How to Apply Tile Grout—Tips from a Master Tile Setter

RON HAZELTON:
Here’s my friend Arman Tavy with another Tip for Tiling.
[MUSIC]
ARMAN TAVY:
Hi.  I’m Arman Tavy and here’s how to apply tile grout.

RON HAZELTON:
After the grout is totally mixed, apply a generous amount to the tile surface and use a foam tile float to distribute it.  Now the idea here is to completely fill the tile joints all the way to the bottom by pressing firmly. 

Once the joints are filled, hold the float at a steep angle and begin removing excess grout from the face of the tile.  Always move in a diagonal direction.  If you don’t, you run the risk of scooping out grout from the joints you just filled. 

Dip a cellulose grout sponge in water and wring out most but not all of the water.  Then wash the face of the tiles, being careful not to pull grout out of the joints.

Cutting the sponge in half on a tile saw creates a nice square edge that’s ideal for getting into corners. 

For a final rinsing, dip the sponge in clean water and wring it out thoroughly.  Then tip the sponge up so that only the leading edge is touching the tile.  Move diagonally across the surface with straight overlapping strokes.  Every couple of strokes, flip the sponge around and use one of the remaining clean edges.

Good grout makes for a great tile job.