In addition to adding aesthetic value, grout (also known as nut or grout) helps hold the tile in place and protects it from damage. Making a grout mix is quick and easy, and mix it up a little at a time so the grout can set before the mortar dries. If you are still confused about choosing the right type of grout, take the time to consider the available options, because the wrong choice can cause the grout to fall out, not protect optimally, or change color.
Step
Part 1 of 2: Choosing Nat
Step 1. Use gritty grout for wide lines
The gritty grout has been mixed with fine sand. This will help the grout stick along the joint and not shrink. Choose a gritty grout if you want to fill a gap 3.2 mm or wider.
Sandy grout is not suitable for narrower lines as the sand will take up space and weaken the structure
Step 2. Use non-gritty grout for narrow lines
Non-grit grout is also called wall grout. This type of grout is usually recommended for lines that are less than 3.2 mm wide, but some people prefer to use non-gritty grout for lines that are 1.6 mm or smaller in width. Non-grit grout will shrink significantly as it dries, but if the lines are narrow, the shrinkage won't be noticeable.
This type of grout is also stickier and easier to work with than sandy grout, especially for vertical surfaces
Step 3. Be careful when applying grout to lacquered stone
If you are going to use the grout on lacquered stone, test the gritty grout at a hidden angle and check for any scratching of the grit particles. If the stone is badly scratched, use a non-sand grout. If the grout joint is much wider than 3.2 mm, only use epoxy grout.
A shiny lacquered stone will scratch more easily than a polished stone with a matte (non-glossy) appearance
Step 4. Use epoxy grout for high-risk areas only
Epoxy grout is oil and acid resistant, much better than regular grout, and can replace gritty or non-gritty grout. This type of grout can protect kitchen countertops very well as well as areas that are at high risk of spills. Epoxy grout also dries faster, but is more difficult to apply than other types of grout. In addition, the price of epoxy grout is usually much more expensive.
Epoxy grout can discolor porous, unglazed stones. Coat the stone with sealing material first before applying the epoxy grout
Step 5. Use putty to bond the corner surfaces
Putty is a more flexible material. Choose a putty to fill in the gaps between the wall and the floor or other joints between two different areas.
If you're afraid that the results won't be uniform, you can also buy gritty or non-gritty grout, which are a mixture of the two
Step 6. Choose the appropriate color
The safest choice is a grout whose color is not flashy and matches the color of the material to be combined. However, you can also try using a contrasting grout if you like. White grout will turn a dirty yellow or dull white over time, so choose a light gray or light brown, especially if you live in a humid or wet environment. If you don't plan on sealing the grout, choose a darker grout color.
Black, green, and red grout dust is usually more difficult to remove from surrounding objects
Part 2 of 2: Making Nat Mix
Step 1. Use additives
Polymer grout with added additives can increase the durability of the grout, but read the grout label first, as the grout may already contain additives. If not, you can purchase an additive and follow the instructions on the label when making the grout mixture, replacing some or all of the water as recommended. Otherwise, the process is the same as described below.
Step 2. Follow the instructions on the epoxy grout package
Epoxy grout products usually consist of two or three components, and the proportion of the mixture of these components varies by brand. For a more traditional grout product, follow the steps below, but check the label first, there may be different instructions.
Step 3. Gather the materials
You will need an empty bucket, a container of water, and a sponge. Look for flat-tipped and pointed cement spoons. You can use it to mix the grout as well as apply it. Also prepare a pair of gloves.
Step 4. Add the grout powder
Measure how much grout is needed, pour it into a bucket filled with water.
Step 5. Add of the total required water
Read the grout label to find out how much grout and water are needed for the area to be covered. Pour of the required amount of water into an empty bucket.
If there's a lot of area to cover, stir the grout a little at a time, so the grout in the bucket doesn't dry out before you've finished installing it
Step 6. Stir the grout using a cement spoon
Use a cement spoon to mix the grout powder with the water until it forms a thick paste without dry lumps. Tilt the bucket slightly toward you, stirring in a circular motion from side to side while scraping the dry grout from the rim of the bucket.
If you have a grout drill (mixer) complete with a stirring blade, use it. Set the speed below 150 rpm so that the grout mixture does not weaken due to the formation of excessive air bubbles
Step 7. Drain the water with a sponge
Add water with a sponge, kneading one at a time, stirring with the grout until smooth. The resulting mixture should have the consistency of soft peanut butter and there should be no lumps.
If the grout starts to runny, pour some of the grout powder into the bucket
Step 8. Let the grout sit for 5-10 minutes
Let the grout sit and let the chemical reaction work to strengthen it.
Place the cement spoon on top of newsprint or other mat so it doesn't smudge
Step 9. Stir again and apply
Stir briefly because the grout will freeze slightly when you let it sit. Use immediately, as most grout will dry within 30–60 minutes.
If the grout has hardened, you will need to remove it and make a new one. Adding water to the hardened grout will not be effective
Tips
- Always have a spare grout on hand, in case the mix is too runny and you need to add grout, or in case you have to make a new mix.
- If you want to fill a tight gap with grout, make a softer mix using less grout. For a larger area, make the grout mixture more solid by adding more grout to the mortar.
Warning
- Do not use grout that is starting to dry in a bucket or mixing bowl. Dry grout will not fill gaps well. Discard and make a new mix.
- The consistency of the grout should not be too runny or too thick, because the results will not be good and also not safe. This kind of grout will fall off easily once it dries.
- Don't make too much grout or more than you need for 30 minutes of installation. If the grout mixture is left in the container too long, the grout will harden and become unusable.
