To seal black floor grout or not?

[Spud 22]

Hello all, I have recently laid ceramic tiles in my hall, bathroom and kitchen(all the same tile) I have used Mapei black grout.
I have never sealed grout before but because it's black grout I was considering sealing it because of fading?
Any recommendations please?

 

[Tile Fix Direct]

Does the grout fade, or does dirt and limescale sit on the surface and make it look like it has faded? Dirt and contamination on dark grouts (not in them) will always appear lighter and could give the effect of fading. If this is the cause of 'fading' then sealing is not the issue but cleaning.

 

[J Sid]

as above, it's normally a bad cleaning techniques that makes grout change colour after install.

 

[Waluigi]

Would sealing the grout in the first place not help to aid cleaning?

I offer sealing on all floors these days, in particular the whites, blacks and jasmine.

 

[Tile Fix Direct]

You would have thought sealing grout would help cleaning, but it might have unintended consequences. Depending on the sealer it may prevent the grout 'breathing' which could result in salts/moisture building up behind the sealer and discolouring the grout. Different grouts/sealers and substrates could all have different effects. Best contact the grout manufacturer.

 

[J Sid]

Would sealing the grout in the first place not help to aid cleaning?

I think the end user or there cleaning staff need to be educated on best practice and product's .
Imo doesn't matter what sealer is used if dirty washing water is just pusher around the floor with a dirty mop.

 

[Spare Tool]

Agreed, a customer of mine absolutely ruined there grout in the space of a couple of months using a steam mop on the floor..

 

[Waluigi]

Also depends on the grout texture. A smooth grout sealed will stay far cleaner than a sandy grout sealed in my experience.

 

[Italy]

Hello all, I have recently laid ceramic tiles in my hall, bathroom and kitchen(all the same tile) I have used Mapei black grout.
I have never sealed grout before but because it's black grout I was considering sealing it because of fading?
Any recommendations please?

if it is ultracolor plus black, it does not need anything.

 

[Spud 22]

Does the grout fade, or does dirt and limescale sit on the surface and make it look like it has faded? Dirt and contamination on dark grouts (not in them) will always appear lighter and could give the effect of fading. If this is the cause of 'fading' then sealing is not the issue but cleaning.

Hi.its only been down a few days and looks fine now. I just want it staying that way.just wanted to know if sealing grout was common practice?

 

[Spud 22]

if it is ultracolor plus black, it does not need anything.

Hi, what if it's their standard grout?

 

[Italy]

Hi, what if it's their standard grout?

then better to seal