Grout

Nothing completes a beautifully tiled surface like a well finished grout. With a host of complimentary and contrasting colours available, choosing the appropriate grout can play a crucial role in the overall finish and performance of a tiled surface.

Products are available for all applications, from domestic bathrooms through to commercial swimming pools. Most cement based options come in powder form, but epoxide or acrylic resin based pre-mixed grouts are also available. Whichever option you choose follow the manufacturer’s instructions on how to mix or prepare the grout. Specialist products are available for specific applications requirements including interior, exterior, floor, wall, assorted joint widths, wet areas and swimming pools and can also be specified in an assortment of complimentary and contrasting colours.

Epoxy or Epoxide based grout provides a hygienic, chemically resistant joint and offers greater bond strength than cement based grout. It does not require sealing and is easier to maintain and clean. However please note that using an epoxy based grout requires a different installation process than using regular cement based grout, from mixing to application to cleaning, and that improper application can cause serious problems. Please ensure that your tiling professional has experience with this type of product.

Prior to applying grout allow the tile adhesive to cure according to manufacturers instructions. Ensure that the grout joints are clean, dry and free from adhesive, dirt and other loose debris. It is advisable to grout and clean a small test area prior to grouting the whole floor. This will give you the opportunity to check that you are happy with your chosen grout colour.

The instructions provided by the manufacturers of grouting materials for polished or honed surfaces must be carefully followed and installation times and above all cleaning instructions must be abided by. Grout the tiles with a suitable grout in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

Take care to fully compress the grout into the full depth of the grout joints so that no air pockets exist and the joints are fully filled. After applying the grout, leave for approximately 20 minutes or until it has hardened, before cleaning the access grout with a wet sponge and haze remover. Work in manageable areas and clean off any residues when the grout has begun to firm up in the joints, but before it sets on the tile face. After grouting do not walk on the floor for at least 24 hours.

All perimeter joints must be finished with silicone sealer and not with grout. This will allow for expansion and contraction in the tiles during normal heating and cooling cycles.

We recommend grout products from Mapei and Ardex:

Sealing Grout

Porcelain tiles are UV, scratch, stain and thermal-shock resistant and 100% nonporous and therefore do not require sealing products. But while porcelain tiles are non-absorbent and stain resistant, the grout that surrounds the tile may not be. Cement based grout is a porous product that can absorb water and stain. We therefore advise that all cement based grout joints are protected using a dedicated grout sealer.

Spray the sealer directly onto the clean and dry surface at a distance of roughly 10-15 cm away from the application point. Rub into the grouting with a sponge to improve penetration. Fully remove any residues within 5 minutes, either manually using a clean cloth or absorbent paper towel. Treat a small area at a time (1m2). The floor can be walked on after 8 hours. Any remaining residues on the surface can be removed with a mild cleaning solution.

For most grouts, sealers will not affect its appearance, but we recommend testing the sealer on an inconspicuous area 24 hours before you do the rest of the grout to check for colour fastness. Carefully apply the sealer onto the grout following the manufacturers instructions.

Take care to only saturate the grout with the sealer, not the porcelain tiles. If some sealer does get on the porcelain, wipe it away immediately with a soft cloth. If this is the first time you have sealed the grout, apply a second coat of sealer at this time. Once the second coat has penetrated, wipe away the excess grout with a lint-free cloth. Continue buffing the grout and the tiles until they feel dry and not tacky to the touch. The sealer will be fully effective after 48 hours, protect the surface against water, oil, etc. during this time.

We recommend grout sealing products from Fila Solutions and Lithofin:

Fila Solutions Fugaproof Grout Potector

Lithofin KF Grout Protector

Disclaimer

This information should be considered to be informal and non-binding. The products must be used according to local conditions and materials. Manufacturers instructions must be read carefully and followed closely. Always test the products in an inconspicuous area.

We cannot accept any responsibility for reliance placed upon the advice contained herein since practical expertise and site conditions are outside of our control. Neither do we accept liability for the performance of the product arising from such use. This does not affect your statutory rights.

© Porcelain Tiles Ltd – All rights reserved – V21.055

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