Grouting. How?

Question

I have a general idea how to apply grouting, from a DIY book, but is the any tips and/or tricks i should know...what the books don't say?

Answer 1

Lol..I know that if you don't have all those excpensive tools one of the best ways to get a smooth grout line is with a wet finger.

Answer 2

As long as you mix the grout correctly and follow the directions you will be just fine. Definately buy at least a cheap grout float. It does make the job alot easier. If you will be grouting into alot of corners then get a float for corners too. Tiling and grouting seems like a duanting task but it really isn't. I think you'll be surprised at how easy it is and how good the results look. Don't forget to seal the grout after it's cured.

Answer 3

Well, you didn't tell us WHAT you are trying to grout, so it's hard to give you an answer. Generally, there are 2 basic methods of grouting used. dry pack or flowable. With dry pack, you mix your grout with just enough water to make the mix stick together when you make a ball with your hand. The grout is then placed under the item your grouting (like a column) and rammed into place. The edges are finished and the area covered with wet rags for 3 days to cure.
If you are grouting with flowable mix, you will need to form the edges of the area your grouting, mix the grout, and place it from one side of the thing your grouting. You may need to raise the area your pouring into to get enough head pressure to force the grout through to the other side, or you can help pump the grout through with a thin piece of strap. The most important thing is to not trap any air under what your groutiing. When grout has set, you can wreck the forms, finish the sides and place the rags for curing as above.

Answer 4

You know from personal experiance I would say the best way to apply grouting is to use a sponge to apply the grout but you must have a bucket with water with you to wipe it until you satisfied also wear gloves so your hands won't burn with the grout. This is less work to do it this way. Hope this tip helps you and that you understand my explenation.

Answer 5

Sealing tile grout gives your tile surface greater water and mildew resistance, and is indispensiable for keep ing grout from getting dirty. Unsealed grout will absorb dirt, grease and grime such that it becomes impossible to clean.

When you should you apply the sealer? For a new tile surface or re-grout, nearly all grout manufacturers advise that you wait at least 48 hours after grouting before aaplying sealers so the grout has time to finish setting. For maintanence of existing tilling, you should re-apply every year or two.

Answer 6

Don't get the powder grout cos it's a pain to mix and to get the exact mix every time..Get a tub of quality grout ( Marley for instance ) MAke sure u get rid of off the excess paste betwen the tiles.Put down dust sheets.Then get a sponge and dab a small amount on it and just wipe in on in a circular motion pushing the grout in the gaps..
If u need more info try www.screwfix.com and click on the talk forum .There's where the diyers and pros offer advice.You'll need to create a account.

Good luck

Answer 7

Best way I found to apply the grouting was to use an old credit or telephone card. Don't try to be to frugal with the grouting. Spread it on liberally.

Answer 8

Go diagonally (45 degree angle) against the grout lines when sponging. Get about 5 buckets of clean water. You'll need to rinse the sponge very frequently.

Answer 9

apply the grout liberally i made the mistake of letting my misses grout the bathroom tiles while i was at work.big mistake she basically painted the tiles and it took 4 days to get it of when it dried.just grout the gaps then wipe over with damp cloth.

Answer 10

my best results came with a few tips, mixing the grout with a mixer on a drill, presealing the tile before grouting, using a float (worth the $5) and having time for oops, don't have an obligation that you need to get to soon after...oh, and WEAR GLOVES! (laytex or nitrile)