How to Pick Mosaic Grout Color

Use tiles, instead of bright grout, to add color to your project.

Hundreds, or even thousands, of small empty spaces are created in a mosaic tile design, and grout is the literal and proverbial glue that closes the gaps and connects all the separate pieces into one cohesive design. It is important to choose the right color of grout, because different colors create different effects on your mosaic. Grout can be removed if you realize you've made a mistake, but it is a time-consuming process and difficult to avoid damaging tiles.

Things You'll Need

• Construction paper

Instructions

1. Collect several tile pieces that represent the main colors in your mosaic.

2. Place the tiles against sheets of construction paper in basic colors. Include neutral shades like white, light brown and gray, colorful shades of red, green and blue and dramatic colors such as black and purple.

3. Stand back from the samples when you look at them, at approximately the same distance you would normally observe the mosaic.

4. Select the color you believe has the best effect on your tile. Remember, you are only choosing a general color, not the exact shade.

5. Take the tiles and the sheet of construction paper with you to purchase grout. Place the tiles against the grout samples that fall within your color range and choose the shade that most enhances your mosaic design.

Tips & Warnings

• If you don't have construction paper in a range of colors, fill in a large color block on white paper with crayons or craft paint.

• Keep in mind that dark or bright grout colors set against neutral tiles will draw the eye to the grout lines and detract from the tiles. Grout colors that closely match the main tile colors will "disappear" and blend into the mosaic design. Mosaics with strong geometrical patterns may benefit from a grout color that contrasts with the main tile color -- strengthening the lines and angles of the pattern.

• Never dispose of unused grout by pouring it down the sink. Grout is basically cement and will clog the pipes. Instead, collect the grout and throw it in the trash can or dilute it with water before it dries and pour it into a compost heap.

References

• Mosaic Art Supply: Mosaic Grout
• Ask a Floor Guy: Strategies for Choosing Grout Colors

Resources

• Hometime: Grouting Tile