Ceramic Tile & Grout Tips

Grout - is a cement based product that is used to fill in the joints between the tile or stone. Choosing a grout color is dependant on whether you like a "contrast" or "blend" look. By following a few guidelines you can achieve fabulous results that will compliment your tile! I can offer some tips on how to grout that will get you started. There are some special considerations on certain types of natural stone. Other than that, most tile including ceramic and porcelain can be grouted using some basic techniques and general knowledge. Let's go over a few items to take note of that will help get you started off in the right direction. Grouting is a skill that can be mastered when you begin to have a better understanding of the product itself.

How To Clean Grout - Clean grout doesn't have to be that difficult if you know what to use. There are many grout cleaning products that claim to make grout look like new. They all sound really good until you pick up a bottle and try it yourself at home only to be disappointed with the results. Grout is a cement based product which needs a ph balanced cleaner otherwise you cause irreversible damage to your grout. Never use harsh cleaning chemicals to try and clean your grout.

Common Grout Issues - Here's a few grout issues that we have all heard:
1.) Why is my grout cracking?
2.) What kind of grout is best for my project?
3.) Which kind of sealer should I use?
4.) How do I pick out a grout color that will look good with my new tile?
5.) Should I not use tile because grout is impossible to keep clean?
Let's talk about these important issues and learn why grout is not a dirty word.

How To Color Match Grout - Whenever a tile needs to be replaced or grout is missing and needs to be filled in...trying to match the grout color can be a little tricky but there are a few steps that can help. The easiest way to confirm a grout color match is having the original selections that came with the house if you bought new. If your not that lucky, don't worry...ceramictilepro can take through a few steps that I use to find a close grout color match.

Grout Efflorescence - can occur on the surface of grout and even other cement based products. A whitish unsightly film that takes away from the beauty of a tile project. Usually an acid solution can remove this white film but there are some safety precautions needed to be discussed before trying this method. You best bet is to try and avoid this altogether by allowing your thinset to dry completely before any grout work is to be performed. Try to use clean water when mixing any cement based product and don't attempt to use any water that may have been polluted or is known to leave hard water deposits. Always, always, always use clean fresh cool water!

Grout Colorant - can be used to restore your grout. You may have tile in great condition but the grout has been beat up with some minor cracking or just really dirty. Cleaning the grout is the key in having a successful grout restoration project. This can bring your tile project looking great within just a few hours. There are some great products out there that have become fairly easy to work with and perform with excellent results.

Repair vs Replace Your Grout - How do you decide between the two? Is your grout looking in need of some touching up or does it makes sense to replace with new grout? Depending on what condition your grout is in will help determine which one to choose. Maybe your not happy with the current color and want to keep the original tile. Here are a few helpful tips that can help with a very common scenario

Grout Release - is used to prevent staining or irreversible damage to certain types of stone. Extra is needed to provide a professional grout job to surfaces that tend to dry before washing can begin. By taking a few extra steps before the grouting process, you will be rewarded with a beautiful grout job!

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Ceramic Tile & Grout Tips

Tile & Grout Tips From a Tile Pro!