About Polished Porcelain
Porcelain is pressed dust i.e. the raw materials are ground, mixed and moistened and literally pressed into the desired shape using tremendous force, creating a ceramic tile with a very low absorption level and high mechanical strength and chemical resistance. Vitrified / vitreous tiles are usually very hard for liquids to penetrate, but polished porcelain usually stains and absorbs water quite easily.
Even with dense vitrified tiles, it is always a good idea to seal tile grout, as this is usually the easiest pathway for water to get in and cause damage - in the shower for example. Once water gets underneath tiles, it is often free to move through concrete floors, brick and mortar walls and to rot wooden structures.
Sealing Polished Porcelain
Polished Porcelain is usually prone to staining and to water ingress. All polished porcelain should be sealed for protection. Polished porcelain tiles usually arrive with some type of wax coating (which protects it during shipping) - this wax coating must be thoroughly cleaned off prior to sealing.
To maintain the look, breathability and slip resistance of polished porcelain, it is important to use a high quality, invisible impregnating sealer. Dry-Treat impregnating sealers are safe and suitable for outdoor and indoor surfaces, and for residential or high traffic commercial surfaces.
Which Dry-Treat Sealer is Best for my Polished Porcelain?
STAIN-PROOF™
Permanent, invisible, fully breathable impregnating sealer for water and salt, PLUS premium oil stain protection. 15 year performance warranty when sealing performed by an Accredited Applicator. Click here for more details.
PORCELAIN-SEALER™
Similar to STAIN-PROOF™, but for very dense porcelain only. Permanent, invisible, fully breathable impregnating sealer for water and salt, PLUS premium oil stain protection. 15 year performance warranty when sealing performed by an Accredited Applicator. Click here for more details
Pre-sealing Preparation
1) Any surface to be sealed should be clean and looking just as you want it before it is sealed - it may be impossible to remove stains after sealing.
2) Polished porcelain tiles usually arrive with a protective wax coat - remove this thoroughly before attampting to seal.
3) Ensure the material is thoroughly dry before applying any Dry-Treat sealer.
Dry-Treat X-DUTY Cleaner™ is a highly effective, heavy duty cleaner which is safe to use on most types of porous surface. X-DUTY Cleaner™ is also an effective wax remover. Click here for more details.
Bleach diluted with water (1 part bleach to one part water) may also be used for stubborn stains. Apply the diluted bleach to the stained area, let it sit for 1-2 minutes, agitate with brush or cloth and then rinse well with clean water.
PLEASE NOTE:
1) Always test any cleaning chemical or sealer on a small, inconspicuous area of the surface 24 hours before doing the project, to check that it will produce the desired result.
2) Always ensure the surface is completely dry before proceeding with sealing.
