How to Grout Tiles

Before getting started make sure you’ve chosen the right type and right colour. Grout is available in a vast array of types and colours to compliment your tile selection and space. Whichever option you choose, follow the manufacturer's instructions on how to mix and apply the grout. If you need some help getting your selection right head to your local Beaumont store or check out our useful blog here.

Grouting is one of the simplest parts of DIY tiling. There’s no secret to learning how to grout tiles: you just need to be prepared to work a little hard. Make sure that your adhesive has set firmly before you start. Read on to learn how to grout tiles step by step.

Step 1: Get mixing

When mixing the grout. Follow the instructions on your packet and mix to a thick paste-like consistency and remember a little grout can go a long way.

Step 2: Apply the Grout

With a grouter or grout float apply the grout to your wall or floor using a driving diagonal motion, pushing the grout firmly into the joints leaving no air pockets or voids. Leave as little grout on the surface of the tiles as possible (it will help clean up later on) and do not apply grout to the corners where walls meet floors or where two walls meet. You will need to apply silicone in these locations.

A handy hint is to start in a small section until you are confident. See photos on how to grout wall tiles.

Step 3: Clean the area

Always allow the grout to dry and for a film to set on the face of the tiles before cleaning. Dry times vary dependant on weather conditions. If you clean too soon, before the grout has a chance to dry, you risk removing grout from the joints.

Once the grout has become slightly powdery on the surface, remove the excess grout on the tiles with a clean, damp sponge by wiping across the tile diagonally to the joint. Turn the sponge over and repeat. Rinse, squeeze and keep repeating just don’t overly wet the surface yet. The trick here is to lift the film from the tile without wetting the actual grouted joint.  You might not get it all off during this step and that is okay, just wait for things to totally dry.

Step 4: Remove that residue

24-48 hours after the grout has dried, tiles should be washed with Lithofin Cement Residue Remover with a microfibre cloth following the instructions on the bottle. This will remove any residual grout from the surface of your tiles.

If you notice a dull haze just after your new tiles are laid, or you are finding that your tiles are getting dirty very quickly - don’t panic! This will likely be grout residue. The good news is that it’s easily washed off with Lithofin Cement Residue Remover by following the instructions on the label.

Step 5: Seal the deal

If you are using Epoxy grout (great choice by the way) that’s job done friend! Epoxy is a superstar that is naturally resistant to chemicals, stains and moulds..hello reduced cleaning times.

If you are using a cement or sand-based grout we recommend applying a grout sealer. Unlike epoxy grout these types are very porous and can be more prone to stains or mould and mildew growth. Sealing your cement or sand-based grout will help to minimise this along with your ongoing cleaning regime.

Step 6: Admire your handy work

You’ve done it! Tiling makeover complete, congratulations!

Share your progress and end results with us on social media. While you are at it enter our monthly I Chose Beaumonts competition for your chance to win a tile voucher to the value of your tile spend!