What porcelain stoneware is and where you find it
Porcelain stoneware is a hard ceramic tile laid on floors and walls, indoors and on terraces. It is valued for its strength and low absorbency, especially in the rectified version. It is precisely this low absorbency that means the stoneware itself rarely needs impregnation.
The problem usually lies not in the tile itself but in the grout and in the type of surface, which decides the susceptibility to stains and streaks.
Do you need to impregnate porcelain stoneware
The tile itself usually absorbs very little, so it does not always need impregnation. It is different with the grout, which absorbs water and dirt, discolours and in damp spots can grow mould. That is why with porcelain stoneware people more often speak of protecting the grout than the whole surface.
An exception is stoneware with an absorbent, raw surface and uses heavily exposed to stains, where protection can make sense. Always follow the type of stoneware and the guidance of its manufacturer.
Grout, the weakest point
Dirt and moisture gather in the grout, and it most often spoils the look of a porcelain stoneware floor. Protecting the grout limits its water absorption and makes care easier. Before protection the grout must be clean and dry.
Tip
If your problem is mainly darkening grout, focus on it. A well chosen grout product often does more than impregnating the tile, which is low absorbing anyway.
Polished and matt porcelain stoneware
Polished stoneware looks striking, but its surface is more prone to streaks and marks, and the micropores created in polishing can collect dirt. Matt and structured stoneware is usually more practical to maintain. The type of finish affects whether and which product makes sense, so check the description of your stoneware.
Cleaning porcelain stoneware
Day to day you clean porcelain stoneware with a product for the given surface. Greasy and difficult dirt and grout discolouration you remove with products intended for it. Avoid random, very aggressive products, especially on polished stoneware, and follow the product instructions.
Protecting stoneware and grout step by step
- 1Clean the surface and grout. Remove dirt and discolouration, paying special attention to the grout. The surface must be clean.
- 2Let everything dry. Grout and stoneware must be dry, otherwise the product will not work properly.
- 3Do a test. Check the product in an inconspicuous spot, especially on polished stoneware, where streaks appear more easily.
- 4Protect the grout, and the surface if needed. Apply the product according to the instructions, focusing on the grout, and on absorbent stoneware the tile too.
- 5Remove excess. If the product requires it, wipe off the excess from the tile surface so as not to leave streaks.
The most common mistakes with porcelain stoneware
- Skipping the grout, which is the main problem of porcelain stoneware.
- Aggressive products on polished stoneware, which leave marks.
- Protecting dirty or damp grout.
- Leaving excess product on the tile surface.
- Ignoring the type of stoneware and the guidance of its manufacturer.
Frequently asked questions
Do you need to impregnate rectified porcelain stoneware?
Rectified stoneware itself absorbs very little, so it usually needs no impregnation. Do take care of the grout, however, which absorbs and discolours fastest.
What do I protect the grout with on porcelain stoneware?
With a product intended for grout, which limits water absorption and makes care easier. The grout must be clean and dry before protection.
Why does polished porcelain stoneware get dirty easily?
Polishing creates micropores that can collect dirt and show streaks. That is why on polished stoneware a gentle product and a test before use on the whole surface matter.
Does porcelain stoneware on a terrace need different protection?
Outdoor stoneware is exposed to water and frost, so the product choice and care depend on this use. Follow the product description and the type of stoneware.
