Grouting mixtures

Fugue work is an activity that should be done correctly from the very beginning. Once the tiles are installed in a perfect grid or herringbone pattern, it's time to finish the job by applying grout mixture. While certainly not the most expensive material you'll use during renovations, grout plays a vital role in the final look of your tiled space.

With a wide range of colors, quality bathroom grout can be used to add contrast or create a modern monochromatic space. Here's everything you need to know when buying tile grout mixture for tiles, porcelain stoneware, or natural stone: from its purpose, to different types and colors, installation options, and maintenance tips.

Bathroom Grout Mixture - Purpose

If you use the correctly purchased bathroom grout mixture, it tightly secures the structures, protects against water, and gives a finished look to floors and walls. The grout not only fills the joints but also makes the floor, wall, or countertop more robust by connecting the tiles and preventing chipping and cracking of the tile edges.

Grout mixtures differ and can be used for fastening and finishing work on various materials. There is grout mixture for stone, porcelain stoneware, tiles, and more.

Types of Grout Mixtures

Cementitious

Bathroom grout mixtures are offered in two main types, and the choice of which one to use depends not on the tile or porcelain stoneware but on the width of the joints between them. Narrow joints require a special material made from Portland cement and powdered pigments mixed with water. Joints wider than 3.1 mm require the application of sanded grout, which is the same material but with added sand to prevent shrinking into the base.

However, today's types of grout mixture for stone, porcelain stoneware, or terracotta contain polymer additives that provide quality colors and increased flexibility, allowing for wider joints. The width of the joints is useful for masking irregularities in handcrafted tiles and for accommodating different tile thicknesses in some patterned installations.

Despite their improved composition, all cementitious bathroom grout mixtures are porous and susceptible to staining. This is why experienced professionals recommend sealing the material only after it has set for several days and is completely dry.

Grout Sealers

They are available in two varieties: membrane-forming and penetrating. The former is prone to whitening or hazing when residual moisture or substrates are pushed onto the surface of the tiles. The penetrating type still breathes after placement in the tiles.

Epoxy

Epoxy grout mixture is applied more difficultly, but its durability makes it a good choice for frequently used spaces, especially those exposed to acids and fats. Composed of resin and hardener, the material is available in both sanded and unsanded varieties and is impermeable to most chemicals and stains.

The new generation of epoxies contains detergents in the hardeners, which allow for easy cleaning with water and better work with the mixture. Since epoxy can discolor porous surfaces, such as unglazed quarry tiles or sandstone, they need to be sealed before grouting. But the resistance to stains, hardness, and durability make epoxy grout mixture the best choice for showers, kitchen countertops, floors, and other high-traffic areas.

Aqua Static

Aqua static grout mixture is recommended for places with a lot of water and pollution. This type of grout mixture has triple resistance, protecting the surface from moisture, mold, and heavy contamination. Thanks to its composition, water droplets do not penetrate into the grout mixture. It is recommended to be used when grouting terraces, heated floors, tiles, and more.

Choosing Grout Mixture with Different Colors

When choosing colors for bathroom grout mixture, there are three approaches: contrasting (e.g., white material with black tiles), harmonizing (green with green tiles), or neutral (shades of gray or white). While it might be tempting to opt for an eye-catching combination, it's essential to think carefully about what color your bathroom grout mixture will be because it will convey the final finish of the tiles, stone, or porcelain stoneware.

If you do decide on a bolder color, grout a small section of the tiles and think for a few days if this is your combination. If you make a mistake in your choice, unsealed ready-made grout mixture can be stained or painted after it hardens.

Installation Tips

But before you buy the grout, you need to be prepared for the task. After all, poorly grouted tile not only looks bad but is less stable and more likely to chip or require repairs.

1. Choose the Best Grout Mixture

There are primarily three types of grout mixtures for tiles, stone, or porcelain stoneware available on the market: cement-based, epoxy, and urethane.

Cement-Based

The most commonly encountered type used in projects is ready-made cement-based grout. They are also the easiest to use. If your tiles have small gaps, use unsanded grout. If you have larger gaps, opt for sanded grout.

Epoxy

Epoxy grout mixtures have a relatively high cost and are usually two-part mixtures with hardening agents and color additives. They are mainly used for commercial projects and are much harder to apply than cement-based products, requiring more effort. This type can cause allergic reactions in people with epoxy resin intolerance.

Urethane

Urethane grout mixtures also come at a slightly higher cost and are pre-mixed in buckets. Open the bucket, mix it, and use only the amount you need. Then close the bucket and use the rest later. Use a very dry sponge to clean the mixture off the tiles during grouting. This type also requires seven days to cure before being exposed to water.

2. Prepare Your Grouting Tools and Supplies

We recommend having these essential tools on hand before you start grouting:

• 3 to 4 buckets
• Margin trowel
• Grout mixture
• Drill and paddle (optional for mixing)
• Sponges
• Rags or cheesecloth for cleaning
• Grout float
• Rubber gloves
• Tarp or mixing paper

3. Mix the Mixture Thoroughly

First, carefully read the manufacturer's instructions and follow them. Whatever you do, do not add too much water. The less water you use, the better the consistency and strength of the grout mixture for tiles will be. Careful mixing will help preserve all the colors of the finished grout.

4. Do a Test with the Grout

Before you start grouting, do a test. First, you should cover a small area to practice. Every professional would recommend making a sample. Use a board with an approximate size of 30x30 cm with an installed tile that you'll grout to see what the result will be.

5. Apply in Small Sections

Apply the ready-made grout mixture to your tiles and get to work. Place the grout mixture, whether it's on stone, tiles, porcelain stoneware, in the joints at a 45-degree angle. The 45-degree angle is essential and relates to the angle at which you hold the float. Make arcs and fill the mixture entirely into all the joints between the individual elements. You can also use the grout float to wipe off excess material while smoothing. Work in sections rather than trying to grout the entire wall or floor at once.

6. Clean the Tiles Thoroughly

After the grout mixture has set for a few minutes (see the packaging for the recommended time), wipe the surfaces of the tiles with a grout sponge. You will need to clean again and wipe away any dirt with a cloth once it hardens. Be careful not to wash your grout too much with water. Also, frequently clean your sponges and buckets with water, as dirty water does not clean well.

Grout Maintenance

Regular maintenance of the installed grout mixture will ensure years of solid structures with tiles, porcelain stoneware, or natural stone. High-quality cleaning of the grout only requires a degreasing agent, a stiff-bristle brush, or a commercial steam cleaner. In case you have damaged sections of the grout, it is advisable to fill and renew them.

At ATEK 1 construction store, you can choose from a variety of high-quality grout mixtures at reasonable prices from proven manufacturers. Browse all options, and our consultants will gladly guide you to the best grout mixture for your needs.