Grouting Tile
Once the mortar is dry you can grout the tile. There are two different types of grout: sanded and non-sanded.
Sanded grout has sand added for strength. It's used for joints wider than 1/16 inch, like larger tile on floors.
Non-sanded grout is used for joints less than 1/16 inch wide, like for smaller wall and countertop tiles.
The color of grout you choose can greatly affect the look of your tile. Using a white or a light colored grout highlights the color in tile. Using a light grout with a light tile is good for hiding any mistakes you've made in setting the tile. You should never use a light-colored grout on floors where you get a lot of outdoor traffic because it won't stay that way for long.
Choosing a dark grout with a light tile, or light grout with a dark tile will emphasize the geometric pattern of your layout.
Gray is a good neutral color and it wears well on floors. It also looks good with natural-looking tiles like terra cotta. Before you go wild with a colored grout, test it in a small area first.
Applying Grout
 Mix the grout according to the directions.
Use a padded grout float (see Tiling Tools) to spread the grout over a workable section of tile. Push the grout diagonally across the joints to force it down into the gaps.
Grout all the joints except those that you need to allow for expansion joints (see Setting Tile Floors). These would be along fixtures, between the floor and walls, or joints in corners in between walls. These will get sealed with caulk later.
Once the joints are packed with grout, scrap the excess grout off the surface of the tile with the grout float. Hold the float at a sharp angle and again use diagonal strokes to keep from digging grout out of the joints.
Cleaning Off Tile
Clean up the excess grout with a damp sponge and a couple buckets of clean water.
First, wipe as much of the grout as you can off the surface of the tiles using circular strokes. Keep rinsing the sponge so it stays clean.
Once the tile surface is clean, make another pass parallel to the grout lines. This is to shape the grout lines in the joints. You want to smooth them down a little below the surface of the tile.
Then do a “final wash.” Rise out a sponge, wipe it gently across the surface with one smooth stroke. Flip the sponge over and use the other side for the next stroke. Then rinse the sponge off again and repeat the process until you’ve wiped down the whole area. Resist the temptation to rinse the sponge less often.
After a while a slight haze will form on the top of the tiles. This can be cleaned off with a sponge or a soft rag. Rub the surface gently because the grout joints may not be completely set yet.
Caulking Tile
 After the grout has had a few days to harden, you should caulk using a clear tub/shower caulk or one in a color that matches the grout.
Caulk in the areas that you allowed for your expansion joints and over joints that may crack because of movement. These areas are between floor tile and a cabinet toekick; between floor or wall tile and a bathtub or shower; between floor and wall tile; and at the inside corner where two walls meet.
Fill the joints completely then smooth them out with a damp rag or your finger. Also caulk around plumbing valves, sinks and faucets to seal them from water penetration.
Sealing Tile and Grout
 There are two different ways to "seal" tile. You can seal the grout joints and you can seal the tile itself. Which you need to do just depends on the type of tile you have. There are different products for each job.
Your basic glazed ceramic tile will only require the grout joints to be sealed. This will make them more water and mildew resistant, and help keep dirt out of the joints. Most manufacturers suggest you wait a couple of weeks before doing this so the grout has a chance to thoroughly set.
Apply a silicone or water-based grout sealer to the joints. As long as the tile is glazed it's ok if you get some sealer on the tile surface, but you'll need to wipe it off before it dries.
TIP: Grouting porous tiles like slate, marble or terra cotta may leave grout in the tile causing it to look foggy and dull. To prevent this, seal the tile before you install it with either a top-coat or a pre-sealer. This will keep the grout from penetrating in the pores of the tile.
|
