How do I Use a Float for Pressing the Grout in Tile?
Grout, a soft mortar mixture that hardens when exposed to air, prevents movement and secures tiles in place. Use a tool called a grout "float" to press the mixture between tiles and to remove tiny air bubbles from the mortar mixture. Contractors call this compacting or "pressing" the grout. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Scoop up grout with a trowel and transfer it to the surface of the tiles. When tiling vertical surfaces, use the trowel to place the grout on the surface of your float, then press the float against the tiles and move it from right to left, or left to right, in an arcing motion so the grout transfers to the tiles.
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Slant the surface of the float to 45 degrees. Sweep the float, in this position, over the surface of the tiles. Work the grout into crevices with semicircular strokes. Use a jiggling motion while keeping pressure applied to the float.
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Apply additional grout if needed and use the float to make repeated sweeps over the tile. Fill all the spaces to ensure a good bond.
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Provide a minimum of 30 minutes for the grout to dry. Tile installers refer to this period as letting the grout "set." Grout that hasn't dried long enough may adhere to a sponge during the cleaning up process.
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Use the edge of the float to scrape dried particles from the surface of the tiles. Wipe grout-haze off the tiled surface with a damp sponge and use it to clean the float of any remnants of grout.
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Tips & Warnings
Wipe the face of the grout float with a damp sponge frequently. This will help prevent the buildup of excess grout and ensure smooth spreading.
Check to make sure the spaces between the tiles are clean before you begin to grout. Dust or debris may prevent the grout from adhering to the tiles.
References
- Photo Credit Tiled floor image by Simon Amberly from Fotolia.com
