Tile Sealing in Exeter
Professional tile sealing services in Exeter and surrounding areas. Local, reliable handyman - no job too small.
Price Guide
£85-£135
Typical Duration
1.5-2.5 hrs
Location
Exeter, Devon
Tile sealing for natural stone, slate, terracotta, and other porous tiles. Protects against stains, water damage, and makes cleaning easier.
Not all tiles need sealing, but if you've got natural stone, slate, limestone, travertine, or terracotta, sealing is essential. These tiles are porous - they absorb water, spills, and dirt like a sponge. Unsealed, they stain easily, develop watermarks, and can even crack if water freezes inside them. Sealing creates a protective barrier that keeps liquids on the surface where they can be wiped away.
Which Tiles Need Sealing?
| Tile Type | Needs Sealing? | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Natural Stone (slate, granite, marble, limestone, travertine) | Yes | Porous, absorbs water and stains |
| Terracotta | Yes | Very porous, stains and watermarks easily |
| Cement Tiles | Yes | Unsealed cement absorbs everything |
| Glazed Ceramic/Porcelain | No | Glaze is already a sealed surface |
| Polished Porcelain | Sometimes | Check manufacturer - some need sealing |
Why Seal Tiles?
Stain Protection - Wine, coffee, oil, and dirt soak into unsealed stone and leave permanent marks. Sealed tiles repel liquids so you can wipe spills away.
Water Protection - In bathrooms and wet areas, water soaks into unsealed tiles and can cause damage, efflorescence (white mineral deposits), or even cracking in freeze/thaw cycles.
Easier Cleaning - Sealed tiles have a protective surface layer that dirt can't penetrate. Makes mopping and cleaning much quicker because you're not scrubbing embedded grime.
Enhanced Appearance - Colour-enhancing sealers bring out the natural beauty in stone tiles, making colours richer and more vibrant.
Done Right vs Done Wrong
| Done Right | Done Wrong |
|---|---|
| Tiles clean and dry before sealing | Sealer applied over dirt, locks stains in |
| Even application, no streaks or pooling | Patchy coverage, some areas unprotected |
| Appropriate sealer for tile type | Wrong product, doesn't protect or damages tiles |
| Proper cure time before use | Floor used too soon, sealer fails |
What You Get
| What's Included |
|---|
| Tile assessment and sealer recommendation |
| Supply of appropriate tile sealer |
| Even application across all tiles |
| Removal of excess sealer and buffing if needed |
| Aftercare advice (cure time, maintenance) |
| Clean-up of materials and packaging |
Pricing Guide
| Time Required | Total Cost |
|---|---|
| 1.5 hours | £85 |
| 2 hours | £110 |
| 2.5 hours | £135 |
| 3 hours | £160 |
Pricing depends on floor size, tile type (some need multiple coats), and how much prep is needed. We'll quote based on your specific tiles.
Pro Tip: Seal natural stone tiles as soon as they're laid and grouted. Don't wait - unsealed stone starts staining and marking from day one.
Why Choose Us for Tile Sealing in Exeter?
Seals porous tiles against water and stains
Enhances natural stone colour and finish
Makes cleaning easier - spills wipe off instead of soaking in
Extends tile life and prevents damage
What to Expect
1. Tile Assessment - We'll identify your tile type, check if it needs sealing (water splash test), and recommend the right sealer. We'll discuss whether you want colour-enhancing or invisible sealer.
2. Application - We'll apply sealer evenly across tiles, making sure it soaks in properly. Some tiles need two coats. Excess gets buffed off so there's no sticky residue.
3. Cure Time Advice - We'll tell you exactly how long before the floor can get wet or have heavy traffic. Usually 24-48 hours depending on the sealer and tile type.
🔧 DIY Tips
Tools You'll Need:
- Tile sealer (appropriate for your tile type)
- Mop or lambswool applicator
- Clean, lint-free cloths
- Bucket and clean water
- Vacuum cleaner
How to DIY:
- Clean thoroughly - Tiles must be spotlessly clean before sealing. Mop with tile cleaner, rinse well, and let dry completely (24+ hours). Any dirt or residue gets sealed in.
- Test the sealer - Apply sealer to a small, hidden area first. Check you're happy with the finish (some darken tiles slightly) and that it performs as expected.
- Apply sealer - Pour sealer into a bucket and apply with a mop or applicator in thin, even coats. Work in small sections. Don't flood it - thin and even is better.
- Wipe excess - After a few minutes, buff tiles with a clean cloth to remove excess sealer sitting on the surface. This prevents sticky residue.
- Second coat if needed - Very porous tiles (like terracotta or limestone) may need a second coat once the first has dried. Check the product instructions.
- Let it cure - Don't walk on tiles or get them wet until the sealer's fully cured. Usually 24-48 hours.
Common DIY Mistakes:
- Sealing dirty tiles (locks in stains and dirt)
- Applying sealer too thick (sticky residue, doesn't cure properly)
- Not buffing excess off tiles (hazy, uneven finish)
- Using wrong sealer type (damages certain stones)
Pro Trick: Do a water splash test before and after sealing. Unsealed tiles absorb water immediately. Properly sealed tiles bead water on the surface. Easy way to check coverage.
Rather leave it to a pro? No problem - that's what I'm here for. Give me a call.
Good to Know
Combine With: Tile sealing pairs well with grout sealing - if you're protecting the tiles, makes sense to protect the grout too. Also worth doing after tile cleaning or replacement to protect the fresh work.
Related Services: Grout sealing, tile replacement, tile repair, deep tile cleaning (if needed before sealing).
Perfect For Your Project If...
✅ You've got natural stone, slate, or terracotta tiles ✅ Your tiles stain easily or show watermarks ✅ You've just had new natural stone tiles laid ✅ You want to make cleaning easier and protect your investment
Frequently Asked Questions
Do all tiles need sealing?
No. Glazed ceramic and porcelain tiles are already sealed during manufacturing. Natural stone (slate, limestone, travertine, marble) and terracotta are porous and need sealing. If water soaks in when you splash it on, your tiles need sealing.
How often do tiles need resealing?
Depends on the tile type and foot traffic. Natural stone in a bathroom might need resealing every 1-2 years. Hallway floors with heavy traffic might need it annually. We'll recommend a schedule based on your situation.
Will sealer change the look of my tiles?
Depends on the sealer type. Some are clear and don't change appearance. Others are 'colour-enhancing' and bring out richer tones in natural stone. We'll show you options and test on an inconspicuous area first.
Can you seal old tiles that have never been sealed?
Yes, but they'll need cleaning first. Years of dirt and stains won't disappear with sealer - it'll lock them in. We'd recommend a deep clean (or you can do it), then sealing once they're dry and looking their best.
Tile Sealing Also Available In:
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