Is it possible not to grout the tiles after installation? Well, the answer is yes, but you should not try it. You see, not grouting your tiles at home in Singapore would only cause you tons of problems later on. One, for example, is that dust, debris, and even dead cells could go through in between tiles no matter how tight the tiles installation looks. Also, there is a chance that the tiles would move. Since it often brushes against one another, some floorings might chip, and that could cause you to have an injury. Which, let us be frank, it is not ideal not to grout any tiles. That is why grouting is a crucial thing to do right after any tiles installation.

If this is your first time grouting your flooring, you probably have no idea of what you should do. Let alone what mistakes you should not commit. So, here are some common mistakes that most DIY-ers do when grouting their tiles at home. You might think the following would be impossible to happen to you, but you may also experience the same thing since no one knows what the future beholds.

Common Mistakes You Might Commit When Grouting Your Tiles

It does not matter if you are a pro at fixing things yourself. As you already know, mistakes are bound to happen once in a while. It could occur to you when you aregroutingyour tiles at home. Of course, you prefer not to let that happen since mistakes could cause you so much time and money. So, make sure to keep these common mistakes in mind. Therefore, it is necessary to find out what mistakes you should avoid.

Grouting Unevenly

When grouting your tiles, try to spread the mixture evenly with your grout float. Make sure it does not form a shape like a valley. Otherwise, your flooring would look messy and unappealing. In any case, you accidentally apply it that way, make sure to even it out. Once done, wipe all the excess in one direction. 

Wiping the Tiles Before the Grout Sets

If you believe in timing is everything, then you must learn how to wait. Whengrouting your flooring, you need to wait until the mixture sets before cleaning off the tiles. Or else what you work hard for would result in gouges. To know how long you need to wait, check the instructions listed on the products.

Not Mixing the Mixture Well

Naturally, not stirring the mixture well would only result in disaster. Your flooring would look botched. As a result, you have to do it again, and you might need to get new grouting products. So, better mix it well until there are no lumps.

See, there are not a lot of things you need to avoid. So, it is safe to say that it would be easy for you to remember not to commit these common mistakes when grouting your tiles at home in Singapore. 

Steps on How You Should Grout Your Tiles Properly

To further prevent you from committing any mistakes, it would be a good idea that you know how to grout your tiles by yourself. That way, you could do it yourself without you calling a grout contractor in Singapore. Of course, that could save you a lot of money not hiring anyone. So, make sure to keep your eyes peeled and follow each step below. It will help you achieve quality and good-looking grout.

Step 1: Clean the Joints of Each Tile

To clean off the old grout between tiles, you must use a utility knife. Make sure to scrape it off carefully and vacuum the grime properly. So that dirt would not get it the way when you apply the epoxy grout in between the tiles. 

Step 2: Stir the Materials Until There Are No Lumps

Before pouring all the grouting products inside the bucket, wear a pair of rubber gloves first. That way, the mixture would not get into your hands. After that, make sure to mix everything with a margin trowel until there are no more lumps of powder. Also, make the mixture as thick as your favourite peanut butter. That level of consistency is necessary so it would stick through the joints of each tile.

Step 3: Scoop Enough Mixture onto the Float

Well, before you do that, you have to use the blue tape first. Apply it onto the inside corners of the area where you are grouting. Once done, that is the only time you would use your grout float. You would need it to scoop and apply the mixture evenly to the joints of each tile. Additionally, when getting the batter, doing it upward like when you stir it earlier. That way, nothing will go to waste. 

Step 4: Spread the Mixture Across the Tiles

After applying a bit of grouting, diagonally smear it across the tiles. Make sure you use a bit of force. It helps the mixture seep through the joints of each tile. Just make sure your grout float would not suck out what you had spread earlier. For vertical areas, grout the tiles upward. So, it would not fall off the floor and get messy. In case the batter falls off the flooring, make sure to scoop it back and pour it into the bucket.

Step 5: Remove the Excess Grouting Mixture

Once done, it is now time to remove the excess grouting mixture. Use your groat float and wipe the residue off in a snake-like motion. Do it from this bottom to the top, but make sure you would not be digging into the grout lines. Remember, your goal for this step is to remove the excess as much as possible.

On the other hand, for the excess mixture, make sure to pour it in a ziplock. That way, you can still use it some next time in other areas of your home. 

Step 6: Sponge the Surface

After removing the excess, it is now time to clean the surface, but not to the point you would be wetting the tiles. Just make sure the sponge is a bit damp before sweeping it diagonally across the tiles. However, you are only allowed to do this after the grout sets for twenty to thirty minutes. So, set your timer so you would not forget to sponge the surface.

Step 7: Even the Grouts With a Sponge

As soon as you finish step 6, get another sponge. You would need it to smoothen the grout lines of each tile. However, try not to use too much pressure on your index finger when holding the sponge. 

Step 8: Wipe Off the Haze

Before you do this step, you have to wait another half an hour or until it forms some haze. This haze is grout stains left when you sponge the surface earlier. It usually happens that way so try not to worry too much. Besides, you can wipe it off using a microfibre cloth to make the surface cleaner. 

Step 9: Use Caulk to Grout Inside Corners

Once everything is clean, it is now time to remove the blue tape you applied onto the inside corners earlier. After that, use caulk to apply some grout in that area. Make sure to apply it in one direction so it would look smooth. 

If keeping these nine steps in mind is too much for you, that is okay. You do not necessarily need to memorise it. You could bookmark this article to your browser so you could read it from time to time. For sure, after reading it a couple of times, you would be able to recall each step by the time you start applying gum grout to your marble flooring. 

Things You Need Once You Start Grouting Your Tiles at Home

Now that you know the steps on how to grout your tiles at home, it is now time for you to prepare the things you need. Like most DIY projects, you must get the tools and materials lined up before you start anything. That way, you could grout your flooring without a hassle, and it would go through smoothly as you planned. So make sure to prepare the following things below. 

Required Tools for this DIY Project

Rubber Gloves

You would need this pair of rubber gloves so there will be no grouting mixture that could get into your hands. Make sure it fits perfectly up until the middle part of your forearm. Also, before wearing it, trim your fingernails first. So it would not get ripped apart. 

Margin Trowel

This tool is something you use to mix all the grouting products. You could also use it to measure how much of each product you need to pour or add. 

Grout Float

On the other hand, this tool looks similar to a margin trowel. However, it has a flat surface that serves as an applicator. That way, you would be able to apply the mixture as evenly as possible. 

Blue Tape

You would need this to cover the inside corners of the area you are grouting. You would only need to remove this after you completed the rest of the tiles.

Microfibre Cloth

As mentioned above, you would wipe off the haze. The excess residue of the grouting mixture you applied between your tiles. 

Bucket

It is a pail where you mix all of the grouting ingredients. Make sure the one you will use is not too big. That way, there will be less to no excess mixture left behind. 

Large Zip Lock

You would only need this when you made too much grouting mixture. So make sure it is big enough to store the excess batter you have. That way, you can use it some other time. 

Tiling Sponge

You would need this to even out the grout between the tiles. 

Utility Knife

Use to scrape off the old grout between tiles. Make sure to do it carefully so you would not get injured. 

Right Grouting Mixture for Your Tiles

Cement Grout

This grouting product in Singapore is something you often use indoors, outdoors, dry and wet areas. Not only is it easy to apply, but it sets faster. However, installers say its curing takes a bit longer.

Epoxy Grout

On the other hand,epoxy grout in Singapore shares many benefits with acrylic grout. Not only it has residents to chemicals, but it can also resist moulds and mildew. That is why this product is suitable for high foot traffic areas. 

Single Component Grout

Lastly, this grouting product shares a bit of similarity between the first two items. That means it has resistance against chemicals, mould, and mildew. Also, its maintenance cost is cheaper than cement grout.

It might look a lot, but some of the items above are something you could get around your home. As for the other things, you could get them from a grout contractor in Singapore. For sure, their bits of advice would help you determine which tools and materials suit your grouting DIY project. So, try not to be shy and consider asking them rather than guessing where you could get quality tools and materials.

Can’t Grout Tiles by Yourself? Reach Out to a Grout Contractor Instead!

It is okay if you can’t grout your tiles right now. That is a natural thing to happen if you have not done it before. So, take it easy and give yourself some time to breathe. Instead of mulling over, you should consider hiring a grout contractor in Singapore. That way, you could observe and learn first hand about what you need to do and avoid when applying gum grout to your marble flooring. Besides, would it not be nice to see how professionals do it? If you think so, too, you can ask Grout Pro Tech how they grout tiles their way. Here, dial this number + 65 6683 1169 and let them know when you are ready to grout your tiles at home. 

If you find this article helpful, consider sharing it on your social media. It might also help your friends know what they need to do when they start grouting their tiles in Singapore.