Products for Resealing Grout in a Shower

Penetrating Sealers

• Penetrating sealers are usually made of silicone or latex materials mixed with water or mineral spirits. As the name suggests, penetrating sealers soak into tiny, microscopic air pockets and voids within grout materials to close and solidify the grout. The grout then takes on protective properties to resist absorbing moisture. Penetrating sealers are multipurpose sealers that can work on all types of tiles, and are well suited for stone tiles. They are also referred to as “breathable” sealers because they fill the air voids and expel moisture.

Membrane-Forming Sealers

• Membrane-forming sealers are formulated to resist water. They adhere to the grout and form a glossy finish. However, they do not adhere well to glazed tiles. As a result, they look and work best when used to seal unglazed tiles, such as tiles used for flooring. Glazed tiles, such as porcelain and ceramic tiles, should not be sealed with membrane-forming sealer products. Glazed tiles are often used for shower stall walls that have to endure water. If you apply a membrane-forming sealer in this type of environment, the water can become trapped under the grout and prevent it from drying thoroughly. As a result, mold, mildew and rot can form within the grout layer under the membrane-forming sealer.

Pigmented Sealers

• Pigmented sealers add color to grout lines. Products have label descriptions that include grout colorant, grout dye, grout stain and grout paint. Pigmented sealers stainproof, restore and recolor the grout. Technically, pigmented sealers are membrane-forming sealers. As a result, users should be aware that pigmented sealers may not be effective on glazed tiles and tiles exposed to water, such as those used in shower stalls. In time, the sealer will coagulate and form a bead thread and detach itself from the tile, which will appear unsightly. Pigmented sealers are more appropriate for flooring and walls not exposed to water. In these types of applications, they are effective at restoring uniformity to the color of the grout as well as providing a protective outer coating for the surface of the grout.

Enhancers

• An enhancer is used to darken the color and appearance of the grout. They are applied after a basic sealer is applied. Enhancers are often used for outdoor applications such as stone-tiled patios constructed of flagstone, slate and other materials so the grout lines darken and are not as visible. This capability also works great for indoor applications when you want the grout to be subtle and the tile to stand out.