Natwerk Designs

Do I have to glaze outdoor tiles? Why do they look dull after laying?

I have porcelain tiles in my kitchen and outdoor patio. The kitchen tiles look good. However the outdoor tiles which are newly laid look dull. Is there some glaze which i can apply to make them look better ? The tiles have been laid just a month ago.

Public Comments

1. Yes. At a home improvement store you can get a tile sealer that leaves a glossy surface. You just wipe it on and let it dry. But, it's expensive (about $75 either a half gallon or a gallon, I can't remember). And, it comes in a yellow plastic bottle (so you know you're getting the right stuff).
2. How old is the tiling? Have you checked that there is not a light surface layer of grout on top of the outdoor tile which was not properly wiped off? If so ask Home depot how to best get rid of it. I used a light acid wash but I'm not sure if that is the best. If the tile is smooth you can try a razor blade.
3. outside tiles dull with time purely because of the adverse effect the weather has on them and its a fact well known to tile manufactures so to counteract this ( and keep sales up) they have produced TILEGLAZE which is a product designed to make dull tiles look new and is available at most good hardware outlets,
4. Be careful what product you use as some will leave a slippery finish which is no good when it rains.