How to Apply Grout to Tile

Quck answer

Grouting tile is an important step in the tiling process. Here are the basic steps to follow:

1. Prepare the surface: Make sure the tiles are clean and free of debris. Use a vacuum or broom to remove any loose dirt or dust.

2. Mix the grout: Follow the instructions on the grout packaging to mix the grout to the right consistency. It should be thick but still spreadable.

3. Apply the grout: Use a rubber grout float to apply the grout to the tile surface. Hold the float at a 45-degree angle and spread the grout diagonally across the tiles, ensuring all the gaps are filled.

4. Remove excess grout: After applying the grout, use the float to scrape off any excess grout from the tile surface. Hold the float at a 90-degree angle and move it diagonally across the tiles to remove the excess.

5. Clean the tiles: Wait for the grout to dry for about 15-20 minutes, then use a damp sponge to wipe away any grout haze from the tiles. Rinse the sponge frequently to avoid spreading grout residue.

6. Final cleaning: After 24-48 hours, when the grout is fully dry, use a grout cleaner to remove any remaining haze or stains. Follow the instructions on the cleaner and rinse thoroughly.

Remember, grouting requires attention to detail and patience. Take your time and ensure the grout is applied evenly and thoroughly for a professional-looking finish.

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Once you’ve completed your DIY tiling project, possibly with the help of online instructions, and have achieved straight lines between the tiles, it’s important to know how to properly apply grout. Grout is the material that fills the gaps between the tiles, also known as grout lines or grout joints, and transforms the tile installation into a single, solid surface. Whether you’re installing wall or floor tiles, and regardless of whether the tiles are ceramic, porcelain, glass, or stone, grouting is an essential step that follows the same procedure in all cases.

Grouting is the final step in any tile project, akin to putting the icing on a cake. It is a relatively simple DIY process, but it’s important to do it correctly, as any mistakes can ruin the entire project. The step-by-step instructions provided here will guide you in efficiently and cleanly applying grout to ensure that your hard work on the tile project doesn’t go to waste.

Choosing the Right Grout

There are several types of grout available, but the most commonly used is cement-based grout, which consists of Portland cement and comes in a powder form that needs to be mixed with water. There are two main varieties: sanded and unsanded.

Sanded grout contains sand as an aggregate, and sometimes a latex additive to prevent cracking. It is the best choice for wider gaps between ceramic tiles, especially on floors and countertops.

Unsanded grout, on the other hand, does not contain sand and is suitable for joints that are 1/8 inch wide or smaller, which are commonly found between wall tiles. While sanded grout is stronger, the sand particles can scratch glass and stone. For these types of tiles, you can use either unsanded grout or a plasticized alternative grout with an epoxy, urethane, or acrylic base.

Image Credit:
Trisha Sprouse for Hunker

Tools for Grouting

The process of grouting tiles involves three stages: mixing, application, and cleanup. Each stage requires specific tools, although most grouting tools are not specialized and you may already have some of them from previous home improvement projects.

Mixing

Cementitious grout comes in bags similar to concrete mix, and it needs to be mixed with water before use. The mixing process is similar to mixing concrete, but grout requires more thorough mixing. While professionals often use a narrow trowel called a margin trowel, for larger jobs, it is easier to use a drill-powered mixing paddle. However, it’s important to operate the drill at a low speed (under 350 rpm) to avoid introducing air into the mixture, which can weaken the grout. Additionally, you will need a mixing bucket, and a plastic 5-gallon paint bucket is suitable for most purposes.

Application

One of the specialized tools needed for applying tile grout is a rubber grout float. This is a flat trowel made of wood or plastic with a rubber pad attached to its face. The thickness of the rubber may vary depending on the product, but thinner is generally better as it allows for more efficient pushing of the grout into the joints.

You will also require a grout sponge, not the type used in the kitchen. The grout sponge should have rounded edges and be approximately 5 inches wide, 7 inches long, and at least 2 inches thick. This specific sponge is used to remove excess grout from the tile surface during the grouting process. Additionally, you will need a 5-gallon bucket filled with water to rinse out the sponge.

Once the grout has hardened, a thin layer of grout haze will remain on the tile surface, which needs to be cleaned off. If you clean it soon after application, you can usually use water and a piece of cheesecloth or a microfiber cloth. However, if the haze becomes too difficult to remove, you may need to use a grout haze remover or your grout float to clean the tiles.

In most cases, caulk is used instead of grout where a tiled surface meets another material, such as a tub or shower base, countertop, or plumbing fixture. This is because movement at these junctions, usually caused by the expansion and contraction of different materials, can cause cracks in brittle grout but not in flexible caulk.

It is important to finish grouting and allow the grout to dry before applying caulk. If you caulk first, some of the caulk may get into the joints where grout should be, preventing the grout from adhering properly. On the other hand, caulk adheres well to dried grout.

Here is a list of things you will need for grouting:

– Painter’s tape

– Putty knife

– Vacuum

– Sponge

– Grout sponge

– Two 5-gallon buckets

– Margin trowel or mixing paddle and drill

– Grout float

– Microfiber cloth or cheesecloth

– Shop towels

After laying new tile, it is important to allow the tile adhesive (whether mastic or thinset) to harden before grouting. Applying sideways pressure on the tiles too soon can displace them and ruin the straight grout lines. Give the adhesive at least 24 to 48 hours to set before starting the grouting process.

If there are areas around the tiled section that you do not want to grout, such as drywall or wood trim, you can protect them by covering them with painter’s tape.

1. Begin by cleaning the grout lines. As you lay the tiles, adhesive may seep out and accumulate in the joints. It is best to clean this while it is still fresh, but if you didn’t, you will need to remove it before grouting. Use a stiff putty knife or a small flat screwdriver to chip it out. Once the joints are clean, vacuum the tiles to remove any small particles. It is also a good idea to wipe the area to be grouted with a damp sponge.

2. Combine the Grout Ingredients

If you are not using premixed grout, you will need to mix the powdered grout with water. Follow the instructions provided by the grout manufacturer. Pour the powder into a 5-gallon bucket and gradually add water while mixing with a trowel or mixing paddle. If using a paddle, use a low speed on the drill (350 rpm or less) to avoid introducing air and weakening the grout. Ensure that the water used is clean, as impurities can affect the grout color.

Add any additional water needed as the grout approaches the consistency of peanut butter. Use a sponge to dribble in the water, being careful not to add too much and create a soupy mixture. The grout should stick to the trowel even when it is upside down.

3. Allow the Grout to Rest

After mixing the grout, let it rest for approximately 10 minutes. This process is called slaking and allows the chemicals in the grout to bond and create a strong mixture. The grout may feel stiffer after slaking, but do not add more water. Simply stir it with the trowel to loosen it up.

4. Prepare Water and a Sponge

Fill another 5-gallon bucket with clean water and have a grout sponge ready. The sponge will be used to clean excess grout off the tiles and will be dipped in the water for cleaning.

5. Begin Filling the Grout Joints

Dip the end of the float into the grout mixture and scrape off any excess by running the float along the inside of the bucket. Transfer the grout to the first grout joint, usually located in a corner of the tiled area, and apply pressure on the float to push the grout into the joint. Use a circular motion while moving the float and continue filling the joints in a small area of about 2 by 2 feet. Once you run out of grout, use the float at a 45-degree angle to remove excess grout and return it to the bucket.

6. Clean with the Sponge

Soak the grout sponge in water and wring it out until damp, but not wet. Avoid adding extra water to the freshly applied grout as it may weaken and discolor. Wipe the sponge diagonally across the recently grouted section to remove excess grout. Turn the sponge over, wipe again, and clean it in the water bucket. Repeat this process until the entire grouted area is clean. Use the sponge to create a concave surface by lightly dragging it along the joints.

7. Continue Until Completion

Proceed to the next section of the tiled area and repeat the process. Work in small sections and continue until all the tiles have been grouted.

8. Removing Grout Haze

Allow the grout to become stiff, but not fully hardened, which usually takes around 30 minutes. Then, use a damp microfiber cloth or damp cheesecloth to wipe the tiles and remove the grout haze. Just like before, wipe diagonally or in a circular motion, and be gentle to avoid pulling out any grout from the joints. Rinse the cloth in water frequently and wring it out well while working.

9. Polishing the Tiles

Leave the tiled area undisturbed for the recommended curing time, typically overnight, to allow the grout to fully harden. Use dry shop towels to buff the tiles and eliminate any remaining grout haze. Change to a new towel whenever one becomes covered in grout residue.

Tip

If you are using premixed grout, you don’t need to worry about mixing it, but you must be more cautious when sponging it off. Premixed grout is stickier than regular grout and can quickly become difficult to remove from the tiles if you wait too long.