Grout

Tile Expansion Joint

Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Tile Expansion Joint

What is a Tile Expansion Joint? Sub-surfaces move; tile doesn’t.  Under tile you’ve got wood, drywall, cement board, any number of things.  These things can expand and contract and move. Tile is hard and brittle.  Not only that, but tile grout is brittle.  So you need to reconcile movement with inflexibility. A tile expansion joint replaces grout... »

Tile Grout Width

Monday, September 14, 2009
Tile Grout Width

Before we start issuing any grand pronouncements, you have to realize some of the factors that go into deciding tile grout width. And these are your decisions to make; not something that a home remodeling website can make for you. Tile grout can be used as a style and design device, not just as a way... »

Can I Use Thinset as Grout?

Saturday, August 22, 2009
Can I Use Thinset as Grout?

Q: Can I Use Thinset Mortar as Grout? A: Let me answer your question with a question: Why would you want to?  To save money, convenience, or what? I see this question come up every now and then, and I think one motivation on the part of DIY’ers may when they are installing... »

Sealing Tile Grout

Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Sealing Tile Grout

Sealing tile grout is required for most tile projects, but especially for those where grout joints need to be protected from moisture, mildew, or grease.  In some instances, grout will not need to be sealed, so check product instructions before you attempt sealing. Seal the Joints Grout is the glue that holds tiles together. Yet it’s... »

Do I Need to Use a Tile Grout Sealer?

Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Do I Need to Use a Tile Grout Sealer?

Question: Do I Need to Use a Tile Grout Sealer? – Karen A., Connecticut Answer: In general, “Yes, you need to use tile grout sealer.”  But read on… Using a tile grout sealer is advisable. While not all tile joints will need a sealer, it doesn’t hurt to protect your investment. It’s true that epoxy-based grout... »

Grout Haze Cleaning

Monday, August 3, 2009
Grout Haze Cleaning

What is grout haze and why does it need to be cleaned? After you apply grout to your tile with the float, there will be a “haze” on the surface of the tile that must be cleaned off. Why is the grout haze there in the first place? Because of the way grout is applied to tile. ... »

Mapei Grout Color

Monday, August 3, 2009
Mapei Grout Color

Q: What is Mapei Grout Color? Mapei Corporation supplies materials and equipment for the tiling industry. Mapei offers grout products called OptiColor, Ultracolor, and Ultracolor Plus. These grouts and others have certain colors that are found in retail locations (Home Depot, etc.) Q: Does Mapei have grout coloration stains? No. OptiColor itself comes in what Mapei... »