Grout is the finishing touch on your tile project. However, the importance of grout is often overlooked. If the proper steps are not taken, the all-important finishing touch will often leave a nasty impression on whoever comes in contact with it. Here are a few steps of keys to grouting success.
Step number one is to read the instructions. I know most of us will not do this because we already know how to do this or that. However, the technology and science of grout is changing and becoming more complex every year. This is a very important step. If the grout has too much or not enough liquid, it will not react and set up right. It is also important to let some grouts slake or complete the chemical reaction that is taking place. Once the grout is in place and the excess is cleaned from the tile, it is important to let the grout cure for at least 72 hours before sealing it or using the area.
Sealing your grout is another step to maintaining the look and function of your grout. There are two types of sealers, membrane forming sealers and penetrating sealers. Membrane forming sealers are just what they sound like. These type of sealers will stay on top of the grout’s surface, forming a non-porous membrane. Use of membrane sealers should be carefully thought out in high moisture areas such as showers. Water will always work its way into or behind tiles and grout. Membrane sealers make it hard for the water vapor to escape or dry, which can cause mold or mildew inside the wall or behind tiles. Penetrating sealers soak into the tiny voids in the surface of the grout. These are typically made of silicone or latex solids suspended in a water or mineral spirits base. After applying the sealer, the water or mineral spirits will evaporate, leaving the latex within the grout to protect and keep the grout water and liquid and stain resistant. One issue with some penetrating sealers is that they can cause a slightly darker or slightly wet look, straying from the grout’s natural color. Stone Tech or Miracle Sealants are both very good choices when using a penetrating sealer on your grout.
Something to keep in mind while using any type of sealer is do not let the sealer set up if you get any on the tile. Wipe off immediately, or there will be a permanent haze or cloudy look on your edges. Also read the instructions on the sealer for installation instructions. The companies have tested and tested every way to apply, and usually have the best way right on the back of the bottle.
Jason Thacker
Schumacher Tile & Stone
December 12th, 2008 at 4:29 pm
Hey!, thanks for the good “” post. My wife works at a local newspaper production in germany and she ask me: Would it be possible, that i can write a story about this post? She would be really happy if she can do this and she will give you a link from a german blog too. Please post me the answer. Greetings Heimarbeit
December 16th, 2008 at 1:53 pm
Hi, Heimarbeit.
Sure, we’d love to have you write an article about our post. I visited your blog, and it looks like a good resource. Let us know if you have any questions; Jason, I, or anyone else will be perfectly willing to help!
Thanks,
Heidi
March 23rd, 2009 at 8:09 pm
I am very happy that I found this site.
June 17th, 2009 at 6:33 am
Good information. Nice article. Thanks.
July 7th, 2009 at 11:33 am
Use this cleaner . It cleans and seals at the same time so you don’t have to clean again. ever
July 8th, 2009 at 7:09 pm
Sealing your grout is such an important step in avoiding water damage. I own a company that repairs water damage Denver and we see poorly completed tile jobs all the time that lead to expensive water damage repairs in Denver all the time. This is a a fantastic blog post, excellent job!
July 20th, 2009 at 2:32 pm
Useful info, nice blog, thanks.
July 24th, 2009 at 10:08 pm
Excellent article. well written, thanks for the info – will be back again.
July 29th, 2009 at 1:37 pm
Thanks, everyone!
We’re constantly trying to provide relevant, complete information to everyone – please don’t hesitate to ask if you have any questions. I can always use more ideas for informative blog posts.
– Heidi
October 16th, 2009 at 3:37 pm
I have tile floors in my kitchen and whoever did the tile didn’t seal the grout. I have to scrub the grout every three weeks to keep it clean. Any suggestions on which type of sealant to use?
October 19th, 2009 at 1:40 pm
Wow, that’s a great question. I’m sorry to hear you’re having issues! I will ask one of the staff over here what they recommend, and get back to you ASAP!
Heidi
November 7th, 2009 at 3:11 am
After the pain we went through trying to tile our kitchen, we got professionals in for the bathroom. The whole fitting including tiling was done in 4 days. Looks gorgeous & didn’t break the bank, you can get a good deal if you look around.
November 17th, 2009 at 2:44 pm
Here at the store, we usually recommend a heavy duty sealer made by Stone Tech. They have a website, also, where you can find dealers and ways to purchase their product. If you’re in our area, we’d be happy to hook you up with some!