Grout Advice

Types of Grout Colour Recommendations Are the Tiles Ready to be Grouted?

Required Tools Grouting Instructions Cleaning, Sealing and Maintenance

Grout is used in the spaces between tiles to assist tile adhesion and support. Choosing the right grout is dependant on the location, the size of the joints between the tiles, and the desired finish / style. The Tile Source offers a wide variety of professional coloured tile grouts from leading brands, ProFix, BAL, and Ardex - choose from 32 different coloured high spec tile grouts, trusted for quality and lasting performance

Types of Grout

There are three main types of grout to choose between; cement-based (sanded and un-sanded), epoxy and urethane - all of which have a variety of different qualities suitable for a range of different tile types, substrates and situations.

Keys Features & Applications

Cement-Based (most common)

Available in pre-mixed or powder format
Available sanded* and un-sanded**
Available in a wide range of colours
Polymer modified*** cement-based grout has enhanced adhesion (ideal for porcelain, glass and other non-absorbent tiles)
Polymer modified grout has increased flexibility (ideal for floor grouting where movement / vibration is likely to occur i.e. especially over wooden substrates)
Water resistant
Cost effective
Easy to apply & maintain
Stain resistant
Anti bacterial additives provide resistance to mould growth
Matt finish

Epoxy

Suitable for commercial and domestic use
High compression and tensile strength (ideal for areas of high traffic)
Excellent adhesive properties
Does NOT require sealing
Suitable for large grout joints
Resists staining, mould growth and chemical spills
Glossy finish

Urethane

Ready to use pre-mix
Quick and easy installation process
Does NOT require sealing
Flexible and crack resistant
Stain resistant
Suitable for commercial and domestic use

* Sanded suitable for grouting large tile joints (more than 1/8 inch). Large joints are susceptible to cracking; the addition of sand helps prevent this (for floor and wall grouting)

** un-sanded suitable for grouting small tile joints (less than 1/8 inch), (for use as a wall grout ONLY)

*** Polymer modified grouts, can be recognised by the inclusion of 'flex', 'flexy' or brand name 'porcelbond' in their title

Types of Grout Colour Recommendations Are the Tiles Ready to be Grouted?

Required Tools Grouting Instructions Cleaning, Sealing and Maintenance

Colour Recommendations

Grout comes is a wide range of colours, suitable for almost any style and finish.

Advice when choosing grout colour:

Pick up a grout colour swatch and compare against the tile you intend to use
In areas of high traffic, a light coloured grout is not advisable
Avoid extremes in grout, i.e. white or black (unless you plan to install a white or black tile)
Consider the grout undertone, and whether it will match other surface colours i.e. painted walls etc. and furniture within the room
For a uniform look, choose a grout that is close in colour to the tile (not the exact same colour)
To highlight the tiles or the pattern on the tiles, choose a contrasting grout colour (i.e. use a dark grout colour with a light tile colour)

Types of Grout Colour Recommendations Are the Tiles Ready to be Grouted?

Required Tools Grouting Instructions Cleaning, Sealing and Maintenance

Are the Tiles Ready to be Grouted?

Most standard thin-set mortars will cure within 24 hours, but ALWAYS check the manufacturers instructions (found on the product packaging) and consider any external factors, which might alter the cure time i.e. atmospheric moisture density

Types of Grout Colour Recommendations Are the Tiles Ready to be Grouted?

Required Tools Grouting Instructions Cleaning, Sealing and Maintenance

Required Grouting Tools

Grout float - a flat rectangular, trowel like tool, for applying and smoothing grout on a tiled surface
Gauging trowel - a round-nosed trowel used for mixing mortar and applying small amounts in confined areas
Grout scraper - a tool made from tungsten carbide, designed for the removal of old and discolored grout

Types of Grout Colour Recommendations Are the Tiles Ready to be Grouted?

Required Tools Grouting Instructions Cleaning, Sealing and Maintenance

Grouting Instructions

Mix a small amount of grout at a time following the manufacturers instructions located on the packaging
Once mixed, the mortar will have a pot life (the time you have which to use it) and an open time (the length of time you have to bed the tiles into the spread adhesive) - read the instructions carefully before use
Apply grout to the grout float
Spread the grout over the tiled surface using the grout float, being especially careful to work the grout into the joint spaces between the tiles
Remove excess grout, by cleaning off the grout float and dragging it back across the tiled surface at a 45° angle (don't attempt to get all the grout off the tiles using the grout float; this may damage the tile surface)
Clean off the remaining grout using a damp sponge
Allow the grout to fully dry (following the manufacturers instructions located on the packaging) - usually takes around 24 hours

Types of Grout Colour Recommendations Are the Tiles Ready to be Grouted?

Required Tools Grouting Instructions Cleaning, Sealing and Maintenance

Cleaning, Sealing and Maintenance

Cleaning and sealing is key to prolonging the life of any tiled surface, and preserving its quality finish.

Seal grout surfaces using Lithofin or Hagesan (HG) grout protector; this reduces grout porosity to prevent staining from dirt, grease, water or mould. It not only protects grout, but also eases the maintenance of it. Grout protector creates a water, grease and dirt repellent surface, which will not allow the products to penetrate the surface but rather remain on the surface ready to be wiped clean. It is essential to clean grout on a semi regular basis using HG grout cleaner, and in areas of continuous wet/damp, i.e. wet room, bathroom, shower area etc. to check for limescale and where appropriate use either Lithofin or HG limescale remover products

If you are still not sure what type of grout to use on your project, please give us a call on 0845 051 5145

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