How to grout tiles on a bathroom floor. Grouting tiles in the bathroom - instructions and video tutorial. Choosing materials

High-quality tile installation does not guarantee its long service life. Therefore, grouting the joints between ceramic products. The final quality of the work done directly depends on this final step, appearance composition, its operational capabilities, as well as durability. In addition, it is necessary to take into account the characteristics of the room where the tiles are installed, for example, in the bathroom or kitchen.

The joints between tiles are the gap or distance at the junction from one ceramic element to another. There are certain and generally accepted standards by which tile laying technology is carried out. The gap left between the parts is approximately 2 to 5 mm. However, these indicators take into account only the average parameters of the tile, and the larger it is, the wider the seams should remain.

This approach contains a rational grain, which is due to a purely practical aspect. In addition, it is necessary to sand the seam in the bathroom to prevent the penetration of moisture, which is detrimental to the base of the bathroom floor. As a result, it is the seams that are responsible for the condition and for how long the shower room will remain. Here are some more advantages of proper grouting:

ventilation of the base of the wall or floor is improved;
tile displacement is leveled;
protection from water, dirt, fungus;
reliable adhesion of all surfaces;
attractive appearance.

Choosing a solution

The seam must be rubbed correctly so that no troubles occur during operation. To do this, it is necessary to select a high-quality composition that has high performance. Today this aspect less attention is paid than required, however, this can cause very sad consequences. To select a suitable mixture, it is worth selecting according to the following parameters:

Wall joints between tiles can be treated with standard grout, special grout, or using varnish. After a certain period of time, the bathroom coating loses its quality, so you should choose a special mixture characterized by reliable adhesion of the composition to the surfaces. Thus, a composition with a loose structure is not suitable here.

Preparing the solution

For the removal of seams, mixtures packaged at the enterprise are usually used. On the one hand, it is very convenient, fast, and the selection takes a minimum of time, and is carried out for each specific case. In addition, being in its original packaging, the powder, unlike liquid solutions or varnish, can be stored for quite a long time. After all, it is not always possible to calculate the first time required quantity material. Therefore, the mixture is poured in gradually, adjusting the thickness of the solution.

On the other hand, manufacturing companies offer ready-made and packaged formulations in special containers. Weak side This method of application means that it is impossible to store opened packages, i.e. you will have to use the entire mass or throw away the amount of grout that is not useful. Thus, mixing the composition for joints yourself is much more profitable than purchasing finished products.

Nowadays, making grout with your own hands is quite simple. An alabaster blank and a certain amount of water will do. Some time after stirring, a white substance forms and is applied to the seam. However, when drying, the mass may crumble, which makes it impossible to use on a long-term basis. Silicone, gypsum additives or varnish will not radically change the situation.

Worth knowing! To prepare high-quality grout, it is best to have the necessary experience. Otherwise, the resulting mass will be of poor quality, which will lead to it crumbling after drying. It may be better to turn to the purchased option.

How to apply?

In order to properly grout the seams between the tiles, you need to prepare the following list of tools:

a small rubber spatula;
capacity;
water;
foam sponge;
brush;
mixer.

When filling the container with water, you need to add grout solution to it in small portions. For this task you will need a medium-sized container, with the exception of when working with large volumes. The mixture is brought to a homogeneous state and applied to the surface with a trowel or spatula. It goes something like this:

cleaning the base from debris and dirt;
treatment with agents directed against microorganisms;
the seams are soaked with a damp brush for reliable adhesion;
prepare some mastic and apply it to the seam;
carefully compact the mortar between the tiles with a spatula;
if there are no voids, then remove the excess;
after the solution has dried, moisten it with water - this will avoid cracks;
must be applied to the seams between the baseboard and the wall.

Need to know! Rubbing seams on the wall and floor has certain differences. For example, wall surface should be processed from top to bottom, with the sealant applied last. Flooring filled from the far corner to the exit, similar to laying tiles.

Let the bathroom dry for 24 hours, then re-treat it with protective agents against exposure, rot, mold, and mildew. This will significantly reduce the risk of various microorganisms for the most vulnerable areas. One way or another, moisture will accumulate on the surface of the bathroom floor; naturally, for it, the seam on the tiles will be like a river bed. So all that's left to do to complete the job is to apply epoxy resin.

After the bathroom has acquired its final appearance, it is necessary to take care of the attractive appearance of the room. You can use a tile grout marker to remove traces of grout. Usually the surface is rubbed down in 2-3 approaches; if the mastic has not yet completely dried, cleaning is postponed until it is completely dry.

Remains of the solution on the ceramics are removed using water and a spatula. Wet the excess and then carefully scrape it off with a scraper. The remaining stains are eliminated damp cloth or a sponge. If the tile has a ribbed or uneven surface, then cleaning is carried out with a toothbrush. At the final stage, it is better to use a glass cleaner that polishes the surface well.

Need to know! It is necessary to clean the mastic that has not yet completely hardened, otherwise it will be very difficult to soak it, and for products with a relief surface this becomes very difficult.

Caring for bathroom ceramics is, for obvious reasons, different from a regular room. About once every two months, you need to carry out a thorough cleaning here using special or folk detergents in the form of lemon, vinegar, soap and others. Bleaching is carried out using hydrogen peroxide and soda. They cope well with harmful microorganisms, dirt and fungus.

Video instruction

Ceramic tile - the best option bathroom finishing, perfectly copes with the humid environment of this room. It is protected from water penetration by a resistant glaze and lasts 15-20 years even in such difficult conditions. However, to ensure that the adhesion of the tiles to the surface of the walls is strong, and that dampness, dirt and fungus do not penetrate into the gaps, grouting of the joints is necessary. You can fill the gaps yourself. This article will help you choose a grout composition and tell you how to prepare and apply it.

Choosing the composition of the grout mixture

It is wrong to base your choice of grout for bathroom tile joints on advertising. You need to decide on the following parameters:

Purpose. Grout can be intended for thick or thin joints, or it can be universal. A seam is considered thick if its size exceeds 5 mm. If there is a small distance between the tiles, almost any composition will be suitable for sealing it. But large cracks are covered with fugues containing coarse sand;
Compound. Construction grouts are produced on the basis of cement, epoxy and furan resins. If you are going to work with your own hands, it is recommended to seal the tile seams in the bathroom using cement compounds;
Release form. Grout intended for bathroom tiles is available in the form of dry mixtures or ready-to-use formulations packaged in plastic buckets. Dry mixtures are packaged in paper or plastic bags; dilution requires water or water-based silicone;
Color. Manufacturers add various pigments to the grout to give it color. The color palette of fugues is extensive; if you want to get a shade that is not in it, you can create it by mixing the composition white with a special color.

Advice! If you are not a professional in the field finishing works, but if you want to do it yourself, you can use cement grout for joints in the form of a dry mixture of light shades, matched to the color decorative covering bathroom

Cement-based grouts

Cement-based grout also includes plasticizers, dyes and sometimes fungicides that protect the tiles from mold. It is suitable for seams of any thickness, therefore it is considered universal. In order for the seam to look neat, the cement in the grout must be very thin, almost powdery. The consistency of high-quality fugue is close to toothpaste. If it is more liquid, it will leak out of the seams; if it is too thick, it will stick to the spatula and fit poorly. Advantages of cement fugue:

Low price. The cost of cement grout for grouting is lower than that of resin-based grouts, which is optimal if you are doing the repairs yourself;
Diversity color palette. Even if you don’t tint the grout yourself, choosing the right shade from the available ones is quite simple;
Ease of use. Even an inexperienced master can achieve an ideal result with its help. The appearance of the processed seams at the joints of ceramic tiles will be neat and solid;
Versatility. Cement-based grout is suitable for application to the surface of floors and walls, for thin and thick gaps between tiles;
Long service life, durability. A well-applied cement-based fugue will not fall out of the joint for a long time, securely fastening the tile joints in the bathroom.

It is considered more economical to use a dry mixture for mixing with your own hands, since the shelf life of the finished grout is only a few hours, after which it hardens and cannot be used in the future.

Resin based grouts

A resin-based joint compound consists of one of two types of resin (epoxy or furan) and a hardener, which must be mixed before application. Its consistency is more viscous, viscous and sticky. Working with it is much more difficult; an inexperienced master will not be able to cope with the application with his own hands, we will lose a lot of time, but will not be satisfied with the result.

Epoxy grout is optimal for thin joints, 6-12 cm deep, for cracks bigger size she doesn't fit. Strengths of this type of grout:

High resistance to aggressive chemicals that make up modern household chemicals;
Fungicidal and antiseptic effect, which is given to it by natural essential oils, included in the resin;
Resistant to stains. The smooth, non-porous surface does not absorb dirt, but repels it;
The water resistance of the resin perfectly protects the base of the walls and floors from moisture penetration;
Durability. The service life of furan and epoxy grout is unlimited, it exceeds the time of use of ceramic tiles.

The only disadvantages of this method of sealing are the high cost, as well as the difficulty of doing it yourself.

Grouting process

Preparatory stage and solution preparation

To properly seal seams in the bathroom, you need to prepare the work site. To do this, the following measures should be taken:

Inspect the seams, remove the mortar from places where excess remains, remove the crosses that were used to lay the tiles;
Use a sponge with a mild detergent to clean the tiles from any remaining tile adhesive;
Wet the tiles with a damp cloth for better adhesion with the grout.

After the bathroom is ready for use, begin preparing the mixture for sealing the joints. Pour into the mixing container required amount water or silicone as specified in the instructions. Then, using a construction mixer or with your own hands, create a funnel on the surface of the water, into which the dry mixture is slowly poured in parts.

In order for the mixture to achieve the desired consistency, the ingredients are mixed in a 1:1 ratio; if the solution is too liquid, lower an ordinary brick into it, it will absorb excess moisture.

Grouting technology

To do the grouting yourself, prepare the tools and materials that will be required in the process:

Cement grout;
Water or an aqueous solution of silicone;
Container for preparing the solution;
Production mixer;
Rubberized spatula or wooden spatula;
Plastering trowel;
Pure matter, sponge.

When everything is ready for work, begin applying the grout, stirring the prepared solution from time to time:

Use a spatula to pick up a small amount of mortar and apply it onto the seam with a firm rubbing motion until it is completely filled. In this way, treat an area of 1-1.5 square meters. m, then remove the excess, since after drying it is much more difficult to do;
Use a plaster trowel to rub in the applied mortar so that there are no gaps in the seams. The trowel should be held at an angle of 45 degrees to the seam;
Immediately remove excess grout from the bathroom tiles with a damp sponge. The more time has passed since application, the more difficult it is to eliminate the solution. After the surface is cleaned, it must be wiped dry with a soft, clean cloth.

Professional tilers operate according to the following scheme: first they apply grout with a spatula along the vertical seam, after which they move on to the horizontal ones.

After the application is completed, you can evaluate the result. If you are not satisfied with it, eliminate the defects with the remainder of the solution and leave to dry.

Do-it-yourself grout will not only protect the tiles and wall surfaces, but also reveal its decorative potential finishing coating premises.

Video - step by step instructions

Most often, tiles are used to finish floors in bathrooms and kitchens. The choice of color of ceramic tiles and images on it is very wide, so everyone can choose the most suitable option for myself. Installation rules require leaving a gap between the tiles, the so-called seams. This is required in order to hide unevenness when laying it yourself. Then the seams are treated with a special grout, which makes the cladding more attractive. It’s not at all difficult to do this work yourself, the main thing is to choose the right mixture.

Choosing the right grout for floor tiles will help avoid problems during the surface finishing process. The main criteria are the color of the mixture, its purpose, composition and properties.

Color. For many people, this point is of paramount importance, because color scheme The appearance of the entire room depends. In order for the tiles on the floor to look like a monolith, the grout for the joints is selected to match the color of the coating. Today there is no need to run around the shops and look for paint. desired color, just add color to the white mixture. The most daring designers choose contrast.
Purpose. The standard mixture is not suitable for grouting joints on the floor. Since the load on the surface is intense, a more tenacious grout is required.
Composition and properties. The composition of mixtures for treating joints may include Portland cement, alabaster, epoxy resins, gypsum, etc. The properties of the mixture depend specifically on the composition. If grouting is necessary on a bathroom floor where the humidity level is high, then epoxy compounds should be used, since they are moisture-resistant and more durable.

Grout mixtures for tiles: dry and ready-made

Among the varieties of grout mixtures there are also:

Cement-sand. Suitable for rooms with gentle conditions (moderate temperature and humidity), and the base is made of concrete or brick. Used for decorative jointing.
Polymer. Manufactured based on silicone. Resistant to temperature changes. Suitable for rooms with a “warm floor” system, and also used for seamless laying of porcelain stoneware or stone with subsequent polishing.
Polymer-cement. Designed for premises of the same type as cement-sand ones. However, they contain polymer components that make the composition more durable and moisture resistant.
Epoxy-cement. Just like epoxy, they are used in the process of interior and exterior work. Thanks to chemical properties Suitable for use in harsh operating conditions.

When choosing a grout for floor tile joints, you need to consider, among other things, whether the mixture is compatible with the adhesive on which the covering is installed, and the width of the joints. As a rule, manufacturers of ceramic tiles and mixtures themselves provide appropriate recommendations.

How to properly rub seams?

Grout mixtures are available in dry and ready-made form. The convenience of the powder is that you can use it as needed and it can be stored for a long time. However, when diluting, it is quite difficult to calculate the required amount of dry mixture.

Ready grout is the most convenient option. It is an elastic mass packed in jars or buckets. However, the open container has short term storage Therefore, if you decide to grout the seams yourself, purchasing dry mixtures will be financially beneficial.

As a rule, grouting can be done a day after laying the tiles. Before you begin processing the gaps between floor tiles, you will need the following tools:

Water;
Brush;
Container for mixing the solution;
Paint mixer or drill with a special attachment;
Small trowel or rubber spatula;
Foam sponge or clean rags.

The grout mixture is mixed in small portions, so in order to achieve its uniformity, you can get by with a spatula or trowel. If large volumes are needed, you will need a mixer.

Before applying grout, the tiles must be cleaned of glue, dust and dirt. The seams are cleaned with a damp cloth, and right before treatment they are moistened with a foam sponge to reduce the absorption of liquid from the grout. Experts also advise treating the seams with an antifungal agent.

The next step is diluting the powder (if a dry mixture is used) according to the instructions on the package. It is important to remember that the grout must be plastic. If it turns out too liquid, the strength will decrease significantly. After mixing, the solution should stand for about 10 minutes, then it can be applied.

Work is carried out from the far corner of the room to the door.

Grouting joints on ceramic tiles is carried out using a flexible spatula. For more accurate application of the solution, you can use pastry bag. The seam must be completely filled with the mixture so that there are no voids left inside; the excess is removed. The boundaries of the grout must necessarily coincide with the surface of the tile. When the solution dries, it should be lightly moistened with water to prevent cracking. It should be taken into account that when drying, the solution may “sag”, so the seams need to be grouted twice or three times.

The places where the tiles adjoin the wall are sealed with silicone sealant. This additional protection from water leakage and the appearance of fungus.

To process 3 sq. m of floor with your own hands, it will take about 20 minutes.

Finishing tiles

After the grout has dried, you can begin finishing the seams. But how can you tell if the mixture has set? This can be checked using a foam sponge. It needs to be wetted clean water and draw along the seam line. If the solution has not hardened, it will follow the sponge. Once the grout has set, it will stay in place.

Regardless of the nature of the room, the gaps must be re-treated with an antiseptic. This will reduce the appearance of mold or mildew to a minimum. If we're talking about about the bathroom, there is a high probability that water will accumulate on the floor. To prevent liquid from penetrating into the seams, it is better to coat them with epoxy resin. It will become the last stage Do-it-yourself grouting work.

Next comes the turn of the tiles. Using a foam sponge, wet cleaning is performed, which gives the job a finished look. This is done carefully, the sponge is moved in a circular motion. For better cleaning, you can first walk over the floor with a dry brush to sweep away dust.

If glossy tiles are laid on the floor, then at the very end you need to treat them with glass cleaner and polish them.

It is very important to monitor the condition of the seams. As they say, cleanliness is the key to health. The cleaner the gaps are, the less likely it is for pathogens, mildew and mold to grow. It is necessary to carry out general cleaning at least once or twice a month. For this you can use citric acid, vinegar, soap solution or detergents with disinfection effect. The good old disinfectant is bleach. If the grout has lost its original color, it can be bleached with soda and peroxide. You can wash the seams, for example, with an old toothbrush, but it is more convenient and faster to do this with a steam cleaner.

The beauty of floor tiles depends not only on the quality of the facing material itself, but also on the right choice grout for seams. Take care of your floors and they will last you long years. Leave comments on the article in the form below!

Grouting the tile joints in the bathroom is the final stage of finishing work. Much depends on how well it is executed: the general appearance of the room, the clarity and evenness of the lines, emphasizing the beauty and geometric dimensions facing material.

In bathrooms and toilets, it is customary to use tiles for finishing walls and floors. This is justified by the characteristics of the finishing material.

Bathroom grout is necessary for filling and finishing the joints between tiles. These finishing mixtures come in different types. They can be made on the basis of cement and contain polyurethane, latex, and epoxy resins. They may also have antiseptic properties. Such solutions are called antibacterial.

Which grout is best to use in the bathroom

The choice of grout for bathroom tiles begins with taking into account the function of the room. In the bathroom there is a periodic increase in humidity, so the mixture for sealing joints must first of all be resistant to moisture and dirt. Hygienic procedures are performed in this room, so it is advisable to choose formulations with antibacterial properties.

It is important to correctly determine the optimal grout color for a given tile. If glass mosaic tiles are installed, a translucent epoxy-based mixture is the best choice. Colored grout is most often used to decorate joints in the bathroom. Such seams are the most expressive and beautiful.

Cement-based mixtures come in two types: with the addition of sand and polymers. They are most suitable for sealing wide gaps: from 4 to 6 mm. Cement-sand compositions Wider ones can also be grouted. These mixtures have several important advantages:

the lowest price among materials of similar purpose;
easy to apply, therefore suitable for non-professionals;
When a grouted joint cracks, the cement composition can be easily removed and the next one can be applied.

These grouts also have disadvantages:

have less moisture resistance than other types of mixtures;
a limited range of colors;
after the grout dries, the seam sags a little;
longer drying time than other compounds.

Two-component epoxy-based grout - the best choice for filling joints between tiles laid in areas with high humidity. These are the bathrooms and kitchen aprons. The advantages of these solutions include:

absolute non-hygroscopicity;
dirt-repellent properties;
formation of a continuous, dense seam without pores;
no risk of cracking;
wide range of color choices.

There are difficulties in using epoxy compounds. This mixture sets quickly and, after hardening, is difficult to remove from the tile, so you need to work with it very carefully and it is advisable to have the appropriate skills. These compounds are the most expensive.

Polyurethane compounds are elastic and moisture resistant. With their help, thin cracks with a width of 1 to 4 mm can be easily sealed. One of the advantages of these solutions is their soft consistency, thanks to which the narrowest gaps can be filled with a fugue. Polyurethane compounds are easily removed from the surface of the tile and do not set as quickly as cement and epoxy compounds.

Latex grouts are designed to fill cracks 2-3 mm wide. These mixtures are elastic, moisture-resistant, and have bright, rich colors. They are highly resistant to cracking and, after hardening, are easily washed off from the surface of the tile with ordinary water. Such compositions are often added to cement-based grouts in order to improve their characteristics.

Features of choosing a manufacturer

The best grout is the one that suits all parameters:

capable of high-quality gap filler;
is resistant to cracking;
non-hygroscopic;
has dirt-repellent properties;
its color emphasizes the beauty of the tiles.

The highest quality mixtures from leading manufacturers, including:

Ceresit;
"Atlas";
Vetonit;
UNIS.

The products of the listed companies are affordable and meet the requirements of international standards. The most popular brands are Ceresit and Atlas.

Tile grouting process

The grouting of ceramic tiles in the bathroom should have antibacterial properties. In this case, regular waterlogging of the walls will prevent the formation of fungus and mold. Products with similar properties are also purchased for flooring in bathrooms, washrooms or other rooms. It is recommended to choose non-staining colors, since between floor tiles it is often necessary to renew the grout due to its contamination.

It is important to correctly calculate the mixture consumption. The manufacturer's instructions will help with this, which should indicate the required amount of solution for filling cracks over an area of 1 m². But, despite these indicators, experts recommend purchasing several large quantity mixtures in reserve. To do this, it is enough to buy 10% more than the required amount of the mixture.

Required tools and materials

Grouting the tiles in the bathroom is done using accessible and inexpensive tools that can be purchased at any hardware store. finishing materials. The main working tool for applying the mixture is a spatula. Rubber ones are most convenient for filling cracks. They are different sizes, so you can choose the most suitable one for yourself. In addition to the spatula you will need:

grout float;
stitcher (used to make seams even and smooth);
a small container for preparing the solution;
mixer for mixing the mixture (needed for large volumes of work);
sponge to remove excess mixture.

After the finishing work is completed and the grout has dried, you will need to wash off the remaining mixture and wipe the tiles. To do this, use clean, well-absorbent rags.

Flow calculator

Solutions density coefficients:
The data in the list is approximate, so please check these coefficients with the manufacturers. The average indicator is automatically indicated in our calculator.
Kerakoll Fugalite Eco - 1.55
Kesto Kiilto - 1.6
Litokol Litochrom - 1.9
Litokol Litochrom Luxury - 1.9
Litokol Starlike - 1.55
Mapei Ultracolor Plus - 1.6
Mapei Kerapoxy Design - 1.6

Preparation of seams and mortar

Grouting tiles in the bathroom begins with preparing the surface. According to the rules of finishing work, the design of seams begins one day after laying the tiles. In this case, the tile adhesive has time to set and is able to securely hold the facing material on the wall. There are 2 requirements for the surface on which they plan to grout:

The cool composition should not contain moisture.
Keep gaps and tiles dry and clean.

Craftsmen remove excess glue that gets into the seams at the stage of laying the tiles. If this moment was missed, the remaining solution is removed using a spatula with a metal blade. Then clean the seams and, if necessary, wipe dry.

The edges of the tiles can be treated with impregnates (pore fillers). These are solutions that, after drying, can create a thin protective film. It is easily washed off with water, but during the period of applying colored grout it does not allow dyes to penetrate deep into the tiles. During processing Special attention pay attention to areas with chips, the formation of which is possible due to careless cutting of the tiles at an angle of 45° and mistakes made during its installation.

Protective solutions are purchased at building and finishing materials stores. These liquids are most often sold in 1 liter bottles. This amount is enough to treat 12-15 m² of surface. The most commonly used product is “Sopro AH737” from a German manufacturer. The solution is applied carefully with a soft sponge, trying to avoid getting into the cracks between the tiles.

The grout mixture is prepared in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. But to make the task easier, you can use the professional “tricks” of tile makers.

Experts believe that the possibility of purchasing a low-quality or expired product cannot be ruled out. Therefore, in order to understand what the consistency of the mixture is and its drying time, you can prepare a small amount of the solution and try to rub the seams with it small area walls or floors.
The mixing container must be dry and clean.
The dry mixture is diluted with water, which is added to the composition in small portions.
After adding each portion of liquid, the mixture is thoroughly mixed with a spatula. If they work as a team on large volumes, for quality cooking solution using a mixer and a screwdriver (drill). The rotation speed should be no higher than 300 rpm.
After preparing the mixture, let it sit for 5-7 minutes.
Stir the solution again.
They begin finishing work.

Application of the solution

The grouting technology is the same for wall and floor tiles. There are 3 ways to fill and design seams, from which you choose the most convenient one.

Method No. 1

Scoop a small amount of the mixture onto a spatula to apply grout.
Fill seams.
Take a grout float and place it on the tile at an angle of 30°.
Moving the grater diagonally, distribute the mixture in the seams with even pressure. In this way they pass over the entire area 2-3 times.

This method is good because it allows you to control the density of the seams. The stronger the pressure on the grater, the more moisture is released from the mixture. Its loss ensures the density of the layer in the gaps between the tiles.

Method No. 2

With this method of filling gaps, work with two hands. Take a clean rubber spatula in one, and a second one with a solution in the other (you can use a metal one). Use one tool to fill the seams with the mixture, and the second to remove the excess. This method is not as easy to implement as the previous one. It will take some practice to work with both hands. Focus on the tips of the masters:

all movements must be performed with equal pressure;
the mixture is made of medium thickness (in this case it will fill the gaps more tightly);
if you use epoxy grout, take 2 spatulas with a metal blade, which make it easier to apply this viscous and dense mixture.

With this grouting method, pronounced shrinkage of the dried grout is observed. Therefore, you will need to re-grout. The first time the mixture is applied horizontally, the second - vertically.

Method No. 3

In this method, the grout in the bathroom should be of medium thickness. The mixture is filled plastic bag with a cut corner. Gradually squeezing out the solution, fill the cracks with it. The work process is in many ways reminiscent of decorating cakes using pastry syringe. This grouting method is most convenient for rooms with porous tiles.

Sealing

Sealing seams in the bathroom is the most important stage of finishing work. If there is doubt about the moisture resistance of the solution, silicone sealant is used in places where the tiles come into direct contact with water. It is necessary to protect the facing material from moisture penetration under it. They also seal all joints between tiles and plumbing fixtures. This minimizes the risk of water penetrating under the bathtub.

Post-cleaning

Regardless of how the grout was applied, unsightly stains will remain on the tile surface after it is applied. After 20-30 minutes, they are washed off with a soft, damp sponge. Thus, 3 tasks are performed at once:

smooth and level seams;
remove excess grout;
wash away stains.

After this, wait until the solution dries completely. This parameter is always indicated in the manufacturer's instructions. Then rinse the tiles again with water and wipe dry with a clean rag.

Floor repairs are always accompanied by installation finishing coating. And this must be done in such a way that it pleases the eye, is practical and lasts a long time in different conditions: in apartments and houses, in enterprises, in shopping centers, offices, and various organizations. Here is a worthy result of the work. Technologies proven over centuries and many years of experience of builders allow us to successfully solve this problem and choose the right materials, for example, in rooms with high humidity or high traffic levels.

Tiles are often used as a finishing decorative coating not only for the floor, but also for walls, countertops, other surfaces, for facade works. This is one of the most practical and durable materials. A variety of textures, a rich palette of shades, the ability to combine and create various effects enable designers to create beautiful and stylish compositions that stun the imagination.

What is grout used for?

An important component of styling decorative tiles is grouting tile joints.

The grout performs the following functions:

Fills the seams between tiles, masks unevenness, chips and other minor defects.
Acts as a waterproofing agent, preventing water and moisture from penetrating under the tiles and damaging the floor and walls.
Prevents the growth of bacteria, the formation of mold and mildew.
Bonds the entire surface, giving a complete and neat look.
It can act as a decorative element, creating a bright contrast to the tiles, emphasizing its geometry.

Grout is sold as a dry mixture for dilution with water or in hermetically sealed jars as a thick paste.

Preparation

The tiles are laid, left for 7 days - the time after laying, during which the tile adhesive completely dries, you can now start grouting.

To do this you need:

Remove the fixing crosses.
Clean the edges and seams from debris, dirt, dust, and tile adhesive residues using a spatula or screwdriver.
Vacuum and wet clean.
Dry the surface.
On porous clinker tiles it is necessary to stick masking tape along the edges. Grout does not come off well from porous tiles.

An important stage of preparation is right choice grouting and calculation of material consumption

Composition selection

Grouts differ in their composition, characteristics, and features of use.

When choosing, you should consider the following parameters:

Width of intertile spaces.
Humidity level and room temperature.
Presence of chemically aggressive media and detergents.
High cross-country ability, various mechanical loads.
Exposure to ultraviolet radiation.
Texture and color of tiles.

Grout mixtures are divided into several types.

Cement grout has two subtypes: sand-cement and Portland cement. Sand-cement consists of fine-grained sand and cement; of all types, it is the most affordable and is used for joints more than 5 mm wide. Grainy abrasive structure scratches smooth surfaces, therefore not compatible with glazed tiles. The cement-sand mixture gradually crumbles and can absorb moisture and crack. If it is necessary to remove from the joints, these properties will help to easily clean the spaces between the tiles. You can reduce the crumbling of tiles by treating the dried joints with hydrophobic impregnations.

The second subtype contains cement, various plasticizing, polymer and drying-retarding additives. This grout is used to fill narrower joints, 3-5 mm wide. You can enhance the waterproofing properties by diluting the powder not with water, but with liquid latex. The properties of the mixture allow it to be used on glazed tiles; the plasticizers in the composition make filling joints easier and of better quality. Cement grouts are recommended for use in dry rooms.

This type of paste is not used in environments exposed to aggressive chemical substances, constant exposure to water, for example, in production using acids, in swimming pools. Ready mix It sets quickly, so it must be used within 2 hours after dilution.

Grout based on furan or epoxy resin. The furan resin that makes up the base is mixed with a special hardener and is used mainly in industrial areas with heavy loads and difficult operating conditions.

Epoxy resin and hardener can be combined with sand, coloring pigment, Portland cement.

The cost of such a mixture is higher, but the advantages are obvious:

Absolutely resistant to moisture and water, ultraviolet radiation, easy to clean, does not absorb dirt, does not fade.
Neutrality to chemical and temperature influences, used in baths, swimming pools, bathrooms.
Resistance to abrasion and other mechanical loads.
Highly decorative. Glitter, silver and gold powder and sand, mother of pearl, luminescent compounds, which allows you to achieve various visual effects.

Epoxy grout is mixed immediately before work in small portions; its setting time ranges from 5 to 20 minutes. This viscous material, its application requires quick work and skill.

Polyurethane or polymer. It is sold in finished form and is an aqueous dispersion of polymer resins to which pigments are added. This mixture is easily applied using a special syringe and tolerates sudden temperature changes, for example, turning on and off a heated floor system, where tiles are often used as a topcoat due to their heat-conducting properties.

Silicone sealants used for joints between the kitchen sink and countertop tiles, laminate and floor tiles. For aquariums and bathtub edges.
Special grouts with specific properties, for example, heat-resistant mixtures of fireclay clay and cement for the manufacture of stoves.

How to calculate the quantity?

The composition has been selected, you can go to the store, buy the mixture and grout the seams on the tiles. There is a special formula by which consumption is calculated grout mixture in kilograms per 1 m2.

Consumption (kg/m2) = (A+B) / (A+B) x N x D x Coefficient. x 10%

In this formula:

A – tile length, mm.
B – width, mm.
H – thickness, mm.
D – seam width, mm.
Coef. – density coefficient of the grout mixture. Equal to 1.5-1.8.

Preparing the mixture

To dilute the solution from dry powder, you need a small clean container and a drill with a mixer attachment. The mixtures are diluted with water or liquid latex strictly according to the instructions on the packaging of the specific grout. Usually take about 200-300 ml of water per 1 kg of dry ingredients. Add water little by little, mix, then add another portion, so the whole mixture is gradually prepared. The consistency should resemble sour cream. If you pour more water than normal, a too thin mixture will crack, and a very thick mixture will not fill the entire seam, and voids will remain.

Using a mixer, thoroughly mix the composition until a homogeneous mass is obtained. You can add colored pigment or various decorative additives to epoxy and polymer materials according to the customer or designer’s plans.

It is better to dilute the first batch in small quantity to check consumption, mixture quality, setting speed. If you purchased ready-made grout, you need to put part of the finished paste into another smaller container, tightly closing the lid of the factory jar. Long shelf life ready solution This is not possible, as it becomes covered with a film and loses its properties. Then you can no longer use it. It is recommended to dilute the portion so as to cover 1.5 m2.

Before rubbing, the seams are moistened by wiping with a wet sponge; there is no need to treat the surface with a primer.

Subtleties of the process

Moisture applied to the spaces between joints ensures better adhesion when applying the mixture. For glazed tiles, this procedure is not necessary.

In rooms of permanent use (in the toilet, bathroom, kitchen), you can start grouting the joints 1 day after laying the tiles, so as not to torment the residents for a whole week. In other rooms you need to wait 7 days and only then grout. Before the main work, it is necessary to treat the gaps with an antifungal compound. After treatment, the composition dries within 24 hours.

The epoxy mixture is chemically aggressive; in order to work with it, protective equipment is required. You need to seal the seams with epoxy putty very quickly and deftly, otherwise it will harden and become unusable.

To apply polymer pastes, you need a syringe, which you can make yourself. To do this, you need to take a thick plastic bag and cut off its corner so that you get a small hole for the polymer to exit. Then put a little mixture and squeeze it out, filling the tile joints.

What will you need?

To work, you should prepare the following tool:

A tray can be used to use a clean small container in which a portion of the solution is mixed.
Drill with mixing attachment for thorough mixing of components.
A basin of warm, clean water to wet the seams before work.
Rubber spatula, which fills the gaps, or a grout float.
Big hard sponge paint brush for wetting and sweeping away debris and dust.
A clean rag, preferably soft.
Personal chemical protective equipment: respirator, safety glasses and rubber gloves.
A piece of electrical cable with a diameter slightly smaller than the width of the seam or a special molder to give the seams a beautiful shape.
For polyurethane compounds, the kit includes a special tile cleaner and a sponge.

Application Guide

To properly joint floors and walls, you need to know the basic rules.

They are also suitable for cement mixtures and for polyurethane:

When rubbing, the movements do not go along the edge of the tile, but across it, perpendicular to the seam; first a horizontal stripe is made on the wall, and then a vertical one.
Dilute or scoop the prepared paste in small portions, covering an area of approximately 1.5 m2.
Apply a lump of the mixture to the gap area and push more paste into the seam to fill all the voids and cover the corners as much as possible. When the entire gap is filled, the spatula will begin to encounter a certain resistance.
Don’t forget to wet the edges and keep the grout float at an angle of 30-40 degrees to the tile.
Run along the seam 3-4 times, thoroughly rubbing in the grout, then the mixture will fill the entire gap.
Excess solution must be removed immediately with a spatula.

After 5-15 minutes, the seams will dry out a little, but will not harden completely, then you can level the seams with a hard sponge, pressing evenly on it so that the grout layer is 0.2 - 0.3 mm below the general level of the tile. The sponge should not be heavily moistened to prevent dark spots from appearing on the surface of the seams. Against the background of a lighter main tone, they look sloppy and can ruin the whole look. finished tiles. It is necessary to rinse the sponge after each seam formed. You can give the seam a neat look using a shaper or a piece of cable.

You need to use a special sponge to wash off stains and remaining mortar from the tiles; after hardening, this will be much more difficult to do. Special detergents are used to remove excess polyurethane grout. After a day, the surface will dry completely and harden. You can wash the tiles clean with any detergent.

Epoxy paste is more difficult to rub in as it is more viscous and hardens quickly. If you don’t have time to remove the remains, you will have to cut them off with a knife. It is recommended to entrust the application of such pastes to experienced specialists. If you decide to apply it yourself, you can first practice on a small area, test the mixture for setting time and prepare everything at once aids for the cleaning.

After the grout has completely dried, it is treated with various impregnations to improve its performance properties. Impregnations increase the water-repellent properties of seams, strengthen them, prevent the appearance of mold and mildew, and improve the overall appearance. The impregnation can be applied with a thin brush.

In corners and various hard to reach places The seams must be rubbed using a special small spatula. It is recommended to seal the gaps between the bathtub, sink, shower stall and tiles with silicone sealant for reliability and better waterproofing. To prevent silicone from staining the tiles, protect the edges masking tape. Apply the sealant and level the seam using a wet spatula. Then remove excess silicone and peel off the masking tape.

To achieve a glossy, beautiful shine on the tiles, you can prepare your own solution from the following ingredients:

Toothpaste.
Lemon juice.
Detergent for dishes.
Ammonia.
Salt.
Mustard in powder form.
Table vinegar 6%.

30 minutes after jointing, take one or more components, mix and dilute with water. Then soak a soft sponge in the solution and wipe the surface of the tile. At the slightest cloudiness of the solution, it should be replaced; we take a new clean portion. Then rub additionally with a dry cloth after complete drying. You can spray the tiles with glass and mirror cleaner.

Cracking of the grout can begin at any stage, even during the process of applying the mixture. Such deformation of hardening joints most often occurs when using cement mortar.

There are several reasons for cracking:

The dilution and mixing of the grout mixture was not carried out according to the instructions, the proportion of the ingredients was incorrect.
Contact with hot water on the hardening surface.
The solution is very liquid; a lot of water has been added.
The base of the floor under the tiles is not rigid enough, for example, wood.

In this case, you need to urgently correct the situation, otherwise the entire gap will crumble over time. You can clean out the gap and renew the seam, but the cracks will appear again. Experienced craftsmen It is recommended to rub dry powder into the cracked grout joint. Add dry ingredients to the remaining portion and stir quickly.

To prevent destruction, when preparing the composition it is necessary to achieve uniformity, the viscosity should be medium. After mixing the solution, wait 5 minutes, then thoroughly stir again. Do not open windows or vents for ventilation or use hot water when wetting.

It is important to read the instructions carefully and follow the indicated proportions.