How to Grout Floor Tile Using Super-Tek Grout
The finishing step to a ceramic tile installation is grouting the tile. While there are many grout products on the market, Super-Tek has been manufacturing specialty grout products since 1978. Its grout products that are suitable for floor tile applications include Versa-Tile Sanded Grout for grout lines greater than 1/8 inch, Dry-Set Unsanded Grout for grout lines smaller than 1/8 inch and Poly-Grout Plus for all applications. Apply Super-Tek grout properly for an attractive and long-lasting finish to your floor tile. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Tile sealer, if necessary
- 5-gallon bucket
- Super-Tek Acrylic Grout Additive, unless using Poly-Grout Plus
- Hand trowel or power drill with paddle mixer attachment
- Rubber grout float
- Sponge
- Terrycloth rags
Instructions
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Allow the ceramic tile adhesive to dry before grouting. Most ceramic tile adhesives require at least 24 to 48 hours to cure.
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2
Seal porous tile, such as terracotta, with a tile sealer to prevent grout stains and excess water absorption during the grout application. Follow the tile sealer directions and allow the product to dry completely.
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Pour the recommended amount of water into a 5-gallon bucket. Use the proportions recommended on the grout bag. If you are using Versa-Tile Sanded Grout or Dry-Set Unsanded grout, use Super-Tek Acrylic Grout Additive in place of water to avoid the need to damp-cure the grout and to make cleanup easier.
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Pour the grout slowly into the liquid while mixing with a hand trowel or using a power drill with a paddle mixer attachment. Mix the grout and additive until it is has a thick, paste-like consistency.
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Allow the mixed grout to slake, or rest, for 10 minutes. Stir the grout again until it is thoroughly mixed.
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Use a rubber grout float to scoop up some of the grout. Apply the grout to the grout lines, using slight pressure to push the material into the lines, working in the direction of the lines. Remove excess grout by running the grout float at an angle to the grout lines. Grout a 4-foot-square section at a time, or only as large a section as you can complete in 20 minutes.
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Wait until the grout has firmed to begin removing excess grout from the ceramic tile surface. It can take 20 to 30 minutes for the grout to firm, depending on the temperature and humidity. Remove the grout from the surface of the tiles with a damp sponge, wiping the surfaces lightly and rinsing the sponge often.
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Continue applying the Super-Tek grout to the floor in sections until the grouting is complete.
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Let the grout dry for one to two hours, depending on temperature and humidity, until a dry grout haze appears on the tile surface. Use a terrycloth rag to buff off the haze.
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Buff the surface of all of the tiles with a clean terrycloth rag to finish cleaning and shining the tile.
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References
- Photo Credit Tiled floor image by Simon Amberly from Fotolia.com
