April 03, 2019, 07:51 PM
sjtillAny tile guys? Need help with backsplash and especially grout
I’m tiling a small kitchen backsplash, 4.5 sq ft, using glass subway tiles, 1/8 inch thick, 2 x 6 inches. I have my tools, have practiced using the Custom adhesive mat, and have cut the tiles for the outlet and switch.
I don’t expect trouble with the tiling part, but finding a grout has been a hair-puller: partly because my wife is extreeeeemely picky on color (read: indecisive), partly because I’d like to find a container of pre-mixed polymer unsanded grout at a local big box or tile store.
HD has Polyblend but not in color desired; Lowes has Mapei Keracolor which seems fine except would require mixing, which is a pain for this small amount of grout. Arizona Tile has Laticrete, but don’t know if they have the premixed version.
I’ve read epoxy grout is a pain to work with, and it seems plain grout dries out unless kept wetted. We won’t be around while it dries.
Any recommendations? Thanks!
April 03, 2019, 09:47 PM
mark60Don't be afraid of epoxy grout, it's not nearly as bad as you might have read. I've used epoxy on floors and walls and haven't had any problems with it.
April 03, 2019, 10:17 PM
comet24Grout isn't hard to mix. For such a small area just mix a little in a mud pan.
Epoxy isn't bad but isn't as easy as other grout. Mostly it's harder to wipe clean and you have to do smaller area and clean up before it drys. For such a small area I wouldn't be too worried.
April 04, 2019, 07:09 AM
architectAnyone care to speak to their experience of using a
mud pan, i.e. a stainless-steel drywall taping pan, for mixing and installing grout? I see comet posted whle I was composing my question, so somebody has done it at least.
April 04, 2019, 07:27 AM
WoodmanYou could sacrifice a dozen tiles glued onto a board, grout that, and lean it in position for a few weeks ...
I mix grout and cement in old tupperware or 1 gallon buckets. By hand wearing nitrile gloves. Use it all the time around the perimeter of toilet bowls and pipe penetrations, especially on commercial applications.
April 04, 2019, 09:53 AM
ridewvSuggest that she go a little darker than she actually wants because in my experience grout ends up being lighter than the sample, probably due to some of the colorants being diluted out during cleaning and sponging. Premixed grout might have a little less of a tendency to do this? Also any edge where tile is cut to, such as the counter top, should be caulked not filled with grout so if you have such a place pick up a tube of color matching caulk.
April 04, 2019, 10:15 AM
08 CayenneI always use Laticrete Spectralock.