How to Seal Crackle Tiles

If you’ve fallen in love with crackle glaze tiles as much as we have, then you’ll want to make sure that they’re properly sealed so that they look stunning for years to come.

What are crackle glaze tiles?

Crackle glaze tiles are wall tiles with a crackle, or crazed, glaze which imitates the sought-after vintage look of old, handmade tiles as they have aged over time. A gorgeous hairline patina runs across the surface for a charming, characterful look.

Above, Plush Victorian Green Crackle Glaze Tiles

What grout can I use with crackle glaze tiles?

We recommend using a white or light coloured grout to seal crackle glaze tiles, as their stunning artisan look can be marred by darker grout if the tiles are sealed incorrectly. This is caused by the grout can be absorbed through the tile, causing a watermark on the surface.

Light coloured grout:

24 hours after laying the crackle tiles into the adhesive, apply to sealant evenly over the surface using a micro-fibre cloth, and leave for 20 minutes after application. Buff well in order to work it into the delicate crackle glaze. Leave the sealant to dry for 2 hours, then apply a second coat using the same method as before and leave it to dry for a minimum of 12 hours.

Dark coloured grout:

24 hours after laying the crackle tiles into the adhesive, apply to sealant evenly over the surface using a micro-fibre cloth – a minimum of 3 coats should be applied. Allow 2 hours drying time between each coat and do not buff. Leave a minimum of 24 hours for it to try.

How do you protect crackle glaze tiles?

Make sure to firmly grout into the joints and avoid pressing any grout into the tiles’ surface, as this can get stuck on the decorative crackle and is nearly impossible to remove.

Once the grout has dried and the tiles have been cleaned with residue remover, apply a polish protector to both tiles and grout lines.

Above, Plush Azulado Teal Crackle Glaze Tiles

Do crackle glaze tiles need sealing?

The short answer? Yes, always. A sealant will penetrate the surface, creating an impenetrable barrier to stop moisture, grout, dirt and dust from becoming trapped in the surface, which can cause problems down the road.

Above, Porte Maillot Grey Crackle Metro Tiles

Can you seal crackle tiles in the bathroom?

It is not advisable to use crackle tiles in damp-prone areas as they are likely to absorb moisture if they aren’t correctly sealed.

Above, Plush Victorian Green Crackle Glaze Tiles

How to seal crackle glaze tiles

Sealing to protect the grout ingress into the crackle of the glaze

Ideal for all crackle glaze tiles and grout joints, LTPs Crackle Glaze Protector forms a clear, colourless barrier to help protect porous tiles from water, grout and dirt penetration.

Directions for use, phase one:

step by step information on how to seal crackle glaze tiles

Cleaning off any remaining grout residues and sealing to finish

Use a grout stain remover, like the LTP Tile Grout Stain Remover, to assist in the removal of stubborn residues.

Avoid using steam cleaners and strong alkali or acid-based cleaning detergents on surfaces, as they can compromise the protection offered by the sealer and grout protectors.

Cleaning surfaces routinely with a PH neutral cleaner should ensure that surfaces remain clean and free of any residues, which can build up when other types of cleaner are used.

Neglected or grubby looking surfaces can be restored by intensively cleaning using LTP Grimex. If mould and mildew is an issue use then use LTP Mouldex to kill and remove any mould spores.

Aftercare

The LTP Stonewash Spray is a ph neutral cleaning solution for cleaning delicate and sealed surfaces. It cleans without compromising the protection offered by the applied sealant or damaging the surface of the tiles.