1. Always mix
grout powder into the liquid.
2. Measure the liquid into a clean container and then add the powder while stirring. A mixing paddle on a power drill is useful for larger batches.
3. Avoid using too much liquid. It can affect the curing process and will result in a weaker grout. In some cases, excessive liquid can lead to powdery grout when dry. Properly-mixed grout will have a toothpaste consistency.
4. Damp-down tile surfaces with a sponge before grouting. A weak product may result if the grout dries out too quickly. Natural Stone, terracotta and any other porous tiles should be pre-sealed before grouting.
5. Whenever possible, measure out the liquid to help ensure the correct powder-to-liquid ratio.
6. The grout mixture may seem too dry when first mixing. Ensure it is thoroughly mixed before considering changing the mixing ratios.
7. When using additives, take care to keep the liquid-to-powder ratio the same as when using just water.
8. Weigh-out the grout and measure the liquid when mixing part bags.
9. Use a rubber squeegee or grout float to apply the grout across (not down) the joints.
10. Never grout tiles which are hotter than room temperature and only work 1-2 sqm of area at a time before proceeding to the cleanup routine in step 11 below. Remember, grout will cure faster in warmer conditions and slower in cool conditions.
11. When grouting floors tiled over timber where a flexible adhesive has been used, rake-out joints to ensure they do not have an excess of tile adhesive squeezed up to the tile surface. A minimum of 4mm depth is required over the top of the flexible adhesive to avoid grout "veneering" which has a tendency to fall out with substrate movement. Use
grout additive to mix the grout instead of plain water to improve grout strength over timber floors.
12. When cleaning excess grout from the tiles, use a damp sponge (preferably with rounded edges) diagonally across the joints taking care not to begin removing too much grout from the joints. Take care not to leave excess grout on the tiles as dry grout can be difficult to remove.
13. Clean all tools and surrounding areas with water while the grout is still wet.
14. Wait at least 24 hours before walking on a grout floor. Polish the dry grout haze if present off the face of the tiles using a dry cloth
15. Never use Hydrochloric acid to clean dried grout haze from tiles. If any remedial clean-up is necessary, use a mild
Phosphoric acid solution.
16. Expansion joints in the tiling work (and any joint where the tiling work changes plane or meets an immovable fixture (eg skirting board, kickboard) should be filled with
silicone and not grouted.
17. Grout sealer (eg
Sureseal) can be sprayed over the finished grout lines to protect from spills and general contamination.
