The 7 Best Grout Sealers of 2021

What to Look for in a Grout Sealer

Application Type

Grout sealer is available in spray-on formulas, ready-to-apply tubes, or larger quart and gallon size containers that require rag or sponge application. Take your pick of how you’d like to apply a sealant to your grout, keeping in mind the square footage you need to cover. While a tube of grout sealer is convenient, it probably isn’t a practical choice for larger jobs. Spray-on formulas help achieve a consistent, even layer of sealant over the surface, but gallon-size containers will offer the most bang for your buck.

Water vs. Solvent Based

Some grout sealers are water-based formulas, while others are solvent-based. Water-based grout sealers offer more surface-level protection and won’t penetrate as deeply into porous grout, but they also don’t produce as many odors or VOC’s as some solvent-based formulas. For deep protection of your grout, however, a solvent-based impregnator-sealer is the best bet since it’ll fill spaces and protect your grout from deep within.

Treatable Surfaces

While some grout sealers are intended for grout only, other formulas can be used on cement, granite, and other types of natural stone. Look for a non-corrosive formula to ensure that it won’t damage your treated surface. And if you plan to use it on a food prep or dining surface, like kitchen counters or a bar top, then look for a product that's non-toxic and safe for contact with food.

FAQs

How do you apply grout sealer?

While applying grout sealer isn’t difficult, it can be a bit tedious if you have a large area to cover. Still, it shouldn’t take more than a couple of hours at most to get the job done. Always read the specific product application directions before applying sealer, but as a general guideline this is how the job is done.  

1. If the grout is new, wait at least 48 hours—72 is better—before applying grout sealer. This gives the fresh grout enough time to dry completely. Otherwise, you could get cloudy or bubbled results. 
2. If sealing old grout, be sure it’s as clean as possible before resealing it. Otherwise, you’ll trap dirt and stains beneath the sealer.
3. Apply painter’s tape to block off and protect any trim, such as baseboards, that you don’t want to wet with the grout sealer. 
4. Choose your appropriate application tools. If applying the sealer to a large tiled floor, and using a product safe for use on tile as well as grout, it’s fastest to apply the sealer with a sponge mop. But for most jobs, you’ll do best with a small foam paint brush, sponge, or roller. Some products come in applicator bottles with a roller top built right in; this is especially handy for thin grout lines. Aerosol products spray on directly.
5. Wet your applicator with the grout sealer, and begin wiping the liquid into the grout lines. If you are sealing both horizontal and vertical surfaces, start with the vertical tile. 
6. Apply enough grout sealer to soak the grout. Work slowly and methodically to ensure you evenly coat all grout surfaces. 
7. Wipe excess sealer off the tiles, unless you are using a product meant to seal both grout and tile. 
8. Let the sealer dry for the time recommended by the manufacturer. This is typically anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour.
9. Apply a second coat of grout sealer, following the same general guidelines. 
10. If the sealer leaves any hazy or white splotches on the tile, dampen a clean cloth with a bit of the grout sealer, and wipe the area until the blotch is gone. Now wipe the tile with a clean, dry cloth to remove any lingering residue. 
11. Once the grout sealer is completely dry, flick a couple of drops of water onto the sealed surface. If it’s properly sealed, the water should ball into droplets. If the water soaks in, however, the grout isn’t completely sealed and you’ll need to apply another coat of sealer.

Do all types of grout require sealing?

Not all types of grout need to be sealed. Synthetic-based grouts, such as epoxy or urethane grouts, do not require regular sealing. However, if you want to keep your cement-based grout—the most common type—reasonably free of dirt, stains, and mold spots, you’ll need to apply a grout sealer on a regular basis.

How often does grout need to be sealed?

Sealing grout isn’t a one-and-done task. As a general rule, you should reseal grout that isn’t often wet—such as walls, floors, and fireplace surrounds—once per year. But for best results, you should plan on resealing grout twice per year in areas that often get wet, such as inside a shower or tub, on a kitchen counter, or behind a kitchen or bathroom sink.

How long does it take for grout sealer to dry?

While the specifics can vary, as a general rule, grout sealer is dry enough to walk on within 2 or 3 hours of application. However, it can take up to 48 hours for the sealer to cure completely, so wait a couple of days before allowing heavy traffic on your newly-sealed tile floor, taking a shower or bath in a freshly sealed tub, or putting your just-sealed countertops to heavy use.

Why Trust The Spruce?

This article was written by Michelle Ullman, the tool expert for The Spruce. She has extensive experience not only in writing about all things related to the home, but also in carrying out various DIY projects, including landscaping, painting, flooring, wallpapering, furniture makeovers, and simple repairs.