Ceramic tile grout is a kind of filling material used in the construction industry mainly for masonry works to be precise. It is used to connect sections of pre-cast concrete, seal ceramic tile joints after installations or to fill voids.

Grout materials used depends on what is being joined together in the building industry. It can be composed of water, cement and sand mix if it is required for filling cement block core, or it can be either urethane, cement-based or epoxy if required for ceramic wall or floor tiling.

Sometimes, if colour is required in ceramic tile grout, a colour tint of any shade can be added to the mix so the ceramic tile grout can be the same colour as the installed tiles, or it can be a contrasting colour that highlights or complements the installed ceramic tiles.

TOOLS ASSOCIATED WITH THE APPLICATION OF CERAMIC TILE GROUT

To grout efficiently and with success, without creating a mess which will eventually turn into an eyesore, here are the tools and implements associated with grouting and its application:

• Grout saw
• Grout scraper
• Grout float
• Grout sealer
• Grout attachment

A grout saw is composed of tungsten carbide blades and is used to cut and remove old grout lines applied to ceramic tiles.

A grout scraper is a simple hand tool that is required to remove old grout, or grouting that has been discoloured with age.

A grout float is similar to a trowel used by masons. It is used to smoothen the surface of ceramic tile grout works. Its usually made of a soft plastic material.

Grout sealer is water-based, and this sealant is applied over dried grout, one that resists water, oil or acid-based contaminants.

A grout attachment acts as a guide. Its placed over a rotary implement and it helps in a quick removal of old ceramic tile grout. Can be used in place of the grout saw for faster and better works.

When laying tiles on the , plastic spacers are used to space tiles evenly and squarely while installing - tiles are laid 'dead straight' and spacers ensure the gaps are the same width whilst laying. These little X-shaped soft flexible plastic should be removed before applying ceramic tile grout.

It is advisable to use ceramic tile grout that has an acrylic latex additive in its components. This will ensure a good flexibility without unsightly fine line cracks of the tile grout after it has hardened. If the tile grout comes without this additive,  an acrylic latex liquid admixture can be used to mix grout, in place of water.

Ceramic tile grout comes in a variety of colours, so there is a good choice of colour in the market that will suit each individuals need.

There is sanded tile grout which contains some sand, and un-sanded grout which obviously is without sand.

The sanded tile grout can be used for wider gaps because the sand serves as a filler. The un-sanded ceramic tile grout is used to fill very thin gaps of mosaic tiles, or marble tiles, for example

Now, mix the tile grout with water. The quantities used will depend on how much tile grouting needs to be done.

Follow the instructions on the package carefully, using the right ratio of the ceramic tile grout and water or the acrylic latex liquid.

Learning how to grout is not as difficult as many believe. Many homeowners can apply grout successfully to their kitchen or bathroom floors and walls, though mosaic tile grouting is a bit more challenging for most people.

• Spray the floor with a light mist of water. You can do this in sections so the water mist doesn't dry faster than you can work. This gives the ceramic tile grout mix some moisture that otherwise would affect its setting.

• Scoop some amount of grout on the floor, starting from the inner corner of the room. Spread the paste with a grout float held about 30degrees horizontally from the floor and move in a wiping motion at an angle to the gaps. Avoid haphazard smearing.

• Carefully and evenly spread into all the gaps and push in more grout into these gaps to ensure all the gaps for grouting are well packed and compacted.

• Use the edge of the float to scrape off the excess grout from the floor and wait for 20 minutes (or whatever time is stipulated on the package). During this waiting period, clean all messy grout from the edges of the walls in case there has been a bit of smearing done whilst grouting the floor.

• This is now time for the sponge cleaning. Cleaning with a sponge removes the thin film of grout from the tiles without affecting the grout within the gaps. It is important to keep to the stipulated waiting time or it will become difficult removing the grout film. Rinse the sponge often while cleaning, making sure the water is wrung out well. And wipe gently but firmly.

• After about 40 to 45minutes - again, depending on the stipulated drying time on the package - clean the faint residue of grout off the tiles using a simple paper towel. At this time, the grouting has hardened, though not thoroughly, but enough to give a good clean a chance.

Job done!

Give the finished work a lightly sprayed mist of water 2 times a day for  three days after tile grouting.

And remember to apply the grout sealer to seal the ceramic tile grout after full curing. This will prevent growth of mold and mildew, and it will prevent staining or darkening.

 

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