A tile shower can be a beautiful addition to any bathroom. A common question asked regarding tiling in a shower is “should I seal the tile?” First, a distinction must be made between tile and grout.

Grout is the mixture that is used to fill the spaces between the tiles. The grout must be sealed. Sealing it in will make it easier to clean, protect it from mold, and keep it looking new. Since the grout needs to set for about a day before sealing, most installers do not seal the grout, it is something you may have to do yourself. Grout generally needs to be resealed every few years. Failure to seal the grout will cause water to leak behind the tiles, which can cause mold problems and therefore you may have to re-tile the entire shower.

Tile sealing is usually optional and depends on the type of tile used. Marble, natural stone, slate, limestone, terra cotta, and matte tiles should be sealed to protect them from water, mold, and stains. Since stone is porous by nature, it absorbs any water washed on it, which creates mold. Also, it stains quite easily. Ceramic tiles generally do not need to be sealed. The benefit of sealing the tiles is that they will require less cleaning and will not absorb moisture.

Sealing the entire mosaic has its drawbacks. For example, some types of sealers can darken or stain tile, altering the natural color. It also takes a long time to seal the entire shower, rather than just the grout. The tiles also need to be resealed every few years to maintain quality. Previous sealants had to be reapplied every year, but now you can find some that are said to last up to fifteen years.

Before a shower can be sealed, it must be completely dry. If the shower is not new, this can take up to five days, as the moisture behind the tile must completely evaporate before being blocked. If you decide to seal your new shower, be sure to do so before you use it, or you will have to find another way to bathe while the shower dries. If you’re sealing your old shower for the first time, you may have to wait several weeks for the tiles to dry completely, in which case sealing the entire floor might not be the best option.