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Ceramic Floor Tiling 7 - Grouting

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Ceramic Floor Tiling 7 - Grouting
Intro - Checklist - Surface Prep - Layout - Installing - Cut & Trim - Grout

To prevent some cement based grouts from drying prematurely, wash white-bodied and soft red-bodied tiles before grouting. These types of tiles tend to be a lot more porous and can draw liquid from the grout and make it weak.

For standard 4 1/8" tiles where the joints are very narrow, we're using a non-sanded grout. For any other grout joints with other types of tiles, we would use a sanded grout, which holds up better when the grout lines are wider.


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The easiest way to apply grout is with a rubber-faced float or a squeegee, although you can do it with your finger and a large sponge. An old toothbrush is handy too to help work the grout into the joints.

Note: Mix the grout with a mixture of 50/50 water and grout fortifier. This will ensure a waterproof grout job. The following are the steps in applying grout:

1. Apply grout to the surface of the tile, spreading it with the float or squeegee and forcing it into the joints. It is critical that the joints be completely filled so that there are no bubbles or gaps.

2. Scrape the excess grout off by wiping diagonally across the tiles with your float or squeegee.

3. With a cleaned out sponge, wash out with clear water and wipe away any remaining grout.
Continue to rinse and wring out
the sponge until the joints are
smooth and level with the tiles.

4. Let the tiles dry out. After about 30 minutes, a hazy grout film will appear. Wipe that away with a soft cloth. You can use the end of a toothbrush handle to tool the joints and clean the intersections.








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Intro - Checklist - Surface Prep - Layout - Installing - Cut & Trim - Grout

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posted Sep 24, 2008

"Mix the grout with a mixture of 50/50 water and grout fortifier. This will ensure a waterproof grout job."

This was copied from the above article.

Most grouts already come with additives and only need water. Read the instructions on the grout bag or container. Don't make the mistake of adding something to the grout that you shoud not add. Oh yeah, and grout additives do not make grout waterproof. If you want waterproof grout, use epoxy grout.


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