Tiles are a popular flooring option since it is strong and stain-resistant. The tile grouting helps hold floor tiles together and makes cleaning easier by preventing waste from accumulating in the seams between tiles. Grout is also a significant stylistic component in the overall tile design, with hundreds of colour options. Check out this guide to learn about the grouting of tiles.
See also: What is caulk? How to use it?
Grouting of tiles: Instructions
Clean tile joints
To remove the debris from the open tile joints, use a vacuum. Use an old screwdriver or a grout scraping tool to gently chip away any dry thin-set mortar that has seeped into the seams.
Mix grout
Dry grout: Little grout should be poured into a spotless bucket. Add the water to the product’s recommended amount gradually. If desired, add the grout additive.
Mix the grout using a low-speed drill until it resembles a smooth texture.
Premixed grout: Using the margin trowel, stir the grout to incorporate any water that may have risen to the surface. The pre-mixed grout should not be given a grout additive.
Dampen porous tiles
When working with a porous tile, spray water so that they are mildly damp.
Add grout to the tile
Spread the grout across the tile’s surface diagonally, pushing it into the joints as you hold the rubber tile float on edge at a 45-degree angle to the tile. In a 5 to 10 sqft area, apply the grout diagonally to several tiles. Ensure your float is the correct size for the tile you are putting when you choose it.
Source: Pinterest (Kastar grout)
Tip: Hold the rubber tile float at a nearly 90-degree angle and scrape the excess grout from the tile surface.
Clear excess grout
In clean, cool water, wet the tile with a sponge. Remove any extra grout by wiping the tile surfaces. Take care not to remove the grout from the joints by digging.
Clean off grout haze
Mix the grout haze remover with clean water once the grout has dried. Use a tile sponge to clean the tile thoroughly.
Tips and techniques for perfect tile grout
Add colour to the grout
The pre-tinted grouts are mostly available in small quantities in home centres and hardware stores. White and black are the two extremities of the colour spectrum, with a palette predominately made up of beige and earth tones in between.
You can ask vendors to make the pre-tinted grouts in more vivid or uncommon colours. Alternately, you can create countless options by adding your liquid acrylic colour to the white grout.
Source: Pinterest (ManMadeDIY)
Fix small joint depressions
Keep a small amount of grout with you in case unforeseen joint depressions arise. The mortar should be rolled into a marble-sized ball and pressed into the depression with your hand. Smooth out the area by rubbing your palm over it.
Avoid digging out grout
Grout dig-out, where the edges of the tile float extend into the joint and draw up the grout, is caused by overworking grout joints.
Grout dig-out is caused because of too much pressure, utilising the float’s corners or repeatedly moving the float across the tile surface.
Grouting of tiles: When to call a professional
Beginner or intermediate DIYers may choose to limit themselves to grouting smaller floors due to the perseverance and care needed to grout a tile floor. For bigger tile floors or intricate tile designs, call a professional.
FAQs
What tools are needed for grouting?
The Rubber float, the grout sponge and the grout applicator are needed for grouting.
How long should someone wait before wiping off excess grout?
Typically, wait for 15-30 minutes after application before wiping excess grout.
How to apply grout?
Spread the grout diagonally across the tiles and push it into the gaps.
How long does grout take to fully cure?
It may take up to 72 hours for the grout to cure completely.
How to prepare the tiles before grouting?
Clean the tiles thoroughly and remove any debris.
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