How to Mix Ceramic Tile Grout
Grout is essentially cement that's formulated to sit in the spaces between ceramic tiles, bridging the gap and provide strength and moisture protection. There are two basic types: grout with sand in it (this is what you'll use for ceramic and most other tiles) and ``unsanded'' grout (for marble and other natural stone). You buy grout in powder form and mix it with water. It can be finicky stuff. Don't use a power mixer, as it can inject troublesome bubbles in the mix. Make sure to let it ``slake'' in the bucket before use. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Sanded grout in powder form
- 2-gallon bucket
- 4-inch putty knife
- Grout float (flat rubber trowel)
- Sponge
Instructions
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Put about an inch of water in the bottom of your bucket. Pour in your powdered grout until it completely covers the water.
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Begin stirring with your four-inch putty knife. Use the flat side of the knife to scrape the bottom and sides of the bucket repeatedly, making sure there are no dried clumps of grout stuck there.
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Add water and grout powder alternately as you're stirring, until you have about gallon of grout (meaning your two-gallon bucket is half full). Adjust powder and water amounts so the grout becomes the thickness of cake frosting, or toothpaste.
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Let the grout ``slake'' in the bucket for 10 minutes. This allows the chemicals in the grout to meld with one another. Don't stir or otherwise disturb the mix during this time.
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After slaking, re-mix the grout with your putty knife. Scoop it out of the bucket with your grout float and apply it directly to the area to be tiled. When grouting, run one flat edge of the float across the surface, holding it at an angle to squeeze the excess of the tops of the tiles while forcing it into the spaces between them. Let the grout sit in the lines for a minute, then wipe it all down with a damp sponge.
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Tips & Warnings
Wear a particle mask when mixing your grout.
