How to seal outdoor porcelain tiled floors

The information below relates to how to seal porcelain tiles and the reasons for doing so. You wish to slightly alter the appearance of your tiles or just help them resist water & oil-based staining.

There are descriptions of the different types of porcelain & the products to seal them with.

At the end of the article, there is a concluding section, illustrating the reasoning as to why you might select one type of sealer over another. Based on the type of tile, location and personal requirements i.e. finish.

We have two very different kinds of sealer for sealing outdoor porcelain tiled patios. To view any particular product mentioned within this article, please click on the title highlighted in blue.​

Firstly the type of porcelain you may have had fitted is discussed below:-

The different types of outdoor porcelain tiles

Glazed porcelain or fully vitrified porcelain. This is the largest group of porcelains found on exterior porcelain floors. This type of tile will be essentially non-porous. It may have a sheen or more likely it will be in a matt finish, probably with a textured/anti-slip surface.

There is an exceedingly high chance that a fully vitrified porcelain is the type of porcelain tile you have had fitted.

This type of tile still has micro-pores in the surface, which can allow staining to occur. The textured surface can also lead to issues with general grime appearing. Obviously lighter coloured tiles are the most likely to suffer from staining/marking issues.

Unglazed/semi-vitrified or semi-porous porcelains. This is a much smaller group of porcelains. This type of tile will almost certainly be in a matt finish. This kind of porcelain is noticeably porous. It can also be stained and suffer from marking to the anti-slip texture.

Is it necessary to seal a porcelain tiled floor?

Fully vitrified or glazed porcelains (the largest group/type of porcelain) are almost non-porous, so technically do not need sealing. But they can still mark due to the micro-pores allowing a stain to settle into the tile. The textured anti-slip surface can also attract and hold dirt on the surface.

Using a sealer may be beneficial to use a pre-grout sealer when using certain grouts.

The appearance of the tile can be slightly altered by the application of a sealer which creates a sheen, particularly on darker tiles as this can also deepen colour.

So, it can be beneficial to seal a porcelain tiled patio with a protection system.

The different types of sealer for outdoor porcelain tiles

Porcelain Tile Sealer for Patios – A micro top-coat sealer for fully-vitrified or semi-vitrified porcelains. This sealer protects, deepens colour, and will also create a slight sheen & is applied after grouting. Slightly deepens colour to mid grey, deep grey, anthracite & black tiles. Use after grouting so this product is NOT a pre-grout sealer.

Porcelain Tile Eco Seal – An impregnating porcelain tile sealer which does not alter the appearance of the tile. It can be applied to any kind of external porcelain tile – fully vitrified or semi-vitrified porcelains. ​Does NOT create a sheen and CAN be used as a pre-grout sealer. Also suitable for use on internal floors. A natural matt finish product.

Do any of your sealers create a ‘wet look’ finish on a porcelain tile?

Floorseal Porcelain Tile Sealer for Patios creates a sheen and can slightly deepen surface colour. It is effective at deepening the colour of darker tiles like mid/dark grey, charcoal, anthracites, and black coloured tiles.

This sealer does not fully replicate the appearance of a tile which has been totally saturated with water. It does slightly deepen surface colours, so in this respect, it is a little similar to dampening with water.

How do you make porcelain tiles shine?

As noted above using Porcelain Tile Sealer for Patios creates a surface sheen. It can be applied to semi vitrified/semi-porous and fully vitrified/non-porous tiles. It is often applied to darker tiles that can have a washed-out appearance. Porcelain Tile Sealer for Patios will create a subtle sheen.

In Conclusion

1. Porcelain Tile Sealer for Patios– A micro top-coat sealer for fully-vitrified or semi-vitrified exterior porcelains. This sealer protects, deepens colour, and will also create a slight sheen. Used after grouting to seal, create a slight sheen. It can also slightly deepen colour to mid grey, deep grey, anthracite & black tiles. Use after grouting as the final part of laying your patio. If you want a sheen, deepen colour or invigorate a dull dusty looking tile this product is suitable. Apply in a single coat with a microfibre cloth. Lasts 4-5 years.
2. Porcelain Tile Eco Seal – An impregnating porcelain tile sealer which does not alter the appearance of the tile. It can be applied to any kind of external porcelain tile – fully vitrified or semi-vitrified porcelains. ​Does NOT create a sheen and can be used as a pre-grout sealer. Also suitable for use on internal floors. A natural matt finish product. If you would like a sealer which can be used as a pre-grout sealer and does not affect the appearance of the tile, this product is suitable. Apply with a microfibre flat mop or pad. Lasts 1-2 years. Can be applied before and after grouting.

As a final point regarding the application of the above sealers. Porcelain Tile Eco Sealer is arguably easier to apply & maintain. Unless you specifically wish to have a slight sheen on the patio Porcelain Tile Eco Seal is the obvious product to select.

Further information

Please Click Here to view our products & accessories for cleaning and sealing porcelain. This includes all of our handy ‘how to’ guides for cleaning and sealing interior and exterior porcelain tiles.

The information contained within this article is not exhaustive. If you need further information please contact Floorseal on (01484) 861461 or email us Info@floorseal.co.uk our web address is www.floorseal.co.uk.