Are you on the search for a grout sealer? If so, you’ve probably already realized there are a plethora of products to choose from.
Each product has its own unique features to keep in mind.
For instance, you’ll find some grout sealers made with a water base, while others use a solvent base.
We will go in more detail about why this is important below.
In this article, we will cover everything you could possibly want to know about grout sealers. We will talk about what a grout sealer is, helpful information to keep in mind before buying one, and some of the best grout sealers you can invest in. To find out more, keep reading!
What's in this Guide?
Here Are the Best Grout Sealers
1. Tuff Duck Grout and Marble Sealer
Our Review: The Tuff Duck Grout and Marble Sealer comes in a 22 ounce bottle which can cover up to 800 square feet. You can use this sealer safely on many surfaces, like granite, slate, and concrete without fear of it causing damages. It’s also safe to use on very delicate surfaces, like marble. This sealer is made with a non-acidic formula which ensures that it does not cause any corrosion on the surface you apply it to. The sealer can work for up to 5 years indoors and 3 years if used outside.
Key Features:
- Multi-surface use
- Non-acidic formula
- Protects up to 5 years
2. The Floor Guys Stone & Grout Sealer
Our Review: This grout sealer by The Floor Guys comes in a one-quart container and can be used on granite, marble, and slate safely. Ideal to be used on floors and in showers, this grout dries within 5 minutes thanks to its water-based formula. This grout dries clear so it will look at if it was never applied. In addition to this, the grout sealer can prevent water and oil stains on natural stone helping it to keep its original look.
Key Features:
- Durability
- Odorless
- Easy to use
3. StoneTech Grout Sealer
Our Review: The StoneTech Grout Sealer comes in a one-quart option and ideal to apply to surfaces like ceramic, porcelain, and glass. This water-based sealer will work to help prevent oil and water stains and can cover over 150-250 sq. ft. The sealer will leave behind a clear and smooth look to help give the application site a natural look. After applying the sealer, make sure to leave it on for about 5-15 minutes before wiping it dry with a clean towel.
Key Features:
- Heavy-duty
- Use indoors or outdoors
- Water based
4. Aqua Mix Professional-Grade Grout Sealer
Our Review: The Aqua Mix Professional-Grade Grout Sealer is stored in a 16 oz. bottle and is made up of a water-based solution which helps to not only reduce its odor, but help it to dry quickly. This sealer can help to stop oil, acid, and mildew from ruining the surface you apply it to and is ideal to use on sanded and porous-grout surfaces. Once applied, the sealer should be able to keep the grout protected for about 5 years.
Key Features:
- Affordable
- Low odor
- Great cleaner against food stains, grease, oil, and more
5. Custom Building Products Tile Grout Sealer and Cleaner
Our Review: The Custom Building Products Tile Grout Sealer and Cleaner comes in a 32 oz. spray bottle and is designed to be used mainly on tile, but can be applied to stone surfaces as well. The formula will work to help stop mold from forming as well as give your grout a stunning shine once it has dried. This sealer is non-acidic so there’s no need to worry about it corroding your grout. In addition to this, this grout sealer and cleaner has a TileLab SurfaceGard feature which not only reseals your grout but helps to remove grease from it as well.
Key Features:
- Affordable
- Soft citrus scent
- Non-acidic, non-abrasive formula
6. DuPont Grout Sealer
Our Review: This grout sealer by DuPont is stored in a 24 oz. spray bottle. The sealer is made with a water-based solution helping it to try quickly and without heavy odors. Besides this, the formula is designed so that is durable and will last you for many years. After applying the sealer, you need to make sure to let it rest for a few minutes before reapplying any new layers or drying the area up.
Key Features:
- Heavy duty protection
- Makes cleaning easier
- Natural look
7. Granite Gold Spray
Our Review: Granite Gold Spray comes in a 24 oz. spray bottle and uses a water-based solution to help keep grout sealed. It also works to prevent buildups and etchings that can often happen with unsealed grout. This product is intended to be used on natural stone surfaces like slate, marble, and granite. After spraying it on the surface, you’ll want to let it sit for a few minutes and then immediately wipe it up.
Key Features:
- Durability
- Odorless
- Easy to use
8. Black Diamond Nex-Gen Sealer
Our Review: This grout sealer by The Floor Guys comes in a one-quart container and can be used on granite, marble, and slate safely. Ideal to be used on floors and in showers, this grout dries within 5 minutes thanks to its water-based formula. This grout dries clear so it will look at if it was never applied. In addition to this, the grout sealer can prevent water and oil stains on natural stone helping it to keep its original look.
Key Features:
- Durability
- Odorless
- Easy to use
Buying Guide
What is a Grout Sealer?
A grout sealer is used to seal tiles or stone together to help prevent it from breaking apart or forming mildew and leaks behind it. It is made mainly of a porous material, like cement and sand, which help to absorb water and oil so they don’t sneak behind the grout.
After it has been applied, the sealer will need to be left on for either a few minutes or hours depending on the type you use. Once that specific time has passed, you can wipe the area dry with a clean towel.
Why Use a Grout Sealer?
There are many reasons why one should use a grout sealer. The first being that it will help to seal the grout and prevent water leaks and mildew from forming. While it might seem that grout itself will prevent this, this isn’t the case. A grout sealer will secure the grout and prevent water and liquid from getting behind a surface which could cause major problems down the road if not addressed.
In addition to stopping leaks and mildew, grout sealers can also serve as an important aesthetic function. It will add a soft covering to the grout which not only protects it but will help it to keep its fresh color and look as if it’s newly applied. It also can help to stop the grout from warping and eventually breaking off in small pieces.
Grout sealers are also vital to use on porous surfaces, like granite, because it helps to keep its exterior and edges sealed and shiny. Otherwise, the surface will look dull and worn.
How to Tell When Your Grout Needs to be Sealed
It can be a little difficult to tell when exactly your grout needs to be sealed or if it does at all. To help with this, there is a simple test you can try out.
To test the grout, pour some water where the grout is or spray the grout with some mist. After letting it sit for a few minutes check to see if a ring or mark is left behind. If one is, it’s a sign that you need to seal the grout. However, if you see small water beads form on the surface, this is an indicator that your grout is properly sealed.
Types of Grout Sealers
Surprisingly, there are a few different types of grout sealers you can invest in for your project. Below are some of the most common types.
Applicator Sealer
Applicator sealers are some of the most common types of grout sealers. They come in tube form and have a tip on the front of them which you use to apply the grout to a surface. Sometimes this tip will also have a sharp edge to help make applying the grout smooth and even.
Depending on the model you buy, you’ll find that some applicator sealer tips are made in various ways. Sometimes it is a flat edge and other times a wheel to smooth and cut the grout as needed.
Spray Sealer
A spray sealer is exactly what its name implies – you spray it onto a surface. Spray sealers come in a spray bottle and are ideal for some because they help to prevent large messes. These are often considered to have an easier application method because you just need to spray it on the surface rather than having to apply it by hand yourself such as with an applicator sealer.
Membrane Sealer
A membrane sealer is ideal for areas where the grout has been discolored due to dirt or just heavy usage, like around doors and entryways. Membrane sealers are not to be used in places where water is heavily used, like kitchens and showers, because it will not protect the grout from it. However, this type is not the most durable and usually needs to be reapplied every few years.
The Benefits of Using a Grout Sealer
Grout sealers might not seem like they would have many benefits, but they do. Below are some of the best benefits you’ll find that grout sealers can offer.
They Can Protect Surfaces from Water Damage and Moisture
Water damage can wreak havoc in many rooms, and if not fixed, could end up costing you thousands of dollars to repair. Grout sealers help to prevent this from happening because they fill in the cracks near the walls and flooring where water could seep into and cause problems.
It Can Make the Grout Look New
Grout sealers can help to make old grout look practically brand new. This is because they will destroy any mildew or discoloring from it and reseal it back up. It also prevents water-damage which is one of the main causes of grout being destroyed or looking unsightly.
There are Many Different Types
Grout sealers come in various types so you can be sure you’ll find one that matches your needs perfectly. This can make your investment worthwhile as you’ll discover a grout sealer that will fix the specific problem you have, such as grout discoloration, rather than you having to buy a generic option.
It Helps the Grout Last Longer
By staying unsealed, grout can quickly become damaged and ruined due to water and other items wearing it away. However, a grout sealer works to help keep your grout lasting longer thanks to it sealing the grout and preventing any type of dirt or liquid sneaking into it.
It’s Easy to Use
Applying a grout sealer is actually very easy to do making it simple for novices to professionals to use. While the way you apply it depends on the type of grout you buy (such as an applicator tip or spray bottle), no matter which option you choose, you can be sure it’s uncomplicated.
What to Look for in a Grout Sealer
Before you buy a grout sealer, you’ll want to keep a few things in mind. These are important to consider as they will help to make sure you buy the right grout sealer for your needs.
If It has a Low Smell
While it’s difficult to find a grout sealer that has no odor at all, it’s important to search for one that has a somewhat low odor. A strong odor will not only make it difficult to use, but could linger around in the space you applied the grout.
Besides being unpleasant, heavy grout odors can also be damaging to your health. It can sometimes cause respiratory problems if inhaled too much. Because of this, it’s important to look for a grout option that has a low odor formula.
The Bottle Size
Another thing to consider when shopping for a grout sealer is its size. Depending on your project, you’ll either need a lot of grout or maybe just a small tube. You should check the size of the grout sealer to make sure there will be enough of it for your work.
If It Prevents and Removes Oil Stains
Besides water, oil stains can also form on the grout causing it to look bland and worn. Many grout sealers can help to remove these stains without you needing to replace the grout. They can also help to prevent oil stains from ever forming again as they will create a tight bond on the surface of the grout preventing it from staining. This feature is ideal to consider as it will help to eventually save you a lot of time and money.
The Surfaces You Can Use it On
While grout sealers can be used on most surfaces, sometimes they might interact negatively with some. It’s crucial that you check to make sure the product you’re interested in does not have a known reaction to certain surfaces, like marble, as it could end up causing it to warp or have discoloration.
The Durability
Once you apply grout to a surface, it should be able to last for years. However, not all grout formulas are made to be durable. Rather, they are designed to be a quick fix option. If you want to make sure the grout you buy will withstand heavy wear and tear for years, made sure to check how long it lasts. Ideally, the grout should be able to last for up to 5 years.
If It Can Be Used Indoors or Outdoors
Some grout sealers can only be used indoors and some only outdoors. While it might not seem like such a big deal, it is. Indoor grout sealers aren’t always the most durable compared to outdoor grout sealers because they don’t have a heavy water durability. So, depending on your project, make sure to check to see if the grout sealer can be used indoors or outdoors, or maybe even both.
If It Leaves Behind Streaks
A handful of grout sealer products can leave behind streaks on not only the grout, but of the surface you applied it on. This can end up ruining the looks of any tile or natural stone you have. Because of this, it’s important to check to see if the grout sealer is streak-free.
How Fast it Dries
Another good thing to consider in a grout sealer is how fast it will dry. Some products take a few hours while others only a few minutes. If you’re looking for a fast drying grout sealer, you’ll want to check out water-based ones as they tend to dry quicker than solvent-based. Otherwise, you might find yourself waiting long hours for the sealer to dry which can prolong your work.
The Price
While grout sealers aren’t necessarily pricey, they can sometimes come at high costs, especially if you plan to buy a large amount of it. While a high price might seem like the grout sealer is made of the best components, this isn’t always so. Sometimes this price only indicates the size of the bottle or container rather than of its quality.
Because of this, it’s important to not focus solely on the price. Instead, make sure to check the features and ingredients in the grout sealer to make sure it’s right for your needs.
While it might seem like shopping for a grout sealer would be a daunting task, it doesn’t have to be. By keeping the information mentioned above in mind as well as the product recommendations, you can be sure you’ll find the right grout sealer for your needs.
Hello, my name is Chris and I was born and raised in Western Pennsylvania. I’m an engineer with experience in medical technology, steel and materials, and nuclear power industries. I have been with my current employer for more than 5 years developing digital control systems for nuclear power plants.
I’m also a homeowner with a growing range of home renovation experience. My goal is to take all my technical knowledge and first-hand experience and translate it into high-quality content to support all of your home guide needs. Whether it be step-by-step guides, technical consultation, or product reviews, my aim is to make all your home projects a great success!