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Grouting Ceramic Tile BacksplashBox Extenders - Tile Layout - Grouting Tile
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Sanded grout is stronger and shrinks less than non-sanded grout. Joints larger than 1/8" need the extra strength provided by sanded grout. I had 1/8" grout lines but chose to use sanded grout anyway. The main reason was that I wanted to use the same color grout I had used on the floor which has wider joints. The local hardware store has more colors available in sanded grout than in non-sanded grout. The only disadvantage I read is that it may be a bit harder to get the sanded grout in the small joints. Sanded grout can also scratch tile, with the type of tile I used this was not a concern. |
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Grout is very porous so do yourself a favor and seal it after it dries. I used SurfaceGuard Penetrating Sealer which contains Teflon and is guaranteed to protect surfaces for 20 years or more. That means I don't have to do this again until I am 69 years old. (what a horrid thought) Actually if I am still alive at 69 I probably won't be able to see well enough to notice the stains. |
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You do not want to put grout in areas where 2 different surfaces meet. The reason for this is that your house settles and moves, as this happens you could get cracks in your grout. Where your tile meets your cabinets or countertop you can use tile caulk. It is available in many different colors, but unfortunately not the color I wanted. Don't freak if you can't get the color you want, just get a color that looks nice. The grout color I used on my floor and backsplash was New Taupe which is similar to the color of dirt. (won't show stains) Since my mardi gras tile is multi color, I used gray tile caulk where the tile meets the cabinets. I wasn't too sure how this color was going to look when I bought it but I am happy with the outcome. You really don't see up under your cabinets too much, I can see mine only when sitting in the dining room. |
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Uh-oh, what happened to my beautiful tile? Not to worry, if you tile is sealed this mess comes off very easily. The first thing you need to decide is if you want to use sanded or non-sanded grout. 
You want to mix your grout with water till it is the consistency of peanut butter. A mixer tool attached to your drill will make this very easy. You will need a grout float to apply the grout, some large sponges and lots and lots of water. I used 2 - 5 gallon buckets of water. The first bucket will turn the color of the grout after the first wipe. Keep wiping and rinsing your sponge, when it looks like you are getting close switch to the clean bucket of water. When you think you are done, use a clean sponge and clean water to wipe it one more time.
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