"bob" wrote in message
oups.com...,
I'm wondering if grout sealer actually makes the grout waterproof (as
in water will bead up)? I've heard different things from different
people. Some say it will and some say it won't. Are there two types of
sealers out there? How often do you need to reseal grout and is there
such a thing as sealing too much? Thanks.

My view is that grout sealer for kitchen counters or back splashes is
primarily to maintain color by making it less permeable to stains and grease
and accordingly more easily cleaned.. Grout by itself should repel water
pretty well, but grease and spatters will penetrate and darken it over time.
We use tile grout sealer about once a year, but not on, say, shower walls,
where you have quick drainage and little grease. Make sure you use sealer
specifically for grout, as the granite formulations are silicone wipe-on
oily sealers, whereas the grout sealers are often acrylic based, and are
made for a more porous surface.
You can tell when it needs re-applying - when water no longer beads up, but
wets, the tile joint.