what can i do to "seal" tile and grout so it lasts longer?

[magomago]

I'm thinking beyond just the grout - I'm super lazy and now have a new kitchen and bathrooms and tile all around.

Rather than watch it slowly go, I'm curious what can be done so I only have to re-"seal" it once or twice a year - is standard grout sealing the only option out there? What can I do so the Tile and Grout always looks nice - am I asking to own a unicorn here?

 

[Greenman]

Grout sealer first, then car wax. Get the very best you can find and wax everything. I did my granite with it and it works really well.

 

[boomerang]

We just moved into a new home and had the grout sealed afterwards. The product is applied with a squeeze bottle applicator that contains a toothbrush type attachment. The excess is then wiped off the tile with a wet cloth. It dries in fifteen minutes enough to be gone over with a mop to remove the leftover haze. It comes in various colors such that it can be matched to the color of your grout. I was told it would last fifteen years but took that with a grain of salt. Its longevity is dependent upon proper cleaning.

 

[mindless1]

Glazed tile doesn't need sealed. Anything you put on it (besides wax) will wear and look worse than if nothing were on it. Grout, don't use the crap that's low-VOC, water based. Solvent/PVC based sealant lasts a lot longer. You must ventilate the room during and after application, then wax that periodically.

 

[paperfist]

On the floor or walls?

Tile should outlast you no matter what.

Sealer doesn't keep stains out, you still need to do regular cleaning.