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Top Tips for Applying Grout to Your Tiles

If you have just laid your new floor or tiled kitchen, you might want to follow our top tips for applying grout to your tiles. First, clear out the joints before applying the grout. Use a soft cloth to remove any excess grout. Next, use a sanded or colored grout, if applicable. If you prefer a different color, try using epoxy grout. Once the grout has dried, apply a coat of water to the tiles.

Clearing out the joints before applying grout

To clear out the joints before applying grout to your tiles, clean the grout line and joints with a putty knife. Use the putty knife to scrape away any dust and mortar in the joint. Avoid scraping too hard, or you will scratch the surface of the tiles. You can also tape the tile surfaces to make the cleanup process easier. Before applying grout to your tiles, make sure to clear all of the tiles in the room.

After you’ve cleaned the tiles, seal them. Applying grout sealer makes your tiles waterproof and prevents staining. If you’re applying grout to tiles in your bathroom, you may want to use a silicone grout sealer to protect the surface. Clean your bathroom walls and shower regularly to keep the grout free of mold.

Using sanded grout

Before applying sanded grout to your tiles, ensure the previous layer has been thoroughly dug away. It’s important to use a certain depth of sanded grout to prevent it from cracking. Also, non-sanded grout is not recommended for vertical surfaces because it won’t spread evenly. While non-sanded grout has a smooth texture, it is also prone to shrinkage.

After the tiles are cleaned, and the grout is dry, you’re ready to apply the new grout. However, it would help if you were careful when applying sanded grout, as an improper application can result in chipping the tile edges. For these reasons, you should closely watch your work as you regrout your tiles. If you do it incorrectly, it can result in uneven and unprofessional-looking results.

Using colored grout

When applying grout to tile, you can make the lines between individual tiles disappear by matching the tile and grout colors. It is especially effective with white tiles and works well in rooms that don’t have a lot of decors. To highlight individual tiles, use three-dimensional or textured tiles. Black and white are among the most classic contrasts and work well with subway tile. 

If you’d like to add color to the grout, seal it properly. Grout should be sealed to prevent dirt and spills from penetrating underneath. In addition, it should be sealed to protect the grout from UV light and dirt. To make your grout last longer, seal it after application. Once the grout is dry, wipe it down with a damp cloth to remove any excess color.

Using epoxy grout

One of the benefits of epoxy grout is its fast curing time. Unlike regular grout, it takes only 24 hours to set up. However, it can take longer if it is exposed to high humidity. So, if you don’t want to mess up your grout job, try to work quickly and with a partner. This way, you won’t have to worry about applying too much grout and leaving it unfinished.

Another benefit of epoxy grout is its high strength. Because epoxy doesn’t repel dirt, it will adhere to porous tiles. However, it is essential to seal the surface first to avoid discoloration. It is especially important if your tiles are made of stone. So, be sure to seal them properly before applying epoxy grout. It is also important to seal the tile grout before installing it.

Using a ledger board

Using a ledger board is another way to measure the angle of a wall. To measure this, you can use the adjacent wall or an arrow. Then, draw a vertical line perpendicular to the ledger board. After drawing the lines, you can check if they are level. Alternatively, you can use a laser level to ensure they’re plumb. Then, unscrew the ledger board and fill the screw holes.

The next step is to apply mastic, a waterproof adhesive that you use to set the tile. The best part about this product is that you can reuse it for the entire season, unlike other types of tile ledger boards. The key to its success is cleaning it thoroughly, so it doesn’t attract dirt. You can also clean it by using water and a sponge. It is best to buy a new ledger board if the old one is not up to par.

Use a grout sealer

Before applying the sealer, it is crucial to wear nitrile gloves. The sealer should be applied with a rolling applicator bottle, but a spray bottle is also an excellent choice. Use it liberally, saturating the grout in a circular motion and wiping away any excess material with a lint-free cloth. It is also recommended to apply the sealer to vertical grout lines first, followed by horizontal ones.

Next, you must ensure that the sealer has reached every corner of the grout. To ensure an even coating, apply the sealer in several coats and work through the grout. You may notice some residue on your tiles, but it is easy to clean. If you have a grout sealer that contains silicone, use a silicon-based one to avoid a sticky mess. You may also use a grout coverage calculator to make your measurements accurate.

Depending on the type of grout sealer, additional coats of the sealer may be needed. Some grout sealers can take up to two days to cure.

After applying the sealer to your tiles, you should wait at least five minutes before wiping it off with a dry cloth. Once the sealer has dried, it should be removed with a clean white cloth. After this, you can test the sealer with water. However, you should not skip the third coat if you don’t want to risk damaging your tiles or grout.

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