New Tiler Needing Help on Grouting

[mar]

After putting grout on, how long until I remove with grout finisher again? Used B&Q wall grout. One hour application time. I felt it just wasn't a smooth :mad2:finish.

 

[TilingLogistics]

You will find it better to use a professional grout like BAL or Mapei. I can't comment on the B & Q stuff I am afraid.

Kev

 

[mar]

Cheers for this info.

 

[DHTiling]

You will find you will get a better finish with a sponge rather than the grout finishing tool...once the grout is firm-ish to touch then just wash down with a sponge.....smoothing the joints as you go with the sponge..

 

[sWe]

After putting grout on, how long until I remove with grout finisher again? Used B&Q wall grout. One hour application time. I felt it just wasn't a smooth :mad2:finish.

Good grouting is a bit of an art. Leaving it to set for an hour before washing off is normally waaaay too long. There are two main variables which decide how long you should leave it before washing off.

1. The type of grout. Some grouts set REALLY fast, especially modern improved grouts, which also tend to be really sticky. You have to work fast with those.
2. The density of the tiles. Regular ceramic tiles are alot more porous than porcelain or glass type tiles, and thus require you to work faster, or the grout becomes unworkable. Porcelain type tiles normally require you to leave the grout to set for a little bit longer before washing it.

Here's a guide I wrote on grouting, among other things. Bear in mind, that if you've waterproofed the substrate, or it's otherwise really non-absorbant, you normally need to wait longer before you can grout than you would otherwise, especially if the tiles are really dense. If you don't, you risk efflorescence, which looks crap, and is really hard to get rid off.

And of yeah, like Dave says, the grout should be firm-ish, but not dry, when you start washing off. If the grout "moves" as you polish, it's way too wet.

 

[pauljtiler]

hi

I agree grout must be firm to touch on joints. as previously said the new flexible all singing and dancing grouts like mapeis ultracolour will grab to the face of the tile quickly, but may be wet on the joint depending on which material. Sponge is best, maybe an ardex type or are they called hydra sponges!! Once apon a time any old sponge ( even from a sofa ) would do the job, but not nowadays. good luck
paul

 

[dean39]

Stick to well known brands if your not sure mate and stay away from b&q....