An overview of how to grout tiles

I was asked by a customer today if I would give her an idea how to grout a worktop back splash herself. Here's a quick overview of what I suggested she needed to do.

Tile grout requires two main tools.
A good sponge.
A rubber float that has a crisp edge.
Floats can be found at virtually any tile shop.
Grout sponges are synthetic and have rounded edges.
You will also need two clean buckets.

Mix the grout in a bucket until it resembles the consistency of fairly stiff double cream. It should be able to stick onto a knife without any trouble.
As you begin to mix, the grout will probably seem lumpy.
Mix it for about two minutes and then just let it sit for a few minutes.
After the few minutes you will notice that the lumps simply disappear with a little more mixing. Pour tepid water into the other clean bucket.

Be aware during the next stage grout will get all over the tile and it’ll look a mess!
Starting at the highest point and working down, grouting about a half to a square metre at a time, apply grout to the tiles. Wet the rubber float, and using back and forth strokes, spread the grout across the tiles. Cross over the grout joints between tiles at a 45-degree angle while holding the rubber float at a 45-degree angle. The grout lines will look over full and messy at this point. Now pull the float across the tile at a 45-degree angle to remove the excess grout. Remove as much excess from the tile as possible with the rubber float.

Immerse your sponge in the bucket of clean water. Squeeze the sponge to remove ALL the water. Now gently rub the sponge across the face of the tiles in a circular motion. The sponge will quickly fill up with grout. Rinse it out and squeeze the sponge almost dry again. Do this over the area you grouted until the tiles looks fairly clean. The joints will still look quite rough. Rinse the sponge again, turn the sponge on its edge and run the sponge lightly up and down the grout line. Do this process over again on all grout lines and it will look first class. Remember to keep the sponge rinsed and dried. Remember to keep the water bucket reasonably clean

When you do everything properly, the joints will look perfect.
There will still be a haze on the tile.
Wait about an hour or so until the grout firms up, and remove the haze with a clean, almost dry sponge. Let the new grout dry for about 24 hours and then with a soft towel polish away any residual grout haze. Job done!

If you don’t fancy doing the job yourself – give me a call on 07930 335 937