Stone look porcelain tiles imitate the look of natural stones. Using polished stone porcelain tile, you can create a beautiful, hard, durable, and shiny floor and wall surfaces. However, when we talk about polished porcelain tiles, we must give a handsome share of credit to its polish or surface finish.

Polish is what makes the tile durable and shiny. And it is also the surface finish that makes stone look porcelain tiles highly stain resistant. It is because of the surface finish that your stone look flooring or wall is water and moisture resistant.

The layer of polish although is strong and durable, there are times when it comes off and put the tile flooring or wall at risk. In this article, we will learn some of the tricks to seal the polished stone look porcelain tiles. Check out the following pointers –

Perform a deep clean on your stone look floor or wall. Consider sweeping the floor twice. After that, wet mop the tile surface.

Vacuum if there is too much dust and debris on the tile surface.

If on walls, wipe difficult to reach areas for mop – such as shelves or corners - with hands. Dip a cloth in hot soapy water, wring it completely, and wipe the tile surface.

Spray or pour the sealant on the tile surface.

Now rub with a clean dry cloth spreading the sealant across the tiled surface.

Make sure that the layer of sealant is spread evenly on the stone look porcelain tile surface.

Do not spray too much sealant.

If there are spills, clean them immediately.

Let the sealant dry for the duration mention on the product label.

Wipe the tile surface with a clean cloth to wipe away any sort of debris.

Wait for another 12 to 24 hours before using the floor/wall again.

Stone-look porcelain tiles make a cost-effective substitute for natural stone tiles. But, low cost is not the only reason why homeowners and builders use it. There’s more to it.

Check out the following pointers that advocate 7 awesome benefits of using stone-look porcelain tiles –

#1. Looks like Natural Stone

Stone look ceramic or porcelain tiles are designed to imitate the look and feel of natural stone floors. Even for an expert, it would be quite difficult to spot the difference between stone-look porcelain and natural stone.

#2. More Durable

Well, that’s partially true. Let me explain. Natural stones are porous surface. There are countless tiny pores on natural stone surfaces. These pores allow dust, debris and water to seep through and that’s what damages your natural stone walls and flooring.

But, there are no pores on stone-look porcelain tiles. Meaning, there are no chances of dust and water entering and passing through pores.

#3. Available in a Variety of  Stone Patterns

When it comes to design opportunities, you have innumerable options at your disposal. You can find any natural stone pattern with stone-look porcelain tiles, including granite-look, slate-look, travertine-look, carrara-look, and other types of marble and stone patterns.

#4. Fire Resistant

The patterns and the tile, both, are fire proof. Technically, these tiles do not catch fire and burn.  That’s what makes this material a suitable choice for residential and commercial kitchens. Though, if you are buying stone-look porcelain, you will need to make sure that you are buying from a reliable source.

#5. Water- and Moisture- Proof

If you are concerned about moisture seeping through ceiling and outside wall, you could consider stone-look porcelain tiles as a solution. Porcelain tiles are manufactured using high-quality water- and moisture- resistant constituents, and fired at very high temperatures to achieve unmatchable water proofing.

Check the product details before buying to ensure whether your tiles are water-resistant.

#6. Stain Resistant

This is probably the biggest advantage stain-look porcelain tiles have over natural stones. While it is very easy for natural stones to get stains, it is technically impossible for stone-look porcelain tiles to catch stains. Thanks to their smooth surface coating and non-porous nature.

#7. Low Maintenance

With natural stones, you have to ensure commercial level care and maintenance in order to maintain their new-like shine and substance. However, there are no such strict requirements with stone-look porcelain tiles. These tiles can be cleaned right away with broom or vacuum and wet mop.