Planning a DIY job for your new floor tiles? With the help of our resident DIY expert, Craig Phillips, we’re here to guide you on how to grout and seal floor tiles, to ensure the best results!
You will need:
- Grout
- Cold, clean water
- Bowl
- Grout trowel
- Sponge
- Sealer
- Brush/ roller
1- Preparing your Tiles
Before you start grouting your tiles, you may need to seal them. If you’re unsure of whether your tiles need sealing before grouting, get in touch with our friendly team, and they’ll be happy to advise. To do this, use an appropriate sealant, we always recommend the LTP Porcelain Tile Protector, and apply a thin layer using either a brush, roller or a cloth. After around 30 minutes, apply a second layer and allow to dry for about an hour.
2- Grouting
Mix together clean, cold water with your grout powder by hand, or with a low speed mixer if the manufacturer advises to do so. Always wear a protective face mask when mixing powder products. Let your mix stand for 2-3 minutes, and then stir again until a smooth paste. Only mix together enough grout for 20-30 minutes of work, as it will dry out and change texture in that time.
Use your grout trowel to pick up some product and begin pushing it into the gaps between your tiles. Go over each gap a couple of times to ensure there’s a good amount of grout in the them, and aim to remove any excess product as you go along, to make your clean up process easier.
3- Clean Off Excess Grout
Working in medium sized sections, use a sponge and clean water to gently wipe away any excess grout, wiping in circular motions to ensure you don’t pick up any of the grout you’ve pressed into the joints. Repeat this process 2-3 times, or until your tiles are clean.
4- Sealing your Finished Floor
Your floor tiles will need sealing once they’ve been grouted, to ensure they are protected and have a higher chance of looking fresh for longer. Using the same sealer as before, we recommend the LTP Porcelain Tile Protector, brush the solution over your tiles in a thin layer. Allow 30 minutes to dry and apply a second layer, allowing 1 hour before walking on your tiles. This will seal both your tiles and your fresh grout.
There you have it, our guide on how to grout and seal floor tiles. Tag us in pictures of your new floors on Instagram, @Tilemountainuk, we love seeing your DIY jobs!
