How to grout tile
Welcome,
You are here cause you more than likely have never grouted tile or you maybe just need some tips. I will share with you a few things that can help. These tips for for new installs.
Make certain the grout joints. No mortar in the way.
Wipe down the entire area, with a damp sponge to make certain there is no debris in the joints. If something gets stuck in the joint and the grout cures, it will be there forever.
Make certain the tile service is not below 40 degrees and above 90 degrees. Now that said if it is above or below, it will drastically change the way the grout will cure and may or may not change the strength of the grout and or color.
2-3 3.5gal-5gal buckets of clean and cool water. If you use warm or hot water you will have a problem!
2-3 new or very clean and not stained tile grout sponges.
A small clean bucket to mix the grout in.
A margin trowel or cordless with a small mixing paddle to mix the grout.
A grout float, I like a soft grout float, with a rubber handle like one of these below.
You are ready now to start grouting. A few tips below.
Pack the grout joints firmly, no just one time, hit each joint a few times at a low angel with the float almost flat.
Remove excess grout the the grout float at almost 90% angle.
Spread a small amount at a time if you are new at this. You want to be able to wash all the grout you spread with in about 30mins, all grout have slightly different drying times. Make certain to follow the directions on the bags.
Now it time to start washing the grout. Make certain to wring out the sponge, video link below. Start off washing the grout in a circle pattern, removing all the excess grout and shaping the grout joints, making the joint look smooth and keeping the grout joints nearly flush with the tile.
Now one the are hazes over, ( It will has a light color to it) Time for second wash. Taking the sponge and wiping the tile on a diagonal to the grout joint one time on each side of the sponge and then wash/wring out the sponge in the bucket. Repeat thru out.
Now the third wash, you can wait 1-4 hours depending on condition and grout used. It just needs to be hard in the joints. Most times I wait until the next day. Take another clean bucket of water 3.5gal-5gal. Fill about half way with water and then add some distilled vinegar just a small amount. Now take a micro fiber cloth place in bucket and wring out well. Now just buff the surface of the tile removing any and all haze. Wash and wring out the cloth as needed.
You are done, congrats! Make certain to silicone all you change of plane joints in all those ares that will not be painted.
Video links below to help you further.
