Before you begin, make sure that the walls are clean and dry. You will want to hold the sponge flat against the tile surface rather than scrubbing it. Scrubbing can strip the grout. Rinse thoroughly between swipes, never dumping used water down the sink, as this will only cause a clog. Let the wall dry entirely between rinses. Check for gaps and fill them as necessary. If you can’t see the holes, use a small piece of grout on your finger and fill them in. If unsure, you can also use a smartphone flashlight to check for these holes.
Cleaning off extra grout while it’s still wet
Before cleaning off the extra grout while it’s still wet, ensure the wall tiles have dried sufficiently. Before scrubbing the tiles, test the grout by pressing on it with your finger. The grout should resist denting. Once it is dry, you can start shaping the joints. Avoid two common mistakes when cleaning off extra grout: using too much water and scrubbing the tile like a wall. The latter will weaken the tile and move the grout.
When applying grout to wall tiles, it’s best to use dark color because it’s better suited for high-traffic areas. Next, you should apply a sealer. If the grout is a sealer, follow the manufacturer’s instructions and wait for the product to dry. Once the grout has dried, you should apply a thin layer of sealer. You may check this link to learn more about this.
If the extra grout is still wet, you can also mix a solution of vinegar and water to get rid of the haze. You should apply this solution to a small section of the wall first before using it on a larger area. Afterward, rinse it off with pure water. Then, use diluted vinegar to remove the extra grout. You can use this solution to clean the extra grout on stone tiles.
Once the tiles have dried, you can apply the sealer. A clear commercial sealer is a clear liquid that binds tiles to one another. You can use an artist’s paintbrush to apply it or a bottle with a built-in applicator. Once the sealer dries, it will create a thin film on the tiles, known as a “grout haze.” It is an inevitable part of tiling and does not indicate quality.
Using sanded grout for wider joints
When choosing the type of grout for your wall tile installation, selecting one suitable for the width of the joints is essential. Wider joints usually have 1/16″ gaps and require unsanded grout. Sanded grout is not recommended for narrower joints. Sanded grout is better suited for larger walls. However, it isn’t recommended for smaller grout joints because it is difficult to push the grout into the gap. Sanded grout can also cause pinholes and cracks in the joints.
When grouting walls, using the right type of grout is essential. Sanded grout is a great option for wide wall joints. It is slightly more expensive than unsanded grout and can be applied to wide joints without damaging the walls or tiles. It can also be used for small tile joints and smoothed out using water. You can also choose between cement-based and epoxy-based grout.
Sanded grout is more durable than unsanded grout and works best for larger joints. However, it does not cure correctly and can shrink if you do not use it enough. Unsanded grout has a higher tendency to crack and leak. Hence, it would help if you used sanded grout for wider joints. The sanded grout is more durable and can resist more wear and tear than unsanded grout.
Sanded grout is easier to spread on walls than unsanded grout. It is also available in many color options. Sanded grout is also cheaper than unsanded grout, which is an excellent choice for tiling walls. Just be sure to test your grout first, as sanded grout may not be suitable for specific surfaces. This way, you’ll be sure to get the right grout for the job.
Using a trowel to mix the grout
Using a trowel to mix the tile grout is easy and quick. Using a trowel to mix the correct amount of grout is essential for a good finish. You don’t need to spend much money on a grout mixing tool, and your hands can work just as well. After grouting the wall tiles, you should use rubber gloves, so you don’t get a nasty infection. The right tools and patience will make the process easier and less stressful for you.
