Grout Porcelain Tile Wall

Grouting tips and techniques prep work.

Grout porcelain tile wall.

Sponge the tile and grout joints. In no circumstance shall the grout joint be less than 1 16. Remove the plastic spacers from between the tiles using the edge of the putty knife to pop. Generally unsanded grout is used for tile applications with narrower grout joints from 1 16 to 1 8.

Unsanded grout is a cement grout with less than 1 8 grit. Mix the grout with a margin trowel until all the powder is dissolved. Whether the tile is traditional ceramic porcelain or a quarry tile or natural stone it is critical that the seams between the tiles be adequately filled with a material that prevents moisture from seeping down to the underlayment. All forms of ceramic tile use some type of grout to fill and seal the seams between the tiles.

Begin by protecting adjacent surfaces from spilled grout using painter s tape and rosin paper or plastic sheeting. Use a clean part of the sponge for each wipe. Spread the material in sweeping arcs pressing it into the joints to fill them completely. The additional structure of sanded grout is needed for wider grout joints from 1 8 to 5 8 and some even can go as wide as 1.

For tile having a total variation of 1 16 in facial dimensions a minimum of 3 16 grout joint shall be used. Fortunately there are a few methods that can help to remove even the most stubborn dried on grout from tiles without damaging the finish of the tile. Vacuum the grout lines then scrape any protruding grout using a stiff putty knife. Mix the grout by hand.

Applying porcelain tile grout. Pour a quart to half gallon of grout on the tiles. You can purchase one at a home improvement store. Work in a small area at a time roughly a 3 x 3 foot section.

Nominal centerline of all joints shall be straight with due allowances for hand molded or rustic tiles. Don t wait longer than about 20 minutes before you clean the tiles. Use a hard edged rubber grout float and hold it at a 45 degree angle. How to grout tile.

Wet grout is easy to wipe away with a damp sponge but because it is comprised mainly of cement it can be very difficult to fully remove dried grout from porcelain tile. When the sponge gets covered in grout clean it in your bucket of water. Lay out the tiles directly onto the area where you will install them. Begin in the center of the wall farthest from the door with a full tile and the next tiles out evenly to each side.

Use a hydrophilic sponge if you have one. How to grout porcelain tiles preparing to grout tiles.