How to Regrout Saltillo
Saltillo tile is a traditional terracotta-based Mexican tile that is a common floor installed in Spanish and Southwestern-style homes. Saltillo tile is typically set with a wider grout joint than more conventional ceramic and stone floor tile. Over time, the weight of foot traffic or slight flexing in the sub-floor will cause the grout to break or come loose. The procedure for regrouting Saltillo tiles is an easy repair to complete and will restore the floor's appearance and seal. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Broom
- Vacuum
- Ice pick or gouge (optional)
- Plastic bucket
- Sponge
- Sponge trowel
- Grout mix
- Clean rag
- Grout sealer
Instructions
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1
Clean the grout joints between the Saltillo tiles. Use a small, stiff-bristled hand broom or household vacuum to remove any broken or loose pieces of tile grout. An icepick or gouge can also be used to free the broken grout pieces from the joints.
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2
Prepare an appropriate amount of grout mix according to the manufacturer's recommendations for the joint area being regrouted.
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3
Spread the grout mixture onto the tile's surface over the grout joint. Pack the grout into the joints between the Saltillo tiles using a sponge trowel. Work the grout mix into the joint until filled to the tile surface, and then collect the excess grout and return it to the mix.
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4
Continue filling the grout joints, as needed, following Step 3. Keep the grout leveled with the edges of the tiles on both sides of the joint and smooth the grout surface using a damp sponge as you work along. Keep a small bucket of clean water nearby to rinse the sponge, as needed.
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5
Allow the grout to cure overnight. Wipe the haze from the dried grout from the tile's surfaces using a clean rag.
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6
Apply three to four coats of a water-based grout sealer to the regrouted joints to fully saturate the surfaces. Allow the grout sealer to dry thoroughly before exposing the floor to moisture.
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Tips & Warnings
Use a moistened sponge to wet the grout joints prior to installing the fresh grout. Saltillo tile has porous edges and tends to draw the moisture out of the grout fast. Wetting the grout joints will help offset this tendency and allow the grout to cure more slowly.
