Tiles are widely used in interior design. The variety of colors, textures and sizes allows the customer to choose the appropriate option for his sophisticated style. After laying porcelain stoneware or tiles, it is very important to correctly form the joints between the tiles. Tile grout is an important finishing element. An important role is played not only by its color and combination with the main tone of the room, but also by the structure of the composition.
Manufacturers
Construction stores offer a large selection of grout mixtures from different manufacturers. To be confident in the quality and durability of products, it is better to give preference to well-known brands:
- Ceresit;
- Mapei;
- Rights;
- Plutonite;
- Blow;
- Isomat;
- Guardians;
- Weber Pulleys;
- White Hills;
- Gloss.
Before purchasing, it is very important to read the instructions on the back of the package. Depending on the place where the material is used, the grout mixture can be frost-resistant, water-resistant, and does not fade under the influence of ultraviolet rays. Some types are intended only for tiles with a glossy finish (if the joints of tiles with a porous matte surface are rubbed, the appearance will be ruined – the coloring pigment will stain the porcelain stoneware).
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Varieties
There are several types of grout compounds:
Cement.
Produced on the basis of Portland cement. Fugue is used for small seams from 3 to 5 mm. If there is a mineral component among the additives in the mixture, then the grout is used for wider joints. The main advantages are the low cost of building materials, long working time with the diluted composition, durability, and strength. A significant disadvantage is that when used in a room with high humidity (bathroom, sauna, bathhouse, balcony), over time the seams become covered with stone deposits, fungi, and mold;
Latex.
Designed for seams up to 3 cm or more. Master tilers combine this type with other types of mortars to create an exclusive look for the room. Latex increases elasticity and resistance to cracking, so appply it in areas of wide joints. Premium price category. During the work process, care is require, as traces are difficult to remove;
Epoxy.
A two-component base (resin, hardener) is use in places with high humidity – swimming pools, showers. It is highly resistant to changes in ambient temperature (from -15 to +100 degrees Celsius). The elastic epoxy layer prevents cracking of the seam. A wide range of colors is available. Epoxy will not fade and has a long service life. Removed excess composition before the resin hardens. Allows filling of both small and large seams. The high cost is justified by the quality of the final result;
Furanic.
There are two types: with latex and Portland cement additive to increase strength. Use only in well-ventilated areas (not glazed balcony or loggia, veranda). Moisture-proof, water-resistant, non-fading material allows rubbing in open areas of the street. Available only in black;
Polyurethane.
Used for joints no more than 6 mm. Fugue is sold ready-made (does not require dilution). Eliminates cracking, is moisture resistant, excess is easily wiped off the surface. After filling, you will need to wait a long time for drying. Does not tolerate cleaning with chemicals that contain chlorine.
For a kitchen apron, finishing a toilet, bathroom or decorative panel in dry rooms, a cement-containing mixture is the best option. Available in small packages of 1 – 2 kg in dry form. When purchasing, you should pay attention to the expiration date. High-quality material is soft to the touch. Some mixtures leave a coloring pigment in the pores of the tile, which is difficult to remove. On the back of the package, the manufacturer prescribes for which surface a specific type of mixture is suitable (glossy or matte). To avoid damage to the tiles, you must carefully study the dilution and application instructions.
If you plan to decorate in an area with high humidity (shower corner, swimming pool), then carried out the joint filling with polyurethane or epoxy grout. For heated floors, outdoors, and garages, latex, polyurethane or furan fugue is suitable to prevent cracking and fading.
To choose the best grouting service in Melbourne, consider good customer reviews, a strong track record, and competitive pricing. Check resources like online reviews, industry certifications, and compare quotes from multiple companies.
Color selection
It is important to choose the right grout color that will fit into the main palette of the entire room. Two methods guide design decisions. The first is matching the tone of the tile joints to the tone of the tile, the second is contrast to highlight each fragment.
There are certain rules that you should follow when choosing a color:
- light shades visually enlarge the room and the design as a whole;
- dark colors will emphasize the texture and highlight each element separately;
- when making seams for single-color tiles, select the composition to match the color of the decorative
- fragments (if any), or two tones higher (lower) from the main color scheme;
- for a multi-colored panel, a chameleon fugue is good;
- rubbed down the floor covering with dark compounds, as white ones quickly become gray and dirty;
- to give greater expressiveness, a contrasting shade is suitable;
- metallized will emphasize individual style.
To create an interesting and noble decor, use golden, silver, and mother-of-pearl grout. Some compounds glow in the dark.
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Method of grouting seams
The final result largely depends on the quality of filling the suture space. Master finishers, even at the stage of laying tiles, try to leave the seams as clean as possible, in order to avoid difficulties in cleaning them after the glue has hardened. In case of cement residues, removed the excess by using a thin knitting needle or a screwdriver. The process requires jewelry so as not to chip off the decorative layer. Washed off fine dust and dirt with a paint brush. After complete dust removal, moistened the resulting furrows with water. To simplify the work, allow spraying the surface with a garden sprayer.
The next step is to dilute the grout mixture strictly according to the instructions. Dilute cement compositions in accordance with 1 kg per 300 ml. The finished grout should have the consistency of thick sour cream.
Carry out filling the seams with a special rubber spatula. Press the composition into the furrow without gaps. Hardening time is from 30 to 60 minutes. Then washed off the excess with a soft sponge in a circular motion, preventing leaching. After 24 hours of completion of work, the cement material must moistened to gain strength.
