Your remodel is almost complete! The tile is installed on the showers walls, and floor. Now it is time to grout the tile.
Grout helps hold the tile in place and seals the gap between the tiles to create a solid surface. Grout is not water resistant contrary to popular belief. I recommend applying a sealer to the grout. We will discuss this later in the article.
Grout helps hold the tile in place and seals the gap between the tiles to create a solid surface. Grout is not water resistant contrary to popular belief. I recommend applying a sealer to the grout. We will discuss this later in the article.
When selecting grout you need to consider the following:
- Color: You have the option to select grout to match the color of your tile or you can select a grout color that contracts the color of your tile. For example, if you are using a light colored tile you could select a darker grout color as a contrast. Using a grout color that matches the tile is more forgiving; it is harder to see any imperfections where the tile and grout lines do not match up.
- Sanded or Non-sanded grout: Sanded grout is recommended for grout joints that are 1/8 of an inch wide or wider. Non-sanded grout is recommended for grout joints that are 1/8 of an inch wide or less.
- Sealer: The sealer helps prevent staining. The sealer will also help reduce the tendency of the tile and grout to pick up dirt, and will make it easier to clean.
It is now time to install the grout for your tile. I outlined his process below:
- Mix the grout: Mix the grout in small batches as it will dry quickly. Add 1 to 2 inches of water to a 5-gallon bucket. Add the grout powder to the water, mixing as you add the powder. The grout should be free of lumps and about the thickness of peanut butter.
- Apply the grout to the tile: Scoop the grout out of the bucket with the float. Use a float to push the grout into the grout lines. Holding the grout float flat over the grouting service, run the float over the tile in different directions pushing the grout into the grout lines.
- Remove the excess grout: After the grout is pushed in between the tiles, hold the float at a 45 degree angle and move the float over the tile diagonally to remove a majority of the grout from the surface. Run the float over the tile at a diagonal so the float does not dig into the grout lines and remove all the grout.
- Wipe away the excess grout: When the grout starts to haze over, wipe away the excess grout with a wet sponge. Use a clean 5-gallon bucket filled half way with water. Take a sponge and dip into the bucket. Squeeze most of the water out of the sponge so it is wet but not dripping water. Wipe the sponge over the tile in one direction. Flip the sponge and wipe another area in one direction. Repeat this step frequently. Only wipe the sponge in one direction on both sides, then rinse again.
- After the grout has completely dried, buff away the haze with a soft cloth.
- Allow the grout to cure for 3 weeks. Once the grout is cured, you should apply grout sealant.
Once the tile is grouted, it is time to finish the bathroom by installing the vanity, vanity top, and etc. Now you are able to enjoy the bathroom for many years to come. You should be proud of all your hard work and your finished product!