At UK Pro Tiling Training, we train our students to become efficient tilers and credible in the trade. Tilers who have trained with us will know exactly how to grout a floor. Grout—typically either a mixture of sand, water, cement, and color, or an epoxy base mixed with a hardener—is the filler used to seal the spaces between ceramic tiles on floors, counters, walls, or tub surrounds. Grout helps keep tiles in place but is not the same as mortar, the adhesive that actually glues tile to the underlying surface. Grout floats can have enclosed, rounded handles in the center of the float or they may have long, open handles that attach to the center or one side of the grout float and extend out from this point. Both styles are suitable options, though grout floats with open handles are easier to use in tight spaces, while enclosed handles offer improved control.

It is best to choose a grout colour that suits the tiles for the project so that the grout blends into the floor pattern. Don’t overwhelm yourself with grouting the whole floor immediately. Instead, work in small areas at a time and focus on making sure the grout fills the whole area between the tiles. It is best to start in an area furthest from the doorway and make your way out gradually. Choose your appropriate application tools. If applying the sealer to a large tiled floor, and using a product safe for use on tile as well as grout, it’s fastest to apply the sealer with a sponge mop. But for most jobs, you’ll do best with a small paint brush, sponge, or roller. Some products come in applicator bottles with a roller top built right in; this is especially handy for thin grout lines. Aerosol products spray on directly.In our opinion, it is imperative that professional tilers are 100% confident when grouting tiles before agreeing to lay a customer’s floor. A professional colour match finish will make 100% positive difference though! Will you opt for sanded or unsanded grout? Regrouting your tiles is easier than you think! Do-it-yourself with elbow grease and a grout rake, or with one of these off-the-shelf products. 1. Protect the area Tube grout sealers allow for precise control over the sealant as you work without need of a brush or rag. But since tubes usually don't contain a whole lot of product, they are best used for small projects or for touching up damaged spots. If you have grout, it's smart to keep a tube of sealant, like the Miracle Sealants Grout Sealer, on hand for spot repairs when needed. This helps to keep the grout intact over time.

Formulated for both interior and exterior use, you can also use this sealer to protect outdoor tiled surfaces on patios or around swimming pools. Finish by wiping across the tiles in a diagonal direction, rotating the sponge to its clean side after each swipe. Before moving onto a different section, rinse the sponge in water and wring it out until it’s almost dry . Once the grout has been applied to your floor or wall tiles, wait about 20 minutes. Then , wipe the tiles with a damp grout sponge to remove any excess . If you are not just replacing grout, but are laying a new tile surface, heed the advice of Thomas Hawkins, handyman, master electrician, and owner of Electrician Apprentice HQ, who recommends, "For DIY tiling, get a whisk attachment for your corded or cordless drill so you can properly mix your grout and mortar, be sure to seal your tile when your project is complete, and use a mortar that is self-leveling so you're starting off with a completely flat surface before you set the first piece of tile.” The best way to start building your grouting arsenal is with a whole grouting kit that provides everything you need to get going. These kits will often come with an assortment of floats, containers, bags, and pads necessary to contain and spread the grout evenly onto the work surface. The Barwalt Ultra Grouting System takes the top spot since it is a reliable and affordable kit for beginners and advanced users alike. According to the company, this system can cut down your work time by as much as 50 percent; that's a lot of time you could be spending doing something else.

Seal porous tile before grouting

The Aqua Mix Sealer's Choice Gold takes the top spot for its natural looks and extensive protection. This product is a water-based sealer that provides ample protection over the entire surface, including grout and tiles. It also dries with a no-sheen finish for a natural, non-slippery look and feel. For ceramic tiles, this will provide additional protection against staining and wear, and it can be used with stones such as granite, marble, masonry, and limestone. Use this as a pre-grout sealer on your tiles for extra protection in areas such as bathrooms or kitchens. It's available in several different sizes from pints to gallons. Use masking tape and plastic sheeting to protect your surfaces from any accidental spillages or drips. Prepare the tiles by closing the spaces between them , and wipe away any loose debris, dust or adhesive , as it may spoil your finish.

If the sealer leaves any hazy or white splotches on the tile, dampen a clean cloth with a bit of the grout sealer, and wipe the area until the blotch is gone. Now wipe the tile with a clean, dry cloth to remove any lingering residue. Removing old grout means regrouting tiles and this is a messy job. So make sure that you have a dustpan and brush handy at all times. First remove any furniture or obstacles so you have a clear floor space to work in.

Complete your tiling job with our guide to grouting tiles

Start by mixing up your grout. Most come as a powder you mix with water; follow the manufacturer’s directions exactly—don’t add more or less water than called for. Only apply the sealant once the grout has dried, follow the instructions on the grout product you’re using. While applying grout sealer isn’t difficult, it can be a bit tedious if you have a large area to cover. Still, it shouldn’t take more than a couple of hours at most to finish the task. Always read the specific product application directions before applying sealer, but as a general guideline this is how the job is done. Grout sponges are intended for wiping off excess grout, so when it comes to size, choose a big sponge if you need to worry about cleaning up a large tiled area or opt for a small sponge to reach narrow nooks, crannies, and tight corners. Top tip: If you’re grouting porous tile or stone, pre-seal the tile with an appropriate sealant, so the grout will not stain the tile.

If you decide not to add sealant you can use one of the best grout cleaners on the market to restore your grout when needed. How do you remove old grout?

Before you start:

So, how can professional tilers ensure that they apply the grout in the best way possible for a fantastic finish? Of course, you can also use this easy-to-apply, fast-drying grout sealer spray on existing grout. It won't change the appearance or leave haze on the surrounding tile, whether that's natural stone, ceramic or porcelain tile, or masonry. As a bonus, the product sprays on without much over-spray and requires very little cleanup. When spreading the grout into the joins and removing any excess grout from the tiles, make sure you’re holding the grout float at somewhere between 45 to 90 degrees. Keep all your equipment close to the area that you are working on for ease. That way, you’re far less likely to tread grout or grout powder on the newly laid tiles. Work at a 45 to 90 degree angle with the grout float