Don’t use sanded grout on joints that are narrower than 1⁄8 inch (3. 2 mm), since the sand may take up too much of the width and weaken the overall structure. Avoid using sanded grout on polished marble or other easily scratched surfaces, as the sand may scratch or damage these surfaces. You can buy sanded grout at any home improvement store. A 25 pounds (11 kg) bag of grout compound will be enough to grout around 200 square feet (19 m2) of tile space.

Unsanded grout may also be packaged as “non-sanded grout” or “wall grout. ” A 25 pounds (11 kg) bag of grout compound should be enough to grout around 200 square feet (19 m2) of tiles. Unsanded grout is available for purchase at almost any home improvement store.

Because of the difficulty involved in applying epoxy grout, it may be better to hire a professional to do it for you. Note that epoxy grout is also significantly more expensive than other forms of grout. Most home improvement stores will carry epoxy grout.

The manufacturer’s instructions should tell you how to determine when your grout is at the right consistency. However, usually it is at the correct consistency when you can roughly form it into a ball. After you mix the grout, let it sit for a few minutes. Then give it some quick whips with your mixing tool, and it is ready to be used. [5] X Expert Source Ryaan TuttleHome Improvement Specialist Expert Interview. 13 January 2021. There are also many additives you can mix into your grout. These can help combat staining, prolong the life of the grout, or have other helpful benefits. Talk with your local hardware store about what is available to you.

A grout float is a flat, handled tool used to apply grout. You can find a grout float at any hardware store. This technique also prevents any grout from spilling onto the floor when you go to take some out of the bucket.

Repeat this process to fill in all of the grouts you intend to fill on your wall. Just don’t allow too much time to pass before you do some cleanup work. Do not apply grout to any expansion joints. These are the gaps at the edge of a floor or wall, and especially at spots exposed to water, such as the edge of a bathtub. It’s important to start by grouting your wall tiles instead of your floor tiles, since you’d have to walk on top of your newly grouted floor tiles in order to reach the wall.

Read the instructions on the package for drying times, since some grouts may need more or less time. [11] X Expert Source Kevin TurnerCommercial Handyman Expert Interview. 15 July 2020. Wipe in a circular motion to most effectively clean the tiles.

It’s fine to use the same sponge that you used in the previous step, so long as it’s been thoroughly cleaned first.

You can also use a cotton towel, but microfiber towels work best for quickly and cleanly removing the haze from the wall.

A sealable plastic bag is a great container for storing leftover grout. Grout, especially epoxy grout, dries incredibly quickly, so put your leftover grout in an airtight container as soon as you know that you won’t be using it on your walls or floors. Your unused grout should last for about a year, so long as it’s stored properly.

Expansion joints and inside corners that are grouted tend to crack over time, which is why it’s better to use caulk in these gaps. Grout usually takes 24-48 hours to cure, although this may vary based on the specific kind and brand of grout that you use. There’s no harm in allowing your grout to cure for even longer than the recommended time, as long as you don’t run water over the tiles or apply too much force to them.

To stay safe, re-apply sealant to your grout about every 6 months.