What Type of Grout Sealer to Use in a Shower & Which is Best?
Today we wanted to share with you our recommendation on what type of grout sealer you should use in a shower, plus the best grout sealer for a shower floor.
When you read about grout sealers to use in showers, a lot of the time you will find a lot of conflicting information about the two different types of shower grout sealers; penetrating sealers and surface sealers.
Surface sealers create a water-resistant layer on the grout to resist water penetrating in. Whilst this sounds perfect for the shower, it is not advised to be used as it will not allow water trapped underneath the tile to dry out which can lead to black mould growth on the grout.
Penetrating sealers are generally more technical and higher performing formulas, consisting of Nano particles of technical fluoropolymers that penetrate deeply into the porous grout and fill in all the gaps between the sand particles to keep moisture out.
This is widely accepted as the best type or grout sealer to use in the shower and bathroom.
The best grout sealer for a shower floor
And this is exactly what you get with Universeal’s Grout and Tile Protector (see prices). It comes with the following features:
- Easy spray-on application.
- Our grout sealer spray can be applied immediately after grouting.
- Fast drying, instant protection against stains.
- Does not change surface appearance.
- Suitable for wall and floor grout.
- Up to 20 years protection with our tile and grout protector.
- Suitable for internal and external applications.
You should always seal the grout in your shower when tiling your shower with porous cement-based grout.
In most cases, choosing your sealer should be decided by looking at the material of your tile. However, this isn’t the case with Universeal’s Grout & Tile Protector as it’s appropriate for all situations.
Unlike other sealers on the market, you won’t need to check that our product is able to tolerate a high level of moisture – it can, and you have the Universeal promise on that.
Our spray does not penetrate the ceramic tile, porcelain or glass and should not leave any hard to remove residue if wipe with a damp cloth as you go along. The powerful formula in our tile and grout protector is suitable for internal and external applications.
In fact, here’s what a recent customer had to say about our grout sealer for a shower floor:
“Excellent product that is very easy to apply! After several months of daily use my shower is still beading up water on the surface of the tiles and grout showing that the sealing properties are working well. The other benefit that is not mentioned is that the shower tiles and grout stay clean for a very long time between cleaning and I live in a hard water area. I clean with shampoo on a sponge and this is sufficient. No need for harsh products – except on the glass! A good product that I intend to use on my kitchen tiles when I have my kitchen re-done next month”
Our customers believe it’s the best grout sealer for a shower floor, and we think you will too once you’ve tried it.
How best to apply grout sealer to a shower floor?
There are three options for applying a sealer and these are; a brush, a paint pad or a spray but which is better? Read on to compare each of these methods.
- Brush – Brush on sealer is generally milky in appearance and is painted on with an applicator brush. Using the brush is regarded as a hard method of applying sealer as the sealer doesn’t transfer onto the brush very well. This means that it might not be as accurate as other methods and it may be necessary to apply more coats.
- Paint Pad – Paint Pads allow the user to seal precisely with little to no need to reapply. Due to the method used to apply the sealer, the user is seldom required to clear spillages or excess. They are easy to use but can be time consuming as it is necessary to work in smaller sections.
- Spray –Spray on sealer is by far the easiest and most convenient way to apply sealer. The nature of the application removes the necessity for precision and so makes the process less time consuming. Unfortunately, the cost of convenience may come at a price when you have to remove the haze left from the spray on the tile surface. Click here to see our spray-on shower grout sealer.
Application of Sealer Using a Spray
To seal to perfection, we recommend using Universeal Grout and Tile Protector. This product is a solvent based sealer designed to deeply penetrate your grout. It is effective in preventing stains from oil and water-based liquids and it will not discolour your tiles.
With its easy on spray application, Universeal Grout and Tile Protector can be applied immediately after grouting and its fast-drying finish will provide 20 years of protection for your tiles and grout all whilst being VOC compliant.
- Before using Universeal Grout and Tile Protector, ensure that you have ventilated the area and you are wearing appropriate personal protective equipment such as; gloves, goggles and a vapour mask.
- Ensure that the surface is clean and clear of debris and coatings of any kind.
- Shake can well and then hold 25 to 40cm from the surface. Apply evenly throughout ensuring that excess is wiped off.
- Allow to dry for 1-2 hours. You can test the area by applying a few drops of water to the surface. If they are absorbed within 5 minutes, it is advised to apply a second coat.
You can see the full and comprehensive guide on how to seal grout in a shower elsewhere in our blog.
Handy Hint: Surfaces that are not intended to be sealed should be covered in masking material. Sealer must not be applied directly to surfaces made from acrylic or stained surfaces as they may cause discolouration.
