How to Care for Your Tiles by Understanding Their Unique Characteristics
By Clay Imports
When it comes to tiles, especially clay tiles, there’s often confusion between what’s a glazed tile and what’s a sealed tile. Both terms refer to different processes that affect the look, feel, and functionality of your tiles. In this article, we'll break down the differences between glazed and sealed tiles to help you make the best choice for your space.
What’s a Glazed Tile?
A glazed tile is a clay tile that has been coated with a layer of ceramic glaze before being fired at high temperatures in a kiln. Many glazed tiles are fired twice, once without glaze to harden the tile body and again at a higher temperature to fire the glaze. This glaze not only gives the tile its color and sheen but also makes it more resistant to stains and moisture by creating a barrier between the tile body and the elements.
This glaze can develop some minor changes over time that are to be appreciated, such as patina (the natural aging of the surface) and crazing (small, delicate cracks in the surface of your tile.) We highly recommend ordering samples before making a final purchase to confirm and appreciate these natural variations in each tile.
The glaze of tiles can range from glossy to matte, and can be clear or have a wide variety of colors, offering endless design opportunities. Glazed tiles are particularly popular in areas that are exposed to moisture, like kitchens and bathrooms, because they are easy to clean, are non porous and easy to maintain. Learn more about these tiles in our article about glazed tiles.
What’s a Sealed Tile?
A sealed tile, on the other hand, is a clay tile that has layers of transparent sealant applied after it has been fired once. The sealant acts as a protective barrier, soaking into the porous surface of the tile to prevent water, stains, and dirt from penetrating. Sealed tiles are not fired again. Unlike glazed tiles, sealed tiles retain their natural look, which can be an appealing option for those who prefer a more rustic or traditional appearance.
Fox Mountain Retreat | Noai Building Co.
Sealants can vary in finish, from matte to glossy, allowing for customization of the tile's final look. Not all sealants are equal in durability and some can darken terracotta tile, so always test a sealant out before applying, especially if you are using an unsealed tile such as Organic Terracotta! All Clay Imports, our Saltillo and natural terracotta tiles are pre-sealed, protecting your tiles right out of the box. You can learn more about this in our article about the sealer and texture options Clay Imports offers.
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How do they gain their protection? |
What do they look like? |
Where can they be installed? |
Maintenance routines |
|
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Glazed tiles |
A layer of ceramic glaze applied on each tile before entering the kiln, typically fired twice |
They have a relatively hard, shiny or matte surfaces, resistant to scratches and stains, typically install-ready depending on installation needs |
Indoors, with a focus on ease of maintenance and variety in appearance, such as walls, countertops, backsplashes and low-traffic floors Outdoors in non-freeze/thaw climates |
Periodic cleaning with non abrasive tile cleaners |
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Sealed tiles |
A sealant is applied to the surface of the tile, is non-fired and typically needs reapplication after years of usage |
They keep the natural look of your tile, with a range from shiny to matte, depending of the finish of your sealer |
Indoor and outdoor use, particularly in high-traffic areas and mild climates only |
Periodic re-sealing and regular cleaning, especially if installed in high-traffic areas |
Why Should I Seal My Pre Sealed Tiles again?
Top-sealing your tiles will add an extra layer of protection, especially in high-traffic areas or places prone to moisture. Customers often ask why they should add a coat of sealer after installation, especially if their tile is already sealed. Applying a top coat of sealer on your completed installation will provide additional protection to your grout, helping it maintain its integrity and color.
Second, top coat sealers differ from the factory seal on your tile, offering an extra layer of protection, particularly beneficial if it's installed in areas such as flooring or outdoor installations. Depending on the sealant used, you can also choose the finish of your tiles, whether you want them to look natural or prefer a more polished appearance.
Floor: Cotto Tierra Octagon 13" + Insert| Backsplash: Makers Batch Milky White 3"x3"
Sealing helps to further guard against water damage, stains, and dirt, making the tiles easier to clean and maintain over time. However, this doesn’t mean you shouldn’t keep maintaining your tiles. That's why we recommend taking a look at our Clay Care products. These maintenance items have been carefully tested with our products, and they are designed to preserve your tiles' beauty, ensuring their longevity and durability.
Design & build by James Grey Homes
Should I Seal My Glazed Tiles?
Both glazed and sealed tiles can be installed in wet areas, such as showers or bathrooms, but keep in mind that you should take more precautions for either material being used in these environments in order to keep your tiles in the best shape.
Sealed cotto tiles on the floor and glazed tiles as shower walls
If you want to install glazed tiles in your wet areas, a top coat sealer is recommended for these glazed tiles. This is because glazed tiles can have micro pores, especially if it is a matte sheen, and as we mentioned before, the top coat sealer will seal in porous surfaces in order to avoid any absorption, efflorescence and other water related damages.
This is especially important for glazed clay tiles used as waterline tiles in pools or fountains. Top coat sealing glazed tiles might seem like an overkill, but for wet areas, it can help with the overall wear of your glazed tile and keep the aesthetic pristine for years.
Another consideration while installing tiles in wet areas is crack prevention membranes, water proofing, flexible thin sets and grout for your installation. Every project is unique and might require additional materials than our installation guides suggest, so make sure to have all your materials and have a professional second opinion.
If installed and sealed correctly, you can even use natural terracotta tiles in your shower
Conclusion
Glazed tiles offer a durable, easy-to-clean surface with a variety of color and finish options, while sealed tiles preserve the natural look of the clay body while providing essential protection. Top-sealing adds an extra layer of defense against wear and tear, ensuring your tiles remain beautiful and functional for years to come. Understanding the difference between glazed and sealed tiles is key to choosing the right finish for your tiles. We hope this guide can help you to dissipate any confusion and remember, if you have any questions or require more information, reach out to us at contact@clayimports.com.
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