Should a kitchen porcelain floor and/or granite countertop be sealed when installed?

Yes, but I prefer the word “penetrant.”  I also prefer the expensive waterborne products, not the silicone mixed with paint thinner.  The granite does absorb water and can stain with oil.  The penetrant will help prevent food chemicals from reacting with the particles in the stone, but you should also clean off spills.  It does not “seal” as in prevent liquid absorption.  I don’t think you can get the porcelain to absorb any liquid, not even the penetrant, but grout is reactive with lemon juice, vinegar and some cleaners.  Again, the penetrant will not prevent water from absorbing in to the porous grout, but it will coat the particles and help prevent discoloration by the acid.  I also install waterproof membranes under my kitchen floors.  With very little porous material under the tile, hardly any dirty wash water soaks in through the grout.   You can find me under tile and stone in the Brownstoner Directory – Green Mountain.

greenmountain

in Flooring 11 years and 11 months ago

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CG11231 | 11 years and 11 months ago

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Sent off same ques a moment ago but did include all categories: Installing a new granite “millenium cream” countertop slab and am wondering if that should be sealed before using. Just installed 12″x12″ porcelain kitchen tiles (PEI 4 rating) using sanded grout. Tiles 1/16″ apart. Does the grout and or tiles need to be sealed. Have read various statements on web so am not sure what to do – thanks for your input.