Sanded grout is used for grout lines larger than 1/8” wide. A good rule to follow is the wider the joint, the courser the sand. You will need to use a “wide-joint” mixture that is heavily sanded. Because sand has a significant grit, there is a higher chance of it scratching delicate tiles such as marble or limestone.
Anything under an 1/8'' takes unsanded grout. Anything 1/8'' or bigger, you use sanded grout. If you use unsanded grout in larger joints, the cement in the grout will shrink way too much as the water evaporates out of it, and the joints will end up shrinking and cracking bigtime.
Unsightly Grout Stains and Discoloration:
One of the most noticeable effects of neglected grout sealing is the gradual accumulation of stains and discoloration. Grout is porous by nature, which means it readily absorbs liquids, dirt, and debris.
Joint Width: Sanded grout is ideal for joints wider than 1/8 inch. It provides better durability and prevents cracking in wider joints, which are common in shower installations. Strength: Sanded grout is stronger than unsanded grout, making it more suitable for areas exposed to moisture and movement, like a shower.
Sanded grout is appropriate for floors, ceramic tiles, natural stone tiles, and unpolished porcelain tiles. Use unsanded cement grout for wall tile, tiles that can easily scratched, such as some natural natural stone tiles (like marble), metal tiles, glass tiles, mosaic tiles, and polished porcelain tiles.
Sanded grout is used for grout lines larger than 1/8” wide. A good rule to follow is the wider the joint, the courser the sand. You will need to use a “wide-joint” mixture that is heavily sanded. Because sand has a significant grit, there is a higher chance of it scratching delicate tiles such as marble or limestone.
If you want your bathroom or kitchen backsplash to look its best without constantly needing to be cleaned, you need to consider every minute detail – right down to the grout in between the tiles. Clearly, the best grout for glass tile is epoxy.
Porous grouts attract water, dirt, oils, etc. While the tile industry does not require sealing, it is always recommended, especially in wet or high-traffic areas. Penetrating sealers are the most commonly used and offer high water, chemical and stain resistance.
Epoxy grout: Waterproof, durable, stain- and shrink-resistant. The best grout in shower walls, backsplashes and other surfaces susceptible to moisture or stains. Ideal for use with unglazed and other tiles.
Optimally, no more than 30 minutes should pass for the initial wiping off of excess grout. This process must be performed gently with a wet grout sponge during regrouting. Once the grout application is complete and excess grout removed, there will be a second waiting process.
Whoever installed your floors most likely did not seal the grout because it needs time to harden and cure completely.
The added aggregate material makes sanded grout much more durable than unsanded grout, for one simple reason. Shrinkage. When cement-based, unsanded grout dries, it shrinks – and it can pull away from tiles. Adding sand to the grouting mix ensures that the material doesn't shrink as much.
It should not crumble or powder, which is referred to as punky grout. Generally when grout is soft and weak it is due to adding too much water to the grout when mixing it and/or using too much water during the clean up that results in pulling too much cement out of the grout.
However, a common guideline is to wait approximately 15 to 30 minutes after applying the grout before wiping off the excess. This initial waiting period allows the grout to firm up and achieve a workable consistency.
Due to its porous nature, sanded grout, unless modified, must be sealed to prevent water from infiltrating the back of the tile and ruining the substrate. Seal with a pH-neutral, water-based, penetrating sealer.
Unlike other grout options, epoxy grout does not need to be sealed. Many professionals now opt for epoxy grout over other options because of its unmatched strength and low maintenance.
Epoxy grout is a great choice for showers and moist environments. Epoxy grout is water resistant and made from resins and fillers that help it work like a sealing adhesive.
You can apply new grout right over the top of the old grout. To do this, all you need is a grout removal tool. Use the tool to strike out the old grout, making sure the depth is at least 2mm, which is about the thickness of two dimes stacked one on top of the other.
Porcelain tiles are incredibly strong and resistant to scratches, chips, and wear. This translates to a long-lasting flooring solution. Polished porcelain tiles are impermeable to moisture, making them suitable for kitchens, bathrooms, and other areas exposed to water and spillages.
If grout is not sealed, it can absorb water and become a breeding ground for bacteria. It can become unsightly and ruin the entire design of your space and be hazardous to your health. If you have young children or tiles in an area where you eat, you need to ensure that they are as clean as possible.
It is recommended to wait 3 days before using the shower.
We recommend unsanded grout, as the coarse grains in sanded grout could scratch the surface of your new glass decorative.
Acrylic Grout: Acrylic grout is a great option for wet areas like decks and showers. It's intended to be mildew-resistant and retains its color well. Epoxy Grout: Epoxy grout is less do-it-yourself-friendly than other types. It's a common choice for countertops due to its hardness.
One of the best features of glass tile is its low maintenance quality thanks to its hard and non-absorbent surface that's fully resistant to stain, mold, and bacteria growth.