Do I need to seal mosaic tiles?
Before considering how to impregnate or seal mosaic tiles, it is important to determine whether this is necessary or not. In fact, most of the TMF mosaic tiles don’t need a grout or tile sealer. Within the TMF range, there are only two collections that qualify for impregnation. These are the Valencia series and Natural Stone. These two series that are slightly porous and can therefore absorb impregnation. All other TMF series have such a dense structure that they do not absorb sealing agents or any other material. Impregnation or tile sealing will just be a waste of time and resources.
Impregnating or sealing mosaic tiles is done to protect the product and grout from dirt. A thin layer is applied to the mosaic tile, preventing other liquids and dirt from entering the tile (such as a glass of wine or spilt coffee). The mosaics also become smoother, making them easier to clean. Be careful with this if the mosaic tiles are on the floor. Smoother is also more dangerous with a higher risk of slipping.
An impregnator or sealer can also be used to enhance the colour of the mosaics. However, we always recommend a colourless, neutral impregnator that has minimal effect on the colour of the tile.
Depending on the brand (there are several brands offering impregnating or tile sealing agents) and how you clean with which agents, you will determine how often you need to seal. It depends on the type of surface on which the mosaic tiles are applied. A floor gets dirty quicker than a wall and also endures more wear from walking. Usually, you need to impregnate once every 5 to 10 years. However, this can differ per product so please read the instructions or packaging of your tile sealer.
The advantage of sealing your tiles is that the joint or grout is also sealed at the same time. As a result, less dirt remains in the grout.
The reason why only the Valencia and Natural Stone collection in the TMF collection can be impregnated is because they are somewhat porous. With the Valencia collection, this concerns the matt tiles (also in the Valencia mix). If you would like to place these in the shower room or the back wall of a kitchen (where cooking takes place), dirt can remain in them, which can only be removed with very good cleaning. It is much better to impregnate making maintenance easier. Applying sealer to a tile that absorbs little amounts, such as Valencia mosaic tile, can be done with a cloth. For natural stone mosaic, which is more porous, a paint roller is more suited.
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