Introduction
Grouting is an important process in tile installation that helps fill the joints between tiles and secure them in place. Using a grout float (also called a grout trowel) can help ensure proper grout coverage and smooth, consistent grout lines. Learning how to use a grout float correctly is key for achieving professional-looking grouted tile results.
In this comprehensive guide, we will cover everything you need to know about how to use a float for grouting tiles. We’ll discuss grout float basics, prep work before grouting, using the right techniques to apply grout with a float, cleaning and finishing grout lines, and tips for avoiding common grouting mistakes. With the right skills and tools, you can grout your tiles smoothly and efficiently. Let’s get started!
What is a Grout Float?
A grout float, also referred to as a grout trowel, is a tool specially designed for applying grout between tiles. It has a flat, rectangular steel or plastic blade with a handle. Grout floats come in different sizes, but a typical one is around 8″ long by 5″ wide.
The large, flat surface area of the float allows you to spread grout across wide joints and tile surfaces efficiently. The edges are tapered so you can work grout into corners and tight spaces between tiles. Using a float helps ensure you fully pack joints with grout and achieve a consistent depth of grout across all tile.
Grout floats have some key advantages over using just your fingers or a sponge to grout:
- Allowsapplication of even pressure across entire tile surface.
- Quicklyfills joints and packs in grout thoroughly.
- Smoothsover tool marks and reduces uneven grout lines.
- Tapered edges reach into inside corners.
- Easy tocontrol depth and consistency of grout.
Choosing the right size grout float is important. You want one large enough to cover adequate area but still comfortable for your particular tiling project.
Before You Start Grouting
To achieve good results grouting with a float, there are some important preparatory steps:
Clean the Tile Surface
Ensure tile faces are clean and free of any water, grease, dust or debris left over from installation. Any contamination on the tile can get worked into the grout and leave discoloration or weak spots. Wipe tiles down with a damp sponge.
Allow Thinset Mortar to Cure
Let the thinset mortar dry completely (usually 24-48 hours) before applying grout. Grouting over unset mortar can cause problems like cracking or loss of adhesion. Verify mortar is cured by checking directions and testing hardness.
Mix the Grout
Prepare grout mix according to package directions. Let it slake (sit) for 5-10 minutes then lightly re-mix before grouting. Properly mixed grout should have a smooth, toothpaste-like consistency.
Pre-Seal Porous Tiles
For porous, natural stone tiles that can absorb pigment, apply a grout release or sealer 1-2 days before grouting. This prevents staining.
Work in Small Sections
Don’t try to grout a large area all at once. Divide the job into 3-4 ft sections to control working time before grout dries. Have all materials and tools ready beforehand.
Proper prep work makes the actual grouting task much easier and produces better finished results. Planning and patience are key!
How to Apply Grout with a Float
Once prep work is complete, it’s time to learn how to use the grout float properly to apply grout. Follow these key techniques:
Hold the Float at a 45-Degree Angle
Hold the float at approximately a 45-degree angle to the tile surface. This allows you to apply even, consistent pressure as you spread the grout diagonally across the joints.
Apply Grout Forcefully
Spread grout using firm, even pressure. Unlike frosting a cake, you are not looking to delicately spread a thin layer. Push the grout firmly into the joints to displace air pockets and get good adhesion.
Work Grout Into Joints
In addition to spreading grout across the surface, work it deeply into the joints using a back-and-forth motion. Slide the leading edge of the float diagonal into the joints at a 45° angle, then flatten down to fill.
Check Joints for Voids
Occasionally lift the float to check for unfilled spots. Re-apply grout to fill any voids. Eliminating air pockets ensures proper curing.
Smooth Joints
Once grout is packed tightly into joints, smooth them with light pressure using the flat bottom of the float. Remove any excess grout on tile faces with the edge as you go.
Grout Until Uniform
Continually grout and smooth until you achieve a uniform depth of grout across all joints, typically 1/8” for floor tiles. The grout will level slightly as it dries.
Clean Up Excess Grout
Carefully scrape any heavy buildup of excess grout off the tile surface using the float edge while grout is still fresh. Avoid scratching the tile.
Grouting with consistent technique provides even, smooth grout lines. It just takes patience and practice with the float to cover large areas. Be sure to periodically rinse and re-wet your float when reloading grout to keep it clean.
Cleaning and Tooling Grout Joints
After the initial grouting application, there are some finishing steps to refine the joints:
Smooth Joints
Once grout firms up slightly (30-60 mins), go back and gently re-smooth any uneven areas using the flat bottom edge of the float.
Shape Joints
For a neat finish, use the narrow edge of the float to shape the grout just inside the tile edges. Carefully drag the edge diagonally at a 90° angle inward along each side of the joints.
Dampen Grout Lines
Use a damp (not overly wet) small foam or grout sponge to lightly moisten grout lines. This smoothes them and prepares grout for final cleaning.
Clean Tile Faces
Wipe diagonal across tiles with a damp sponge to remove any grout haze or excess from tile faces. Rinse sponge frequently.
Avoid Deep Cleaning
Don’t aggressively wash tiles or joints at this point. Let grout cure 24-48 hours before deep cleaning. Just light moistening for smoothing.
Proper joint shaping and gentle cleaning gives joints a uniform, professional finish. Be patient – allow grout to firm up partially before finishing so you don’t pull it out of joints.
Tips for Avoiding Grout Problems
When learning how to grout tile with a float, keep these tips in mind to prevent common grouting problems:
- Don’t mix too much grout at once. Grout drying on your float can ruin it.
- Apply grout in thin layers, packing it in vs. glopping it on thick.
- Keep edges of float clean to avoid dragging cured grout into fresh grout.
- Change cleaning water frequently to prevent depositing grout back on tiles.
- Don’t overwork grout once it starts firming up or you can pull it out of joints.
- When smoothing with a sponge, use light pressure with a damp (not sopping wet) sponge.
- Don’t wet grout again once it fully dries or you can break the bond and seal.
- If finishing a wall, start grouting at the top and work down to avoid dripping grout.
- For wider joints, fill about halfway, let dry slightly, then fill remainder to reduce cracking.
- To prevent hazing on polished stone, coat tiles with grout release before grouting.
Avoiding rookie grouting mistakes takes patience and care. Working in small sections and cleaning tools frequently makes application easier.
If you do end up with minor cracks or uneven grout, you can smooth them out once the grout has cured using a grout saw blade or sharp utility knife. For more significant problems, you may have to cut out the grout and re-grout the section.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions about using floats for grouting tile:
How long should I wait before grouting my tiles?
Wait 24-48 hours after installing tiles to allow thinset mortar to cure fully. Grouting over unset mortar can lead to problems.
How do I get into corners and tight spaces?
Use the tapered edges of the grout float to work grout into inside corners and smaller joints. You can also smooth these areas with a grout finger sponge.
Do I need to seal my grout?
Sealing is recommended for cement-based grout to prevent staining, especially on floors. Wait a full 72 hours after grouting to seal so it does not seal in moisture.
Why are my grout lines cracking?
Cracking can be caused by not packing grout tightly into joints, adding too much water to grout, grouting over uncured thinset, or improper tile prep.
Should I wet my float while grouting?
Yes, wipe and rinse your float regularly while grouting. This keeps it clean and prevents dragging partially cured grout into fresh grout.
How soon can I clean tile after grouting?
Avoid heavy cleaning for 24-48 hours while grout fully cures. After that, you can deep clean using a pH neutral tile cleaner.
What’s the whitish haze on my tiles after grouting?
Grout haze is a common issue, especially on porous or textured tiles. Use a grout haze remover or mild acid cleaner to safely remove it without damaging the grout. Test first.
How do I apply grout on vertical surfaces like walls?
On walls, start grouting from the top and work down to avoid grout dripping. Also spread grout in thinner layers and take smaller sections to control curing time.
With the right techniques and tools like a high-quality grout float, grouting tile does not have to be difficult or frustrating. Just remember to properly prepare tiles beforehand, work in manageable sections, and avoid overworking the grout. With a bit of practice, you can achieve smooth, professional-looking grouted tile results.
Conclusion
Learning how to properly use a grout float takes practice but is a valuable tiling skill. The right techniques allow you to fully pack tile joints, achieve smooth even grout lines, and create quality grouted finishes. Prepping tiles beforehand, working in sections, and cleaning as you go will set you up for success. Avoiding common grouting mistakes also helps prevent having to redo your hard work.
With this guide’s tips on grout float basics, grouting techniques, finishing grout properly, and solving problems, you now have all the essentials of how to use a float for grouting. Don’t be intimidated to tackle grouting your next tile project. Just arm yourself with the right tools, patience, and skills – your tiles will have smooth, clean grout lines completed professionally in no time. Happy grouting!