New grouting can be all it takes to smarten up old tiles, giving them a new lease of life. It is also the essential finishing touch for new tiling, sealing the gaps to protect against dirt and damp. Grouting doesn’t take years of experience so if you’re a DIY novice this could be just the job to earn your stripes!
Grout is bought either as a ready-mix solution or as a powder, it doesn’t matter in which form you buy your grout but make sure you buy a waterproof one. After all tiles are usually found in the wettest rooms in the house so any extra waterproofing can only be a bonus.
Getting ready to grout.
Grouting usually takes place only once all the new tiles have been set in place. But before you begin make sure the tiles are completely set. When you are satisfied this is the case you can begin to remove all the plastic spacers from in between the new tiles. You can carefully prise the spacers out using a pair of pliers. You may also need a scraper, this will remove any tile adhesive that has set in unwanted areas.
Get grouting.
Take your grout spreader and a golf ball size amount of grout. Spread the grout over the tiles. You must make sure you force the grout into the gaps. Do this by working in a diagonal fashion and holding the grout spreader at a 45 degree angle. Work the grout into all the gaps covering around a square metre at a time. Check the drying times on the package of grout you are using.
Wipe up.
Take a bucket of warm water and a sponge, wipe the excess grout off the tiles taking care to pull the sponge gently across each join at a right angle.
Grout and wipe, grout and wipe.
Continue to spread the grout across all of the tiled area then wipe up the excess with a damp sponge. When you have covered the whole tiled surface and it is dry you can polish the tiles using a dry cloth.
The professional finish.
To get a really sleek and watertight finish, use a sealant to join the tiles and the worktop, bath or sink. Take a tube of sealant in a mastic gun and bead the sealant along the gaps or bottom of the tiles.
Smooth out the sealant using your finger covered in a little washing up liquid to prevent the sealant from sticking to your finger (use a rubber glove to protect your hands if you prefer). Leave the grout and the sealant to dry overnight.
All it takes is a few pounds, a few hours and a few simple instructions. You too, could be admiring the fresh, new look of your tiling!
