How to Grout

Step 1 – Ensure your grout lines are clean

• When tiling a wall or floor, make sure your grout lines are clean and free from any excess tile adhesive as this can affect the final appearance of the grout.

• Clean any excess dust or contamination off the tile surface and grout lines using a damp sponge and detergent where required.

• All grout lines should be clean, dry and free from loose debris.

Step 2 – Make sure your adhesive has fully dried

• Check the adhesive manufacturers instructions on set-time. Typically, ready-mixed adhesive take 24 hours to set, rapid-setting adhesives such as ARDEX X 77 S or ARDEX X 7 R S1 anything from 1.5-6 hours, and standard sets such as ARDEX X 77 or ARDEX X 7 from 16 hours plus. 

• Remember set-times will vary depending on environmental conditions i.e. adhesives will set slower in colder temperatures and quicker in hotter conditions.

Step 3 – Remove all spacers

• Remove any spacers which are still embedded in your adhesive.

Step 4 – Grouting porous tiles in hotter temperatures

• If grouting porous tiles in temperatures above 25°C, slightly dampen joints with clean water prior to grouting with an ARDEX cement-based wall and floor tile grout such as ARDEX FLEX-FS or ARDEX FLEX-FL.

Step 5 – Mixing

• Using a mixing bucket, slowly add the powder to clean cold water at a ratio as per the bag instructions.

• Mix using a bucket trowel or electric drill mixer at a slow speed (under 300rpm) until lump-free mortar is achieved. 

• Allow the mixed grout to stand for 2-3 minutes before remixing for 30 seconds. Avoid entraining air by mixing at a too high a speed or by over mixing.

Step 5 – Check potential staining and damage risks

• Apply grout to a few tiles in a small trial area. If discolouration occurs, or difficulties are encountered with cleaning off (surplus grout), apply a protective sealer. For glass, some natural stone, profile trims, absorbent textured or soft ceramic tiles which may be vulnerable to surface scratching, test in a small inconspicuous area to ensure compatibility, or consult the tile manufacturer/ distributor for further advice. See also BS 5385: Part 1 for further information.

Step 6 – Applying the grout

• Work in small areas with a grout float or squeegee. Completely fill the tile joint with mixed ARDEX FLEX-FL or FLEX-FS grout and compact well, removing any excess grout from the tile surface as work proceeds.

• Allow the grout to dry until it is touch dry (not fully set/cured).

• Using a dampened sponge or sponge board, clean surface diagonally to the grout lines. Rinse out the sponge/sponge board frequently with clean water – do not over wash.

• Do not allow water to enter un-grouted joints.

Step 7 – Final clean down

• Clean any remaining light haze from the surface the next day using water and an emulsifying pad.

• When the grout has sufficiently set in the joints, polish the tile surface with a clean, dry cloth.

• Wait until the grout has set before subjecting tiles to normal service conditions.

• If grouting a shower, do not use the shower for at least 2 weeks as per British Standards.