QUESTION

Sealing Tile - I installed a porous ceramic tile on a counter. I have sealed it with a 20 year teflon sealer. The tile is not glossy at all and I would like to have some shine on it. What can I use. I tested some polyurathane on some of the leftover tile and it was fine, but I don't want to do that on the counter unless I know that it is okay. Help!....Please

ANSWER

ANSWER - Regarding your porous ceramic tile that you installed on your kitchen counter top, I assume it is an unglazed/through body tile.

The sealers that are specifically designed for ceramic tile and stone are normally provided in two categories. One is a breathable penetrating sealer that tends to not change the appearance of the tile and the other is a non-breathable surface sealer that tends to give you a glossy look.

The surface sealers are non-breathable and if moisture gets trapped in the tile under the sealer it could cause a cloudy discoloring. Some of the surface sealers tend to show wear patterns. The penetrating sealers allow moisture in a vapor stage to pass through. They do have some color enhancing versions that will give you somewhat of a glossy look.

The sealers you are referencing are normally used to seal other types of products, and they would have to be qualified to see if they are suitable or not for a ceramic tile application. Make sure they are recommended for food preparation areas.

Chances are that you will have to strip off your Teflon sealer before you can apply another, unless you can find a compatible sealer that will allow you to go over the top of it. For more information on sealers go to the Cleaners and Sealers section of our website's Resources in Expert Answers. Good Luck!
ANSWER - Regarding your porous ceramic tile that you installed on your kitchen counter top, I assume it is an unglazed/through body tile.

The sealers that are specifically designed for ceramic tile and stone are normally provided in two categories. One is a breathable penetrating sealer that tends to not change the appearance of the tile and the other is a non-breathable surface sealer that tends to give you a glossy look.

The surface sealers are non-breathable and if moisture gets trapped in the tile under the sealer it could cause a cloudy discoloring. Some of the surface sealers tend to show wear patterns. The penetrating sealers allow moisture in a vapor stage to pass through. They do have some color enhancing versions that will give you somewhat of a glossy look.

The sealers you are referencing are normally used to seal other types of products, and they would have to be qualified to see if they are suitable or not for a ceramic tile application. Make sure they are recommended for food preparation areas.

Chances are that you will have to strip off your Teflon sealer before you can apply another, unless you can find a compatible sealer that will allow you to go over the top of it. For more information on sealers go to the Cleaners and Sealers section of our website's Resources in Expert Answers. Good Luck!