how to grout ceramic floor tiles

If you are considering laying your own tiles, then learning how to properly fill the seams is an essential but often overlooked part of the process.
I am always surprised by the number of professional tile workers who leave grouting to junior workers, because I believe this is a simple and unimportant part of the work.
While the great grouting does not make the bad tile work look good, the poor grouting will make the original excellent tile installation look bad.
So, obviously, this is a very important factor and it should be correct.
Fortunately, it is not difficult to learn how to grout.
Although there are many brands of grouting materials on the market, there are only three basic types; cement-based (Or cement); polymer-
Modified and epoxy resin.
This article only covers the first two because epoxy is a bit special, although not many people will convince us of the nightmare, there are subtle differences in the materials and methods applied.
So what do you need to start doing?
Of course, grouting, a few clean barrels, one for mixing, one for cleaning, a good spatula (Flat or square
The nose is the best)a grout-
The supply of a white nylon scrub pad and sponge is cleaned.
It is also a good idea to buy some rubber gloves because cement is irritating to the skin.
Before you start mixing, first make sure the tiles are clean and dry, and any visible spacers are removed during the tiling process, as well as any tile adhesive traces that may be pushed up through the seams.
OK, mixing Time: follow the instructions on the bag;
There are subtle differences between them.
Pay special attention to the recommended amount of water.
Usually put water in a clean bucket first, then add powder from the bag;
Be careful here that a little bit of water will consume a lot of powder.
If you are just making a small area and buy a small bag, then you can easily find that you put too much water, then there is not enough powder to make the right consistency, so make your first mix smaller and you can always make the next one bigger.
Mix the powder with water to form a free
Flowing, creamy.
If you\'re using ready-
You may find it a little thicker than this one.
If you are doing a big job, then you can get a mixer paddle to use with the drill bit, but be careful to set the low speed and it is not ideal to stir too much air into the mixture.
Some brands instruct you to leave it for a few minutes at this stage in order for the cement to flow out.
Now we are ready to start grouting.
For the wall, place a small amount of mixed grout on the scraper and start laying it on the tile.
If you are making the floor, then you can pour the mixture where you intend to start.
Now, using the blade of the scraper, start pushing the grouting into the seam.
Tip: work on the diagonal of the joint, from a corner, for example from the left hand side, to the right.
Work in the same direction, evenly fill the vertical and horizontal joints, and always keep the open joints in front of you.
Try to avoid going beyond yourself and filling the joints, but leave some space behind and then you will go back to it.
When you try to fill them, this will generate angry locks or bubbles in the joints.
Keeping open joints in front of you will bring you air replaced by grout, which is a place to escape.
Next, when you have done a short section, by placing the edge of the scraper on the tile, drag it diagonally through the seam and remove any remaining residue from the tile.
This not only eliminates the excess material, it is much less to clean up with a sponge, but it also helps to press gout into the joints.
In addition, it also helps to preserve the grouting as you can push the remaining grouting material to the next part.
When you are unhappy with everything you are going to do, put the grouting bucket aside, but don\'t throw it away.
A tricky point now;
By the time it starts setting up, I can\'t give you a defined time here, because it depends on the specific product, the air hole rate of the tile and the temperature and humidity of the area where you work.
Check out the instructions for your specific product, but even if they are ambiguous.
The trick is not to wash it off too fast because you will pull out the grout from the joint or fill it with airholes.
Leave it too long to remove the residue.
The first sign that the grouting reaches the stage where it can be cleaned is that when it starts to dry on the surface of the tile, its color usually becomes brighter.
Looking for this, also gently press the joint to see if it starts to be firm and wait a little longer if it is easily pressed.
When ready, bring a clean bucket, nylon scrub pad and fresh and clean sponge.
Wet the scrub pad and let most of the water flow out of it, so it\'s just wet but doesn\'t drip.
Using circular motion, gently scrub a small area to loosen the residue from the surface.
You will see some bubbles when the mat starts to bubble water.
Keep going and turn the mat over to the clean side once it\'s blocked by mud.
Continue until the mat becomes too dry to continue, rinse and continue in the water.
When you are working, try to detail the edge of the tile with a mat, be careful not to press too tightly, and do not venture out of the mud, the sponge will do more details.
Switch to sponge now and pay attention to this technique: Keep doing this, although it looks tedious, as it will save you time and reduce the number of washes required in the long run.
You can help the sponges smooth when you cross the joints, just be careful not to go deep into the joints (
If you do, just take a little bit of mud from the bucket you set aside earlier, then fill it up and come back after it has a few minutes to reinforce).
You may need to do a second wash when you are done.
The higher the frequency you change the flushing water, and don\'t put dirty sponges on the floor, the less cleaning you need.
Once dry enough (
But not completely cured)
, You can use a dry scrub pad, or even a towel, to clear or polish any remaining smoke, that\'s how to grout and use walls or floor tiles like a professional.
If you have a lot of things to do or you want to speed up your work and clean up
A little easier, go to a very nice float
It\'s not DIY with rubber blades, it\'s a stylish rubber scraper.
Also, consider buying a washing machine if you really want to be a professional
This is a specially designed bucket with a cleaning roller (Often on wheels)
There is a large, flat sponge on the handle (Or sponge board).
A good hand washing boy will remove more residue in one scan, keep the joints well and rinse to help your hands stay away from the water --
For example, it\'s worth it on the big floor.