Grout for tiles in the bathroom - which is better: selection rules
The tile quite deservedly is considered as the most popular finishing material for bathrooms. In this case, the moisture resistance of the resulting coating plays a decisive role, which cannot be said about the seams between the coating elements - these are the most vulnerable areas of the finish. Grouting the seams with special means will help to rectify the situation.
Grout for tiles in the bathroom performs two functions:
- protective. It prevents the penetration of moisture into the tile seams of contaminants;
- aesthetic, significantly improving the appearance of the tiled floor, up to creating a unique finish.
Types of grouts
The modern market is distinguished by a wide variety of materials intended for processing seams. They differ in their composition, which determines their features and cost.
For self-processing, especially if you want to save on building materials, you can recommend an inexpensive cement-based mixture. As for professionals, they prefer to work with more expensive and efficient -.
In any case, the following characteristics will be decisive when choosing a composition:
- indicators of moisture resistance;
- strength;
- shrinkage after setting;
- water absorption level;
- degree of adhesion to the base.
Cement grout for tiles in the bathroom
This is perhaps the most popular type of material of this type. At its affordable cost, it provides very good results. In its composition, in addition to the basic component - Portland cement, there are various additives that improve the technical and operational characteristics. For example, fluidity increases, setting time decreases, and more. This is an excellent option for processing tile joints with a width of not more than 5 mm. When sealing a larger space, it is recommended to use a cement-sand mixture.
When using a matte product, the coating does not change outwardly, but glossy makes the floor brighter.
The grout composition is diluted by adding a latex plasticizer. The resulting water-repellent mixture creates a strong barrier against the penetration of various microorganisms, mold spores and fungi into the grout. In addition, the introduction of latex helps to increase the adhesion of the mass and the glass or ceramic base. To improve the protective characteristics of the grout, a special moisture-resistant impregnation is applied to it.
Epoxy grout tiles in the bathroom
It is not in vain that grout of this type is considered the most reliable option for protecting against mold formation, because it contains a dye and a hardener. After applying the mixture, the gaps are sealed, stop responding to the aggressive effects of moisture and active chemicals. Manufacturers often include special additives with different effects in the grout, for example, silvering or gilding, giving a metallic sheen or pearlescent hue.
The epoxy resin in the mixture makes it quite viscous, so working with it is a rather difficult task. The mixture is applied using special equipment, similar in principle to a confectionery syringe. Working with an epoxy mixture has many nuances and requires a certain professionalism.
Particles of the mixture are difficult to clean from the ceramic surface. In such cases, as a rule, resort to the help of special cleaners.
Furan
At home, such a composition is used extremely rarely. Given the non-standard color of the mixture, almost black, only really creative people can dare to do this. The furan composition mainly seals tile joints in industrial premises.
Colored and transparent mixtures
Today, more and more grout for tiling is becoming an element of decor. A colored seam, unlike white, makes the interior more attractive, sometimes even unique. The modern market offers many different color solutions for grout mixtures. Moreover, in specialized stores they will prepare grouting material of the shade you need.
However, if you still have not orientated with the choice, then in this case there is an almost ideal solution - a transparent mixture. The basic component of these compositions is glass. It is this that provides the special effect of these seams - “brilliant”.
How to choose the color of the composition
- Darker or significantly lighter than the base coat material will help to highlight each of its individual elements.
- To get a visually solid coating will help the choice of material that matches the shade of the tile. This option can also be recommended for cases where it is required to level some masonry defects, for example, different widths of the inter-tile space.
- White is easily soiled, so it is rarely used today.
- It is recommended to cover mosaic tiles with a transparent material, especially in the case of glass, smalt or other similar mosaics.
- In the assortment of the modern market, you can also find original materials, for example, mother-of-pearl or with a glow effect and others.
Do not rush to purchase the selected composition. Test first, as many of them change color after drying: apply a small amount on the tile and wait a bit.
Work technology
Surface preparation
The processing of the old coating begins with the cleaning of the inter-tile space.
- The processing of the seams is started after the complete setting of the tile adhesive, at least two days after laying the coating.
- All unnecessary things are removed from the inter-tile spaces: debris, crosses used during installation, etc.
When removing old cement grout, proceed as follows:
- It is moistened with a special composition with an acid base - having reacted, it softens the grout.
- The latter is removed with an expander.
- Wait until the composition is completely softened so that it is easy and simple to work with it, otherwise the tile may be damaged. If necessary, the washing composition is applied several times.
- Finally, the surface of the coating is washed with water and detergents and dried thoroughly.
Cooking
Typically, the material is sold as a dry mix and is prepared immediately prior to application. The cooking process itself is quite simple and is detailed in the attached instructions.
