Tips on Grouting Tile

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Grouting tile: The grouting of tile is an important area. First you pull all the spacers out (keep them for the next project). Make sure the thin-set does not protrude above the ceramic tiles. A broken hacksaw blade works great to clean out the thin-set if it does protrude above them. You want the grout thickness to be uniform.

Mix and spread the grout according to the manufacturers instructions. Make sure you are using latex additive to keep stains at bay but follow the instructions exactly.

Ask me why I say this! There was a time before latex additives that you would apply the grout to the entire project and then go back and wipe the excess off.

Well, the first time I ever used a latex additive in the grout was when I tiled a bathroom for my mom that utilized small patterned paperback tile. After I finished grouting the entire job, I went back to wipe off the excess and found that it was literally as hard as a rock.

A wire brush did nothing but turn the grout grey. I tired a soapy solution. It also did nothing. Finally, I went out and got some muriatic acid and used my really nice B & G stainless steel bug sprayer and sprayed it on the tiles. This finally softened up the excess grout. I then proceeded to chip the grout off. I cleaned up the tools and was satisfied that we were good to go.

A month later, I got my really nice B and G stainless steel bug sprayer out and filled it with pesticide, pumped it up, and looked at the pesticide spraying out 100s of little holes. Needless to say, I don’t have my really nice B & G stainless steel bug sprayer anymore. But, the grouting tile job came out very nice and my mom was happy.

THE MORAL IS: READ THE INSTRUCTIONS FIRST! You can also talk to the nice people at your local home center. But just remember, the nice people are usually not experts. A quick crash course and they are on the floor selling.

Finally, work at a speed you are comfortable with. You will be surprised at the results of your effort.

Good luck!

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