A grout sealer is an agent used to make grout waterproof and protect it from damage caused by chemical spills and stains — even your shampoo can cause minor damage to your grout.
Your local hardware store will have tons of options for grout sealers, few of which give any specific information about when and where to use them. So what is the right type of grout sealer to use for your shower?
In this article, I’ll walk you through the different types of grout sealers suitable for showers, where to find them, and the tools that make application easier. You’ll also learn some key tips to get the best results when sealing grout in a wet environment.
Quick Recap: You can use a universal grout sealer in your shower. Epoxy or acrylic sealers will also work just as well. Go for universal sealers for showers, bathrooms, and tiles rather than all-purpose sealers. Proper application is more important than the type of sealer you use.
Types of Shower Grout Sealers
The quality of a grout sealer can go a long way to determine how well the grouting will hold up against the harsh effects of rust, spills, and chemicals. The importance of a grout sealer cannot be over-emphasized, especially in areas where the floor meets with either water or moisture directly. Such areas include bathrooms, laundry rooms, and kitchens.
There are several types of grout sealers on the market, depending on what they are made of and their intended use. Grout sealers can be generally categorized into the following four broad categories, which are mostly based on their ingredients and end uses:
- Silicone-based sealers: These products are composed mainly of silicone resins that give them their waterproof properties when applied properly over your existing tiles or stone surfaces, making them ideal for areas like kitchens where there’s continuous exposure to moisture.
- Acrylic sealers: This category features products containing acrylic resins that provide resistance against both acid rain and alkaline solutions, such as the cleaning supplies you use.
- Epoxy sealers: Epoxy sealers are a type of grout sealer that will help to prevent your grout from discoloring and staining. They are a great option for those looking to protect their grout from the elements and make it last longer.
- Universal sealers: This category of grout sealers can be used in showers, bathtubs, and other places where there are tiles or stones. They are usually applied with a brush or roller and dry clear so that you can see the color of your grout lines.
This video helps explain the differences between each type of sealant:
Which Grout Sealer Should You Use in Your Shower?
The answer to this question depends on the type of grout in your shower or the type you’ve previously used. If you have acrylic grout, then you should use an acrylic sealer. The same goes for epoxy and urethane sealers. However, if you have a thin-set mortar or sanded grout, you need a universal grout sealer that can be applied over all three grouts (acrylic, epoxy, and urethane).
Epoxy Grout Is Among the Most Common
Epoxy grout sealer is a two-part epoxy resin that can be used to seal and waterproof grout. It is also commonly used as a tile grout sealant, though some users have successfully applied it to unsealed marble, granite, and limestone surfaces.
When choosing an epoxy grout sealer, look for one with a high hardener ratio (the white part) to resin (the clear liquid). This means it will set quickly and create a stiff surface that won’t sag or pull away from the wall when dry. You should also ensure your chosen product doesn’t contain VOCs (volatile organic compounds) since these tend to evaporate into the air over time, making them a potential health hazard if used indoors.
Universal Sealer Works Well, Too
One grout sealer that many homeowners choose to use is a universal sealer. This type of product is designed to help keep the grout in place and prevent it from becoming loose or falling out over time. It also helps protect against stains and water damage caused by mold growth within the grout lines.
A universal sealer is applied directly onto the surface of each individual piece of tile within a shower or other area where you want long-lasting protection against stains and moisture damage.
Universal sealers do not require any specialized application process — meaning that there are no special instructions for applying them to your home’s surfaces.
Acrylic Grout Sealer Needs Reapplication More Often
Acrylic sealer is easy to apply with a brush or even a toothbrush, so it’s ideal for smaller projects like shower surrounds. You can also use this sealant as an adhesive to bond tiles together when installing them yourself or hiring someone else to do it for you.
The only downside is that acrylic sealers don’t last as long as epoxy or urethane ones — they’ll need to be reapplied every few years instead of every decade or two like some other options (but then again, those longer-lasting options usually aren’t DIY-friendly!).
Most of these are water-based, too, so that can be a benefit.
Great Grout Sealers on the Market
Grout sealer can be found in a supermarket, in the same section you’d find caulking. Depending on what type of store you’re at, it’ll most likely be in the hardware section. You can also get it in most hardware stores.
You can easily order grout sealers online, too. Below, I’ve listed a few of my favorites that you can have shipped to your door (all are available on Amazon).
1. Seal It Green Xtreme-Heavy Duty Pro Strength Grout Sealer
The Seal It Green Grout Sealer is an excellent choice for sealing your grout. This product is designed specifically for showers and other high-moisture areas. It can withstand moisture and keep your grout looking great. And, it’s a green product, meaning it’s safe for you and the environment.
- SEAL SMARTER. Breathe Easy Stain Block Technology...
- NON-TOXIC. Zero VOC, Water Based, Plant Based...
- EASY TO USE SPRAY FORMULA. Simply Pour Ready To Use...
- INDOOR & OUTDOOR PROTECTION. Keeps Your Indoor...
2. Rainbow Chalk Grout Pen White Tile Paint Marker
The Rainbow Grout Pen is a great choice for a quick fix. This sealer comes in the form of a pen – though without much sealer in it – to just line up your grout. It’s quick and easy, and it’s made of a durable material that won’t chip or crack. The pen is thin enough that you can use it on both large tiles and small tiles, so you can cover more space without having to switch tools.
3. Aqua-X Grout Sealer
The AQUA-X Grout Sealer is a water-based sealer. The AQUA-X Grout Sealer is a great choice for those with ceramic or porcelain tile floors and showers that have been sealed with a non-slip coating. It comes in an easy-to-use spray bottle that can be applied directly onto the grout lines without requiring special tools. The spray leaves a clear finish that won’t collect dirt or stains, so you won’t need to clean it off after applying it yourself.
4. Mapei Grout Refresh Colorant and Sealer
The Mapei Grout Refresh Colorant and Sealer is also a great choice for your bathroom. It’s a two-part system with a colorant and sealer, meaning you can use it to change the color of your grout while protecting it from stains.
Application of Shower Grout Sealers
How to Apply
Most of the time, your grout sealer will come with manufacturer instructions on how to apply it. You should usually have a few tools on hand, including a paintbrush, rag, or spray for applying the grout sealer.
You’ll want something that can get into all the nooks and crannies of your shower/bathtub, but be sure not to use a brush with too many bristles, or else you’ll leave streak marks on your newly sealed tiles!
Typically, you’ll apply sealant just by squeezing out bits of it onto your grout. Don’t forget to clean the grout beforehand, though, especially if it’s got black mold. Check out this article for more information.
When to Apply
As a general rule, if you notice that your grout is getting discolored or darker than it used to be, it’s probably time to apply a grout sealer.
Also, mold can be a sign of a shower overdue for sealer. You don’t want mold growing anywhere on the grout in your bathroom or kitchen. If there’s even a small amount of mold — especially in areas where moisture collects — it’s time to re-grout and then use sealant as soon as possible.
Any cracks in your shower should also be sealed with grout sealer so that they don’t lead to other problems down the road (such as water damage). Tiles that are broken due to wear and tear can grow mold if not properly sealed and repaired. Once you’ve re-grouted these surfaces after applying sealant, they’ll stay clean longer without needing frequent cleaning sessions throughout their lifespan.
Make Your Grout Sealer Last Longer
You may consider cleaning your shower with a squeegee after every shower or bath. This can help prevent mold and mildew from forming on the grout lines since it removes any excess water from the area. It also helps prevent dirt from getting stuck in the crevices of your tile, which is another major cause of mold and mildew growth on tile surfaces.
Conclusion
So there you have it! Grout sealers are a great way to protect your shower from water damage and make sure that it stays looking great for years to come.
I hope this article has helped you decide which grout sealer is right for your home. If you’re still unsure, I recommend testing a few different brands and seeing how they hold up over time.
