Advice on sealing polished porcelain

So my polished porcelain tiles arrived yesterday and I have checked a few random samples out.

All looks good.

There is a very clear instruction that the tiles must be sealed after laying - as stared by all on here.

I have a couple of questions...

1)Why do you need to seal before grouting? Is this just to avoid the risk of grout staining the tile? If you do it after grouting is it really too late or better than nothing.

2)Does the sealant in anyway change the look of the tiles - obviously they are very flat and highly reflective at the moment. I am converned that this will change if the sealant leaves a (varnish like) film on top of the tiles as this will contain marks from the application.

3)What products do you recommend (I favour something that is easy to put on and is 'ready' quickly)What is the coverage like - does the guidance on the tin or bottle tend to be accurate or hopelessly optimistic

Thanks
Tim

[bassman]

This seems to be a very common question. think you will find your answers on this link B&Q polished black "porcelain" best of luck.

[Dave]

this is 2 yrs old...........

[Fekin]

Polished porcelain needs to be sealed by a propper porcelain Impregnator sealer.

Basically the polishing process leaves tiny microscopic holes in the tiles surface in which dirt will find it's way into and mark\stain the face of the tile.

When you lay polished porcelain you should be paying extra attention to keeping everything nice and clean, then once laid, give then a good sealing with your choosen brand of Impregnator sealer, then grout.

Some brands state only one coating is required, some more, so always follow the instructions

[Fekin]

and I've been busy typing away like a right ****** then, ain't I

[doug boardley]

[bassman]

that will teach me to try and be helpfull

[Dave]

good advice though adam...

[pen]

I found it helpful thanks, I'm a newby so 2 years ago wasn't much use to me then pen

[bassman]

Glad it helped someone dont feel quite so much of twit now

[doug boardley]

the advice is still as true today as all those many years ago....