How To Grout For Beginners
You have undertaken a DIY tiling job, and you're approaching the end of your exciting renovation. Now it is time to apply the finishing touches, starting with grout! But 'Where do I begin?'. If this sounds familiar, then this is the perfect short guide for you, providing the most essential information and tips you need to know before undertaking your DIY grouting job.
What Will I Need?
Preparation is essential when it comes to grouting. Make sure you are equipped with:
You can optionally invest in a Washboy which will make the job even easier, especially if it's a big job!
Which Grout Should I Pick?
When picking your grout, you will need to take two main things into consideration: the colour, and the quantity.
Colour
The colour you choose for your grout is almost as important as the tile itself. With the wrong colour of grout, you could create an overall look that really does not fit your vision. If you're at all unsure of what colour will make your tiles pop, talk to our tile specialists at your local store, or online.
Perhaps you're looking for a lighter colour that will make your tiles stand out, or you may have an edgier vision in mind, in which case you would want a contrasting grout colour. You may even want to colour match your grout for overall consistency. No matter what you're looking for, you can find the perfect colour for your DIY job in our grout range.
Quantity
Working out the quantity of grout can be a little tricky! If you are ever unsure, it is best to buy more grout than less, and make sure you can finish the job (rather than risk being left with holes!)
This grout calculator should give you a good idea of how much grout you will need for your DIY tiling job.
Other
You may also want to take other factors into consideration when choosing a grout. For example, some grouts are antibacterial, like the BAL Micromax series, making these ideal for kitchens and bathrooms. Some grouts are also designed for outdoor use, like BAL Terrace Grout, so the preferable choice if you're looking to redo your patio!
Preparing Your Grout
Once you have picked out your perfect grout, read the packet and be guided by this information. You will likely need to store your grout in a cool dry place until use, and bare in mind grout does have a use by date that you don't want to get caught out by!
When you are ready to start your project, get all of your equipment out and ready. For preparing the grout, you will specifically need your trowel, mixing bucket, grout, and water.
Start by pouring your grout powder into your mixing bucket. You will then want to add a small amount of water. Your grout packet will give a good indication of how much water you should be adding, but make sure you add water slowly and mix with your trowel as you add to avoid oversaturating the powder.
Your grout is the right consistency when it is thin enough to spread but thick enough that it does not immediately fall off your trowel. If your grout becomes too thin, add a little more powder, and if your grout is too thick, keep adding water.
Ready To Grout?
Then it's time to begin! Here are a few top tips to bare in mind when you're grouting:
- Use your grout float to scoop up roughly a handful of grout.
- Hold the grout float at a 45° angle to your surface - this will ensure more grout will fill your joints, instead of ending up on your tiles!
- Push the grout diagonally across your joints - again, this will help to fill the joints entirely, rather than just on the surface.
- Make sure to only do a small area at a time when grouting - depending on the grout you have chosen, and how hot and dry your environment is, grout can dry very quickly. This can lead to grout drying on your tiles, which can be very hard to remove, and your joints becoming bumpy. By grouting small areas and wiping down regularly, you can prevent this from happening.
- To clean your tiles, wet your sponge and squeeze it out thoroughly. You will then want to pull the sponge diagonally across your grout joints (to prevent dragging grout out of the joints). Make sure to only use each side of your sponge once before rewetting, or you will simply be spreading grout.
Need more guidance? Check out our short 'How To Grout For Beginners' video!
Congratulations!
You have successfully grouted your DIY tiling project. Now that you are done, there are a few things to bare in mind to complete your project, and keep your grout in tip top shape.
Products you may want to consider purchasing are: Trims, Matching Sealant, Grout Protector, and Grout Stain Remover.
Matching Sealant is essential to complete your room. If you have multiple tiled surfaces, or any fixtures on your tiles (like a bath), you will need to seal around the edges of these areas. For any BAL Micromax Grout, there is a matching BAL Sealant that is waterproof and anti-mould; perfect for creating a clean and durable finish to your project.
Grout Protector is a quick and easy finish that will help to ensure long lasting protection against water, dirt, grease, mould and limescale by preventing penetration. We recommend LTP Grout Protector.
Grout Stain Remover is a rapid action cleaning agent that can be used on most tiles to remove any grout stains that may be leftover, leaving your tiles looking like brand new! We recommend LTP Grout Stain Remover.
Trims are an additional finish that will elevate your project to the next level. Clean up your edges and create a smooth transition between multiple materials by applying a trim. To find out more, visit your local store and ask our experts about the range of trims we supply.
Need a little extra help?
Our trusted traders are available to help you create that perfect finish on your tiling job. With years of experience in the industry, they know what they are doing. Visit your local store or contact our online helpdesk by email or telephone for recommendations of tilers in your local area.
Good Luck Grouting!
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