How to Grout Mosaic Projects

Grouting a mosaic project is the final step in creating mosaics. If you try to see the tile pieces as the "positive" layer of your project, you'll see that the grout lines form the "negative" layer to create a complete and unique picture.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 2 buckets
• Grout sponge
• Grout float
• Lots of newspaper

1. Mix up a small amount of grout, enough for a trivet or a tray, by placing 3 inches of grout powder in a 2.5 gallon bucket. Add water little by little and stir with a large paint stick. Adjust grout powder and water and stir until the mixture resembles the proper peanut butter consistency. A good way to test it is to scoop a blob of the mixed grout onto a stick and turn it over; if it drips off, add a little powder; if it crumbles, add a little water. When the grout sticks right onto the stick, you're ready to grout!

2. Get the workspace ready, preferably outside. If inside, line the workspace and the floor underneath you with newspaper to facilitate easy clean-up. Set out the project, grout float, a grout sponge and a bucket filled halfway with water. Put on some thin disposable latex gloves.

3. Check the dried mosaic project for any loose tiles. If you find one, simply scrape of the glue from both sides and re-glue.

4. Scoop some grout using the float or a gloved hand onto the center of the project. Raise one side of the float to create an angle that allows you to pull the float gently over the tiles, shoving the grout in between the spaces. Pull the float toward yourself and repeat until all the spaces (joints) are filled with grout, including any exposed edges. As you go, scrape off the excess grout from the tiles using your float the same way. Floats are only used on projects with flat, even tile surfaces. If yours is bumpy or curved with plates and objects, use your gloved hand as a float!

5. View the finished grout from all angles before you decide you are done. Then, let the grout set for about 5 minutes. Check for readiness by rubbing one clean palm across the top of your project. If grout smears, it is not ready. If the grout powders or sands up, then it is set and ready to sponge off.

6. Sponge the project to smooth out the grout and clean off any excess. Dip the sponge in water, squeeze thoroughly and pass firmly over one portion of the project, only once. Turn the sponge over to a clean side and wipe another portion of the project. Repeat, always using a clean side of the sponge, until you have wiped the entire project once. All that is left should be a little grout color haze on the project. Let dry 5 more minutes.

7. Enjoy the best part. Wipe off the haze using a clean, dry, soft cloth to reveal the true beauty and shine of the mosaic.

Tips & Warnings

• When sponging grout, less is more. You just want to pass over the project once. Any more than that can begin pulling grout out of the joints and wetting the project too much.
• When cleaning up, always save a golf-ball sized lump of wet grout at the side, just in case something unexpected happens to the finished grout. This way, you can fix it easily using your finger to repair the damaged or missing grout.
• Always keep picture books of mosaic projects handy for reference and inspiration. You can find different ones from your local library or purchase your own collection of used books inexpensively from Amazon.
• The first time you use the float and grout, you will feel clumsy and not know how to work it. This is normal, so keep experimenting with your float angle until you see the grout going into the joints, leaving hardly any the excess. Always use a pulling motion, never pushing, to use the float properly.
• Sometimes the final grout needs to dry for an hour or more between grouting, sponging and the final wipe-off. Always use the "readiness" test to check. The variable factors are the type of tiles used, the grout moisture and humidity in the air.
• Always cover your clothing and wear old shoes, because grout stains and can be very messy to work with.

[mozzart]

on 9/1/2009 What is the "readiness" test?