Need info on tile grout colors and self sealing grout vs grout then seal it.?

Question

Finishing a basement with ceramic tile. I'm using 1/8 spacers for my grout line. I was told not to use the sand grout because it will be too hard to press into joints and isn't necesary because joints are so small it doesn't need the extra sand strength. What type should I use? As for color, I don't want to see stripes. I would like the grout to just blend in. My tile is cream/lt. beige w/grey marble like pattern. Do I use a light grey to bring that out or do I try to match the cream color? I came home from an unhelpful tile store confused and discouraged. I tried their plastic grout samples but when I saw the same color of the actual grout on one of the tiled sample it looked nothing like the plastic sample because of the sand speckling. Its taken so long for me to lay to tile and I had no idea how hard this was going to be. 1600sq ft. is a lot to look at if I choose the wrong color or product. I would truly appreciate any help.

Answer 1

Mapei Keracolor S is a premium-grade premixed, polymer-modified sanded Portland-cement tile grout that requires only the addition of water for mixing. It will grout joints from 1/8" (3 mm) to 5/8" (19 mm). Keracolor S meets or exceeds ANSI A118.6 requirements.

This product includes BioBlock™ technology.

As far as color you can ask your retailer to provide a grout chart as there are many color selections,try to match the primary backround color if you want to hide the grout.Grout will darken by nature so if this not acceptable also purchase grout sealer,pay attention to cure time before you seal.

Check out this website probably one of the best grouting products on the market.Also has a grout calculater,you don't want to buy to much,grout cannot be returned.
http://www.mapei.com

P.S The only time you want to use unsanded on a floor is if you have real polished stone,mix the sanded grout a little looser,work grout in small sections on a angle to tile.It will not crack and fall out,that is subfloor issues which you have none ,your installing your tile on a concrete slab.

Answer 2

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1st of all use a sanded grout. Both the grout width and the depth counts when deciding which type to use. Sanded will go easily into this size joint. The tile body hardness is also a factor and since your using a floor rated tile ( I surely hope so any way) it also calls to use a sanded grout. I always do what your doing, compliment the main tile body color when choosing a grout. Step back and if you see more greys than beige, go the matching grey grout. True if you step back and beige is more predominate, go the beige route. Allow grouts to dry before deciding if you are mixing a bit and trying to decide. Do this on a sample pc or what I do is sprinkle a bit of dry sanded grout into the joint. When grouted right, the color will be very very close to the same. As far as sealing goes, I ve always hated doing epoxy grout which is the only true stain proof grout when done in one step. When doing it after ( 3 days minimum) , always use a penetrating sealer, and do a minimum of 2 coats. Never had a problem with Miricle 511 or Cerama Seal sealers. Any questions you can e mail me through my avatar and check my qualifications there. GL

Answer 3

Self Sealing Grout

Answer 4

Ok, since you are using 1/8" spacers you SHOULD use unsanded grout. It's not so much that it will be hard to press into the grout lines...because it could be done. The issue is that you have limited space in between those tiles to fill with grout. The sand can cause voids when trying to pack it into such a small area, which will eventually cause the grout to crack and fall out. As far as color, if you want it to blend with the tile, you should use a grout that matches the Most color. If the tile is mostly beige with small veins of grey.....go with beige. I you were to use the grey in this case you would make your tiles very prominent, meaning you'll show off the 1600 squares of tile that you've just installed. Some people like that look, but I'm with you, would rather have it blend.

Answer 5

After installing thousands of sq. ft. of tile, I suggest you answered your own Q in part. Take a piece of the tile to a store that sells grout and as closely as possible match the light grout colors. A decent tile retailer, or contractor will have actual samples in strips, in a display method, showing the end result.

Sanded grout is the common choice for lines less than 1/2 inch. Un sanded states on the bag the why of that.

Grout with polymers added is commonly used as a "self sealing" type, and to add "sealer" after the fact know this,,,It will, in time, degrade. It is a FLOOR after all, and subject to more wear than any other hrizontal surface in a house.

I'd be happy enough to add anything through e mail if you wish.

Steven Wolf
(The Rev.)

Answer 6

I was taught to let the size of tile dictate the width of grout line. I used a 12" x 12" tile and went with a 1/4" grout line. I used sanded grout. I have laid tile in my kitchen and bath and used unsealed grout both times and came back and sealed, Still beads water after 4 years. 1600 sq. feet is going to take a while to install. Good Luck.

Answer 7

I just did a fireplace surround myself. I was scared to start the grouting too, it came out beautiful! I took peices of my tile to home dep. and held it to the samples of grout and chose a bone to go with my tile (which is cream with some grey to it) I used sanded and it wasnt that hard, I have 1/4 in spacers. It dries very even, no speckling. Buy non sanded grout. Its easier than setting the tile and I found a sealer that you spray on, no worries about it getting on the tile, it evaporates. Soooo easy!

Answer 8

they do sell non sanded fine grout in almost every brand that they sell the sanded if you don't want to see the lines go with trying to match the grey it will be less obvious but the cream will probably be easier to find. good luck!

Answer 9

Go to the Google site, they have an answer for everything