Finishing Floor Grout Video
VIDEO SUMMARY
In this video, how to finish the floor grout and cleaning up the grout on the tile. In the last video, there was some grout let on the tile. If you don’t clean off the grout residue on the tile, it could be your worst nightmare.
The grout has been down about 45 minutes and the grout film is still soft enough that it has not bonded with the ceramic tile. To finish the job, it has to be wiped down one more time. The grout joints, at this time, are pretty firm, but the grout could still be marked or dented.
With a large sponge that has been wetted, but with most of the water squeezed out of it, lightly pull the sponge across the tiles. Make several light passes if needed to remove all the haze. Be sure to rinse the sponge after each pass. It must be kept clean or it will just move the grout around and not pick it up.
Inspect the tiles, particularly at the edges to be sure all grout has been removed. Gently rinse and wipe until all signs of the grout haze have been removed. You can flip the sponge over to use both sides to rinse.
Don’t rub the sponge in a circular motion. Use long, light, straight strokes, flipping the sponge over about half way. If any grout is left, use an old terry-cloth towel and gently buff the ceramic tile. The grout film will be gone and your grouting project is finished.
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COMMENTS
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Ken 29 Oct 2009, 12:50
This brief video is excellent. I have recently had a "professional" do my
tile. After he finished he covered it with cardboard to protect the tile
from the cabinet installers. After a couple of weeks we took the cardboard
off to find that there was a thin film of grout that had dried all over the
tile. He claims no responsibility and says that it is a flaw with the
porcelain tiles. The manufacturer of the tiles says it is the tile man's
fault. Is there any way to get this grout off my new tiles without
destroying my tiles and new cabinets that are sitting on the tiles? Please
help! Thank you!!!
Martha 09 Nov 2009, 17:54
Enjoyed your how-to-grout floor tile video.
One question: how come you don't seal the grout? Especially in kitchens where you get splatters, sealing the grout would seem a no brainer to help keep it from staining. Also, the color of the grout is important to minimize stains. In our New Mexico home we have saltillo tile (reddish/orange) and have black grout which the builder recommended cuz light colored grout shows stains. A neighbor with light colored grout (sand) complains bitterly about her new tile and stained grout. It's these types of user-experience tips that would be useful for DIYers who don't know what questions to ask before making choices as in what grout color to use.
Chris O 21 Jan 2010, 20:58
I just had tile laid in my kitchen.
Can you post a video or some tips on picking the right sealer and using it properly? Thanks. Chris From Texas
John Smith 02 Mar 2010, 00:37
@Ken, lowes, home depote ect should sell an acid solution, its weak but
still wear gloves, for a thin layer of grout film I recommend this, if it
is thick then nothing more then trying to remove it by taping it with a
putty knife. Always keep baking soda near, incase you get the acid solution
used in trade for cleaning tile on your hands, the baking soda should clean
it up since it is a base.
@Martha, lol I have been in this trade for 9 years and your comment reminds me why I only work commercial, just saying, you sound like a know it all. LoL you are right though, tell your neighbor a professional can remove the grout without damaging the tile and replace the grout and seal in a small time frame. @chris if you are unsure please have a pro do it otherwise check out google lol becareful. AND STAY AWAY FROM EPOXY GROUT it is great as far as perfect for kitchen etc hard to stain water proof etc. BUT ID THICK AND HARD TO WORK WITH if an amatuer, anyways going to sleep 19 hours will do it lol, see ya good luck
Aaron C 24 Mar 2010, 16:09
Tim,
Thank you for providing such straightforward tiling videos! I just finished my second tiling project (first was travertine, second was ceramic) and your videos helped make the job fun (after all, who doesn't have fun looking at a job well done)! The direction to sponge a second, separate, time prevented another "grout film from hades" episode. Thanks again!
Robert De Mong 12 Apr 2010, 16:26
Thanks for the help on ceramic floors. I sure appreciate your knowledge and
helpfulness. I was missing a couple important concepts.
Thanks again, Robert
shyla 25 Apr 2010, 13:48
I have been following your vidios as I redo my 25 yr old bathroom. I had to
lay the hardiback board and I will finish setting my tiles tomarrow. Your
grouting video makes me confident that the final step will go smoothly
although no fast. I'm glad I watched so I know how much care to take. I'd
rather be slow and right than fast and unhappy with the results
Keith 22 May 2010, 13:46
The last step (before sealing) should be emphasized. Buffing the tile with
a soft cloth or towel is not something you may need. It should be listed as
a “must do” step in the grout process. If the tile is buffed later in
the day or the next day, the film will come off easily. Cement cures to
full strength in about 7 days. After that, it will be a big job to get the
film off. As noted by the person who left the tile covered with cardboard
for several weeks before buffing the tile.
Jorge 18 Sep 2010, 18:01
In your video you stated it could be a nightmare if we didnt clean the haze
off of the tile, well I didnt clean the haze off the tile and its been over
16 hrs. What is the best way to get the grout haze off of the travertine?
Help!
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