GROUTING TILES
Tools required :- Grout spreader, sponge, sealant gun, damp and dry cloths.
When the tile adhesive has set, you can grout the joints between the tiles. Most ready mixed adhesives double up as a grout as well. Check the adhesive you have left over for grouting doesn’t have any dust or debris mixed in with it from your tiling, as it will obviously discolour the grout, if it does it is probably better to purchase a new small tub of the adhesive so you achieve a clean white finish to your grouting.
DIY Tip :- Where tile edges meet kitchen worktop surfaces I prefer to fill this joint with a little bit of an appropriately coloured sealant, rather than grout, this allows for a little bit of flexibility at the joint and reduces the chance of discolouration from spills etc, if the joint becomes discolored over a period of time, the sealant can easily be removed and applied again.
If you have not grouted before, it can take a little practice and patience, use a grout spreader like the one pictured below to fill the joints between the tiles. I usually grout around 8 - 10 tiles a time if they are around 6″ x 6″ (150mm x 150mm) each, but you can do more or less as you see fit.
Use the grout spreader to ‘push in’ and fill the tile joints with the grout, the grout does tend to set quite quickly so remove any excess grout from the surface of the tiles carefully with a damp sponge, you can give the grout in the joint an even smoother finish by gently running the tip of your finger along it. Its like I explained earlier, with a little practice you will work out a method that suits you best.
When you have completed grouting the tiles, let the grout set hard and then wipe over the tiled surface with a damp cloth to remove any ‘dull’ marks on the surface, then buff the surface of the tiles with a clean dry cloth. Any small gaps that may appear in joints or tile beads can be filled with a little bit of grout or sealant.