How to Grout Ceramic Tile

Tips for Grouting Tile

Introduction:

Now you have the tile installed its time to do the finishing task of grouting. Grouting tile is an easy DIY task for most homeowners. It doesn’t make any difference if you are tiling a bathroom floor or the kitchen backsplash, grouting the tile is the same process. As a word of caution, insure that the tile cement is thoroughly dry before grouting. It takes approximately twenty four hours for the cement to dry unless you used some kind of drying accelerator.

Tools and materials required:

· Grout

· Bucket

· Latex or water for mixing the grout if you are not using a premixed grout

· Large sponge

· Grout float

· A grout tool to smooth out the grout lines

· Rubber gloves

· Safety goggles

· Knee pads

Always practice good safety when performing any DIY home improvement project. Tile grout is fast drying and when it comes in contact with your hands they will dry out quickly and be very uncomfortable. Wear rubber gloves to protect your hands and safety goggles to protect your eyes. Always follow the manufacturer's guidelines for mixing and using grout.

How to grout ceramic tile:

1. If you've purchased dry grout rather than premixed grout mix the grout according to the instructions on the package. Although the mixture should be thick it shouldn't be so thick that it doesn’t flow into the joints. A smooth consistency similar to sour cream or peanut butter works best. Mix the grout with water or a latex compound for greater durability.

2. Use a foam rubber float to scoop the grout from the bucket to the floor. Then run the float held at a 45-degree angle parallel to the tile joints. After the gaps are filled continue to go over the surface with the float maintaining the 45-degree angle to the joints.

3. After the tile grout has set for approximately 15 minutes and is firm in the joints, clean the face of the tiles with a damp cloth or sponge. Make sure the sponge or cloth remains clean; rinse it out often.

4. Fill in any holes and smooth the grout to just below the tile level using your finger, a damp sponge or a spoon.

5. After another 45 minutes of drying or when a haze forms on the tile, wipe the surface with the sponge. Continue to wipe the tiles until no haze forms. Be careful not to rub the grout out of the joints. If you have difficulty getting the tile clean, allow it to dry a bit longer.

6. After two or three hours us a clean towel to polish the tile.

7. Applying a grout sealer will protect the grout from water, mildew and stains. Wait several days before applying the sealer.

That’s all there is to it. Now you know how to grout ceramic tile.

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