The Surprising Truth: Does Grout Sealer Darken Grout?

Grout sealers may slightly darken the grout. But the result is not too much noticeable once the sealer fully cures. You don’t have to worry much about the outcome. The maximum change you can see is a single-tone transformation. But a correct application is a must. 

Wondering about the question, “Does grout sealer darken grout?” Stay with me until I finish. You will know clearly which grout sealers to use and what works best for your floor.  

Does Grout Sealer Really Darken Grout?

Yes, grout sealers slightly darken the grout. You don’t have to worry about much about the result. The maximum change you can see is a single-tone transformation.

Some sealants, like clear impregnating sealers, may darker the grout after applying the solvent-based matt sealer.

But once the sealant dries completely, the grout color will look the same as before.  

What Is The Best Grout Sealer? 

Grout has a porous surface, which can trigger mildew and mold growth. A good-quality sealer protects the grout from moisture, stains, and grease infiltration.

A wide range of grout sealers are available. But they are mainly available in two types. 

a) Non-penetrating Sealer 

Non-penetrating or topical sealers create a coat on the grout surface. This membrane-forming sealant protects tiles from stains. 

It maintains the textures and consistency of the porous surface. People generally apply the sealant directly on tiles. Their color doesn’t darken or change at all. 

This type of sealant is mainly suitable for areas like the kitchen, where a lot of dirt and stains can form over time. You can use them on unglazed tiles, natural stone, etc.

But, there are better choices than non-penetrating grout sealers to apply to areas where a lot of water must be dealt with. You can’t use them in shower or bathroom areas because they are not absorbed into the porous grout material. 

b) Penetrating Sealer 

Penetrating grout sealers penetrate deeply through the porous grout. They are made of Silica nanoparticles of technical fluoropolymers to improve the grouting performance.

It also strengthens the grout to disallow moisture to seep through the sand particles’ gaps.

The color of penetrating sealers may change slightly or become darker. But they are available in different color options. Use a colored sealant based on your preference.

Why Does Grout Turn Dark When Wet?

Grout is more likely to appear darker when wet than when it is dry. The concept is the same as brickwork. When it rains, the cement in the brickwork absorbs water, causing it to darken in color. 

Likewise, the moisture changes the appearance of the grout, making it look darker. However, this color change is temporary. It will return to the original color once the grout fully dries.

Sometimes, the color of the grout may darken or degrade gradually if you use low-grade grout and grout products. 

For instance, cement-based grouts are more prone to attract a considerable amount of stains. Some areas may need consistent grout color from too much irregular maintenance.

But some grout areas may look darker than others from being over-watered or over-washed. It can also occur from inconsistent installation. 

How To Prevent Grout From Changing To Darker Color When Wet?

Unsealed grouts are more likely to change to dark color when wet. It is best to seal the grout properly to avoid unwanted, sudden color variation. 

A high-quality grout sealer is necessary for high-traffic or wet areas like bathrooms and showers. Applying grout sealants once or twice a year is necessary. 

Make sure to clean the grout appropriately before applying a waterproof grout sealer. You can use a bleach pen to remove tough stains and clean the surface effectively.

Before applying the grout sealer, let the area dry properly. Apply the product carefully and allow it to dry for at least 24 hours. 

Remember, occasional resealing might be necessary, especially for high-traffic water areas. Experts recommend sealing water areas at least two times a year. 

Why Grouts Are Still Darker After Applying Grout Sealer? 

One of the primary reasons for this problem is inappropriate cleaning. Didn’t you seal the grout just after applying the grout? 

If you have sealed it within a few weeks, there might be a moderate amount of dirt and grime. A simple cleaning will do the job. 

But it will be a hassle if it remains unsealed for an extended period. 

Contaminants may penetrate through the pores in the gaps. Deep cleaning is a must when they seep down below the surface. 

Unless you get rid of all the substances between the gaps, the sealant might not be as long-lasting as it should be. 

More importantly, the grout may still appear darker after properly sealing it. You may need to go for several cleaning sessions to remove all the contaminants. 

How To Stop Grout From Turning Darker Over Time? 

Grouts may become darker over time from irregular and wrong cleaning approaches. Whenever you clean the floor, films of grime will gradually build on the grout, making it darker. 

Residues from detergents, dirt, and water mixture will start to pile up gradually. 

Have you installed poor-grade grout? Its original color is more likely to degrade if you use acidic, ammonia, or bleach cleaners.

One of the safest products is using Zep PH-neutral cleaning solution. It can effectively remove dirt, grease, mildew, and mold from the grout. 

You can also use a natural neutral cleaner, such as a mixture of hydrogen peroxide and baking soda. It is safe to use on normal tiles and colored grout. 

 Spray the solution on the affected area. Then, use an old toothbrush to scrub away the dirt. But don’t apply it on polished marble floors as it may add scratches. 

FAQ’s

Conclusion 

It is common for grouts on floor tiles to become slightly darker over time from irregular cleaning. However, it may become almost black if you don’t reseal and clean the gaps properly before resealing. 

Didn’t you catch a good grasp of the question, “Does grout sealer darken grout?” Have questions or thoughts? We are all ears! Don’t hesitate to drop a comment below.