Tiling a bathroom seems simple. However, improper grouting techniques could botch the job and leaving you with a messy surface or one where the tiles fall out easily. Which grouting tasks are important?
Seal Tile
If you're using stone or other porous tile materials, you'll want to seal them before grouting. Without water-resistant sealant applied, grout can settle into the tile surfaces and become almost impossible to remove. The tiles could forever look slightly grout-colored.
Stay at 45 Degrees
Many beginners take the grout float--the tool used to get the grout in tile gaps--and set it at 90 degrees, or perfectly perpendicular to the tile before they apply it. This is quickly frustrating. When the float is moved at that angle, the crevices between tiles won't be filled. That means tiles could fall off and you'll have to revisit the job. Instead, hold that tool at an angle, about 45 degrees.
Wait for Drying Before Removing Extra
Once you're sure that grout is sufficiently in all the nooks and crannies of the tile joints, you need to wipe away extra material. You must wait for curing to finish, though. The grout manufacturer should have an approximate time you should wait, but if you'd like to test the area, use a pen point or a finger to see if you can still press into the grout. If so, waiting is necessary. Of course, you don't want to wait until it's rock hard either, because you'll need to remove extra grout; when you can't easily dent the grout, it's time for the next step.
Removing extra grout requires that you use that 90 degree angle you didn't use for application. Holding the float directly perpendicular, slowly scrape in a single direction down or up and most of the extra should come off.
Use a Sponge
Even if careful, grout may end up on tile surfaces after you wipe away the extra. To clean tiles, use a damp sponge and slowly move it vertically up the tiles. Ensure the sponge isn't overly wet; water could get into the grout that's still drying and interfere with the final curing process. If the sponge is dripping or you can see streaks of liquid on the tiles as you work, it's too wet.
Grouting is essential if you want a tile floor or wall that will resist water and be durable. Ask concrete or grouting experts, such as at Superior Grout, about the process.
