Using Roller:
The roller is the second-best option to use grout sealer in the bathroom. Using a roller is the fastest and easiest way to apply the sealer. All you have to do is apply is throughout the tile line. It will not require reapplication which will save you a tremendous amount of work. Although the roller is not very accurate, it helps the sealer stay close to the seam line. It also helps keeps the sealer away from the tile surface.
Grout Sealer Spray:
Grout sealer spray is another way that you can apply your grout sealer. This is the easiest thing you can do to apply the sealer. It’s fast and uses less energy. It soaks the sealer into a porous surface but does not stick to the glazed surface of a tile.
This means that if you get some sealer on the surface of the tiles, it will eventually come off. The problem with this applicator is that even though you will have saved yourself time and energy on applying the grout sealant for shower, you will need to spend plenty of time and energy to clean off the excess spray on the tile surface.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is it essential to seal grout in the shower?
A: Yes, it is. This is because of their porous material which absorbs water when wet. This water eventually gets to the adhesive material which breaks down when wet. This causes the tiles to sag and eventually peel off. Sealing grout prevents absorption of any water or moisture.
Q: How do I seal tile shower walls?
A: To begin, you need to clean the grout with clean, freshwater. Then wipe the tile and grout making sure it dries off completely. For best results, with at least 24 hours before applying the grout seal, wait for the specified manufacturer recommended time for drying before using the bathroom.
Q: After how long should I reseal the Grout?
A: Different manufacturers have different dates that they recommend for their products. However, according to the Tile Council of North America, it is important to reseal your grout at least biennially.
Q: Grout sealer vs Impregnator: whats the Main difference
The main difference between the two is that the Grout Sealer is made to prevent water penetration into the grout while the Impregnator works by creating a film on top of your tiles.
Facts About Grout Sealer:
Have you ever wondered why sometimes the tiles in the shower just keep slipping off even if done by a professional? Well, the answer is quite simple.
More often than not, the problem is caused by unsealed grout. These can be a great danger to you as they can cause you to slip and injure yourself.
According to the Global floor safety network:
- Over 300,000 injuries leading to disabilities annually in North America are caused by Slip-Falls. (According to CDC)
- Account for 30% of all injuries reported are a result of Slip-Fall accidents
- Second to automobile accidents, slip — fall accidents are the leading causes of accidental death and disability
Wrapping Off
Some contractors these days do not take time to seal the grout leaving it susceptible to breaking down and consequently damaging surfaces. That is why it is important to buy the best grout sealer for shower for you to seal the grout for longer-lasting tiles.
Whether you chose to use a sealant that creates a barrier or a sealant that soaks into the pores of the grout, just is sure it works well. Select a sealant from our collection to get the best in the market today. And to make your showering amazing, use the best shower base on your bathroom.
Thanks for reading.
Sources:
https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-seal-grout/
As the resident shower expert at ShowerJournal.com, Wayne Lee loves to share the helpful tips and tricks he’s picked up over the years during his job as a handyman.
Thank you so much for the great article. After reading your article, I bought Dupont Grout Sealer. And it’s working great.
Hey Richard, I have used Tuff Duck grout sealer, after reading your review. It worked great for me. Thanks for suggesting.
I recently read your blog on the ‘Best Grout Sealer’ and I must congratulate you on a very well-written blog. You have covered a crucial topic, which many of us had not heard of earlier. I myself was unaware about the importance of grout sealing. Your blog was very descriptive and also covered the best grout sealers in the market. Some time back, I decided to restore the flooring in my bathroom. I had used pFOkUS epoxy colored grout sealer – Caponi to seal my grout. This grout sealer was an amazing product as it was available in more than 40 shades. I could easily pick a color matching to my tile surface. In just one coat, I sealed my grout and its been 2 years now, but my grout still looks beautiful and intact. I recommend this grout sealer to everyone and would also request you to add this product in your ‘grout sealers list’. This wonder product has all the features a good grout sealer should have.