Ceramic Tile is Pressed Dust

Ceramic tile is pressed dust, i.e. the raw materials are ground, mixed and moistened; 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 or around sinks. Once water gets underneath tiles, it is often free to move through concrete floors, brick and mortar walls, and to rot wooden structures.

Ceramic tile is usually prone to staining and water ingress. All polished tile should be sealed for protection. Polished 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. Total Seal’s impregnating sealers are safe and suitable for indoor and outdoor tile surfaces, and for residential or high traffic commercial surfaces.