Porcelain is a type of tile material that is made using high-quality clay. It is known for its high silica content and has the same characteristics that are common to silica. For instance, like silica, porcelain has low water absorption, decent hardness, and resistance to chemicals or abrasion. Porcelain was first developed by Italian manufacturers.

Due to the above-mentioned qualities, porcelain became a favored flooring and landscaping option among many users across the globe, especially in the Phoenix metro area. In fact, the original porcelain, back in the day, was so resistant to water, chemicals, and abrasion that it did not require sealing at all. However today, it is not uncommon to find certain types of porcelain that require sealing, to withstand long term damage. The Carefree natural stone restoration team at Americhem Natural Stone Restoration understands the importance of this process.

How to known if your porcelain tiles need sealing

Man cleaning porcelain floor

To check if your porcelain floor needs sealing, all you have to do is conduct a simple test. The test is referred to as a ‘Water Test’, wherein, you will have to pour some water onto your porcelain tile. After doing so, you must observe if the water gets absorbed. If you do notice that the water gets absorbed, then it is an obvious indication that your porcelain tile will need sealing.

Porcelain sealing is generally done for polished porcelain tiles, especially for the ‘honed’ or ‘satin’ tiles, which are fairly common in Arizona.

Types of porcelain sealers we use

Porcelain sealing can only be done using two types of sealers: Penetrating Sealers or Surface Sealers.

  • Penetrating sealers: These sealers are absorbed by the porcelain tile and work below it’s surface. They do not affect the appearance of the tile or its slip resistance.

  • Surface sealers: Surface sealers or Floor Finish sealers, as the name indicates, are applied on the surface. They form a restrictive barrier on the tile surface and prevent the absorption of stains or the formation of grouts. However, these are generally applied on polished porcelain, since penetrating sealers don’t work with polished porcelain. Surface sealers also enhance the appearance of the porcelain.

Things to be considered

First of all, porcelain sealing is done only if there is fluid absorption. If your porcelain flooring does not absorb water, then do not bother sealing it. However, if you are planning on grouting, then porcelain sealing will be required prior to the process.

Porcelain sealing depends on the quality of porcelain you are using and the level of absorption, which can be determined by conducting a few tests and talking to a professional porcelain sealing service.

For a free quote from a professional natural stone restoration company near Peoria, contact Americhem Natural Stone Restoration, today. We can off you the most thorough and effective porcelain tile cleanings in the Valley, as well as grout sealing and natural stone restoration.

Americhem LLC

505 W 8th Ave #17
Mesa, AZ 85210
Phone: 480-837-5725
Fax: 480-393-3223
Email: info@americhemaz.com
Website: americhemaz.com

Arizona Stone Care , Inc

505 W 8th Ave #17
Mesa , AZ 85210
Phone: 480-232-6264

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