How to apply grout: A beginner's guide

Do you want to try your hand at tiling, but feel intimidated by grouting? Here are some tips for applying grout like a pro!

You might associate squeegees with window cleaning, but they're great for grouting, too!

If you’ve never grouted tiles, a small piece of natural sponge is the best tool to start with. Once you’ve gained confidence, however, a rubber squeegee does a quicker job, followed by a wipe with the sponge. 

A combined adhesive and grout is much harder to clean off a tiled surface than ordinary grout once it has set. Mix small quantities at a time and clean up as you go. Use a kitchen scouring pad to remove the grout if it’s starting to harden on the face of the tiles. 

Lay the tiles on each side of an internal corner in pairs to achieve an even horizontal joint. In bathrooms, run a bead of waterproof sealant down the corner to waterproof it, and to accommodate any slight movement. 

Coloured plastic trims will protect tiles on external corners from damage and give the edge a neat finish. Use the trims along the edges of tiled door and window openings as well. 

Clean your tiles to repel mould

In rooms with a high moisture level mould thrives, causing brown or black stains on grout that won’t wash off. To keep mould at bay, wipe a fungicidal wash over newly placed tiles in kitchens and bathrooms before grouting between them. Use an epoxy-based waterproof grout on tiled worktops and in bathrooms. It won’t harbour mould and is easier to clean. 

If you’re laying thin tiles and there’s a risk that plastic spacers will show through the grouting, remove them before applying the grout. 

A ball-point pen cap makes an excellent tool for recessing grouting joints. A lollipop stick will also do the trick. Work while the grout is soft, carefully wiping away the surplus with a damp sponge. Don’t be tempted to use your fingertip, though, grout is surprisingly abrasive and will soon rub your skin raw. 

When you are tiling a kitchen worktop, finish the grout so that it is flush with the surface of the tiles. If you recess the joints, as you would on a wall, crumbs and grease will collect in them. 

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