How to Grout Mosaic Table Tops

Grout is a cement-like substance that is used to fill in the spaces (or "cracks") between pieces of tile. It comes in many different colors and is inexpensive to buy. Grouting mosaic tile is a fun project and easy to do if you follow some basic steps.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Clean, empty bucket
• Rubber kitchen spatula
• Sponge
• Bucket filled with water
• Rubber gloves

Grouting the Mosaic Table Top

1. Choose your grout. It is available in a wide variety of colors. You might be trying to match a color that was once there, or you can choose a totally different, but complementary, color. Grout is available at any home improvement store and many paint shops.

2. Put on your rubber gloves to protect your skin.

3. Follow the directions on the package of grout in order to mix up a small quantity of it in the empty bucket. Grout should be mixed to the consistency of a firm oatmeal.

4. Remove some grout from the bucket with the rubber spatula and start pressing it into the spaces between the mosaic tiles, working it all the way down to the surface of the table top. If the table is not too large (3 feet by 3 feet or under), you can grout the entire table at once. If the table is larger than 3 by 3, stop grouting after you have finished a 2-foot-by-2-foot section, then proceed to step #4 below.

5. Dampen the sponge in the second bucket with the water. Then gently run the damp sponge over the surface of the tile you have just grouted. The purpose of this is both to remove any grout that got on the face of the mosaic tile, and also to smooth out the grout lines so there are no indentations or raised bumps. Depending upon how much grout you have to remove, you will probably have to rinse out the sponge several times.

6. Rinse out the sponge in the bucket rather than a sink. Grout that is poured down a drain can coagulate and harden in a sewer pipe and cause plumbing problems.

7. Empty the bucket with the sponged-up grout somewhere outdoors, either in a dirt area or on gravel.

8. If you have any extra mixed grout, place it in a plastic bag to throw out, and then carefully clean out the bucket. Dried grout is very hard to remove.

9. Allow the newly grouted table top to cure for 24 hours before placing anything on top of the tile.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are re-grouting a table and have to remove old grout, you can do so carefully with a rotary tool like a Dremel. Be careful, though, not to chip the tile as you rout out the grout.
• Use a damp sponge to remove excess grout, not a wet one. If you add too much water to the grout, it will get too thin and not hold the tile properly in place.