Using a grout float is an essential skill for any tile installation or grout repair project. A grout float allows you to spread and work grout neatly and evenly into the joints between tiles for a smooth, professional finish. Learning how to properly use a grout float takes some practice, but following a few simple techniques will help you achieve beautiful results. In this complete guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about how to use a grout float successfully.
What is a Grout Float?
A grout float, also called a grouting trowel, is a tool used to apply and spread grout between tiles. It consists of a flat, rectangular steel or plastic blade attached to a handle. The blade is typically around 4 to 8 inches wide.
Grout floats have a slightly flexible edge that allows them to contour to the tile surface and press grout firmly into joints. The large, flat surface area enables the float to hold more grout and cover more area compared to using just a standard trowel or spatula.
Here are some key benefits of using a grout float:
- Spreads grout quickly and efficiently over large areas
- Pushes grout evenly into joints for consistent coverage
- Creates smooth, flat grout lines without gaps or low spots
- Allows excellent control for detailed grout work around edges and corners
- Easy to clean residual grout off the wide blade
Using the proper grout float helps ensure professional-looking results. Continue reading to learn grout float tips and techniques.
Choosing the Right Grout Float
Grout floats come in a variety of materials, sizes, and edge designs to suit different grouting needs:
- Material – Common options are plastic, rubber, wood, and stainless steel. Plastic is lightweight and affordable but can flex too much. Rubber has more rigidity but wears faster. Wood is rigid but can absorb moisture and stain. Stainless steel is the most durable and provides the best smoothing ability.
- Size – Standard floats are around 6 x 10 inches. Larger 10 x 12 inch floats cover more area quickly. Smaller 3 x 5 inch floats allow better control in tight spaces.
- Edge – A rounded bullnose edge is preferred for smoothest results. Pointed and squared edges can leave lines. A beveled edge scrapes well.
For general use, a 6 to 8 inch stainless steel grout float with a bullnose edge is recommended. Make sure the blade is perfectly flat and smooth.
For big floor tile jobs, a larger 10+ inch float can save time. For wall tile, a smaller rubber or plastic float lets you maneuver in tight areas.
Having multiple sizes and a few spare floats on hand is useful when doing a major tiling project.
Preparing to Grout with a Float
Proper preparation is key to achieving a flawless grouted finish. Follow these important steps before starting to grout:
Gather Supplies
- Grout float(s)
- Grout (powder, premixed, or epoxy)
- Grout sealer
- Sponges (smooth and coarse)
- Buckets for water
- Grout haze remover
- Rags, paper towels
- Kneepads
Arrange Workspace
- Clear the area around the tiles. Cover any furniture or surfaces with plastic.
- Have all supplies within easy reach.
- Bucket of clean water for rinsing float and sponges.
- Kneeling pad to protect knees.
- Adequate lighting to see all tile edges and grout lines.
Prepare Tiles
- Make sure tile edges are clean and free of excess mortar or adhesive.
- Tiles should be firmly adhered and level with adjacent tiles.
- Allow tile adhesive to fully cure before grouting.
Test Fit the Float
- Dry fit the float in the grout joints to ensure it reaches fully to the bottom.
- Angle the float to test access to corners and edges.
- Try different size floats in small or irregular spaces.
How to Hold and Use a Grout Float
Using proper grout float technique will produce a smooth, uniform application of grout:
- Hold float at a 45° angle – This allows you to apply downward pressure to fully pack joints. Keeping the float perfectly flat can leave low spots.
- Maintain consistent angle – Holding the float at the same angle as you push it through the joints ensures even distribution of grout.
- Apply steady, firm pressure – The float should glide smoothly. Too much pressure can pull out grout. Too little leaves gaps or pinholes.
- Work in small sections – Spread grout and tool joints in 3 to 4 foot sections before moving on. This prevents excess drying or skinning of the grout.
- Pull float diagonally – Pass the float diagonally across tiles to rake grout evenly at a consistent depth and prevent pulling grout out of joints.
- Clean float regularly – Rinse and wipe excess grout off the float frequently to prevent buildup. Dried grout clogs the joints.
- Check behind the float – Verify joints are uniformly filled without gaps or uneven spots. Re-float any inconsistencies.
Practice these techniques to develop a smooth, controlled grouting motion. Apply even pressure and consistent angles with the float to achieve professional results.
Grout Float Techniques for Walls vs. Floors
Grouting wall tile requires some different float techniques than grouting floor tile:
For Wall Tile:
- Use a smaller narrow float to maneuver in tight areas.
- Apply grout using vertical strokes from top to bottom.
- Take care around cut-edge tiles and wall boundaries.
- Change hand positions frequently to avoid fatigue.
- Work in small sections so grout remains flexible for filling joints.
For Floor Tile:
- Use a larger float for quicker coverage and wider joints.
- Stroke diagonally across the tiles to evenly rake joints.
- Kneel on a pad and grout from a low angle for best leverage.
- Split floor into workout sections to rest your body position.
- Have helper rinse sponges so you can continuously grout.
Adjusting the size of your float and direction of strokes will accommodate different tile layouts. Take your time on walls to completely pack narrow joints. Use broader strokes on floors to smooth large areas efficiently.
Step-by-Step Floating Grout Process
Follow this full sequence for flawless grout application using a float:
1. Dampen Grout Joints
- Lightly dampen grout joints before applying grout.
- This prevents the tiles from sucking moisture out of the grout too quickly.
- Take care not to over soak the tiles or leave pooling water.
2. Apply Grout
- Use a grout bag or trowel to spread grout over a 3-4 foot section.
- Apply grout using an angled float stroke to fully pack the joints.
- Check behind the float for complete filling with no gaps.
- Add more grout and re-float any low spots for a flush surface.
3. Clean Excess Grout
- Holding the float almost flat, scrape excess grout diagonally off the tile faces.
- Avoid digging out the grout from the joints.
- Rinse and wipe the float frequently while cleaning.
4. Shape and Tool Grout Lines
- Before grout gets too firm, shape joints for a smooth curved appearance.
- Carefully tool grout around corners or narrow edges.
- Use minimum pressure to avoid pulling grout from joints.
5. Smooth and Finish Grout
- Allow grout to firm up slightly, then smooth with light float pressure.
- Check for consistency and fill any remaining pinholes.
- Finish by cleaning residual grout haze from the tiles with a damp sponge.
6. Final Cleaning
- Once grout has fully cured, buff tiles with a soft cloth to remove any remaining haze.
- Apply grout sealer evenly according to manufacturer directions.
- Avoid foot traffic on floor grout for at least 72 hours.
By following this float technique sequence, you can achieve perfectly uniform grout lines for a professional finish.
Cleaning and Caring for Grout Floats
With proper care, a quality grout float should provide years of use on tiling projects:
- Rinse frequently during use to prevent grout buildup.
- Allow to fully dry after use before storing.
- Knock off any dried grout – don’t use hard scrapers that can damage the edge.
- Rub a thin coat of oil on steel floats to prevent rusting.
- Store floats flat or edge up – do not stand on edge.
- Avoid impacts that can bend or warp the blade.
- Replace when blade is no longer perfectly flat.
- Consider disposable plastic or rubber floats for epoxy or colored grouts to prevent staining.
By rinsing regularly and drying thoroughly, your high-quality grout floats will maintain their smooth finish and last through many future jobs. Handle them with care to prevent warping.
Tips for Achieving Professional Grout Lines
Applying grout is an art that takes practice. Follow these pro tips for beautiful, flawless grout lines:
- Maintain a consistent float angle – don’t tilt or rock unevenly.
- Apply firm but not excessive pressure.
- Work in manageable 3 to 4 foot sections.
- Pack joints fully but don’t overfill above tile edges.
- Smooth and shape while grout is still pliable.
- Lightly dampen porous tiles beforehand to slow grout drying.
- Use a grout sealer to minimize staining and improve wipeability.
- Allow proper curing time before cleaning or sealing grout.
- Work carefully around intricate tiles or in tight corners.
- Have helper rinse sponges so you can grout continuously.
Patience and precision with a quality grout float will reward you with perfectly uniform joints that enhance your beautiful tilework.
Troubleshooting Grout Float Problems
Even with proper technique, you may encounter some common grouting difficulties:
Problem: Grout drying too quickly on tiles
Solution: Mist tiles lightly with water before applying grout. Work in smaller sections. Have helper rinse sponges continuously so you don’t stop grouting.
Problem: Low spots or gaps in joints
Solution: Allow grout to set slightly, then re-float problem areas with added grout to pack firmly.
Problem: Crackling or crumbling of grout
Solution: Mix grout to proper consistency – not too thin or too thick. Allow full curing time before exposing grout to traffic.
Problem: Grout floating out of joints
Solution: Hold float at a sharper angle. Apply moderate pressure. Allow grout to firm up slightly before finishing.
Problem: Grout haze won’t clean off tiles
Solution: Wait full curing time. Use grout haze remover product. Scrub with a stiff nylon brush.
Don’t panic if your grouting isn’t perfect at first. With some patience and the right techniques, you can float out any minor grouting imperfections.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do I need to seal grout after floating?
Yes, applying a grout sealer after full curing (around 72 hours) helps protect grout from staining and makes cleaning easier. Use a penetrating sealer suited for your specific grout material.
2. How soon can I grout after laying tiles?
Wait at least 24-48 hours for tile mortar or adhesive to fully cure before grouting tiles. Check that tiles are firmly secured.
3. What is the best grout float material?
Stainless steel is the preferred choice for its rigidity and smoothness. It won’t bend or absorb stains like other materials. Avoid cheap thin floats prone to warping.
4. How do I apply epoxy grout with a float?
Use a disposable grout float or an old one reserved just for epoxy. Apply within 30 minutes before epoxy begins hardening. Use less pressure and angled strokes.
5. Can I use a grout float on floor tile?
Yes, grout floats work extremely well for floor tile. Use a larger float and make broad sweeping diagonal strokes across tiles for smooth efficient grouting.
6. What size grout float should I get?
A 6 x 10 inch is a good standard all-purpose size. Larger 10+ inch for floors, smaller 4 inch for walls. Get different sizes to suit each job.
Conclusion
Learning to use a grout float takes patience but is an essential skill for quality grouting. Follow the techniques in this guide such as consistent float angle, managing grout consistency, working in sections, and proper curing time. Pay attention to details like damping tiles, shaping edges, filling all joints, and sealing finished grout. Set yourself up for success with the right supplies and workspace arrangement. Correct any mistakes like low spots by re-floating before grout fully hardens. With practice and the right float in hand, you can achieve flawlessly smooth grout lines. Your beautiful new tilework will get finished off properly and professionally.