There are several factors that determine how much the tile grout dries in the bathroom. This is the amount of work, application technology, type of material, composition quality, humidity and room temperature.
There are several types of grouting mixtures that are most often used - this is epoxy and cement grout. They are different, each of them has its own characteristics, application methods and drying time.
It is worthwhile to consider in more detail how much the grout for the tile dries in order to prevent mistakes and marriage in the work.
How long does it take to dry the grout?
It takes about a week to completely dry the grout. But you can start cleaning the room in a few days.
Sometimes it seems that the mixture dries instantly, but it is only superficial. Watering the plane with water will be possible in a day. The grout finally dries on the third day, but it is possible to fully use the room, continue repairs, install and engage in good wet cleaning only after 6-7 days.
After this time, when the mixture has completely dried, it is simply necessary to do a full cleaning. To clean the plane from excessive grouting.
When can I start cleaning?
In order to complete the work, it is necessary to clean, to clean the surface of the tile from excess material. This can only be done after the solution has completely dried.
Wet cleaning is carried out after 2 days, full - after 7 days. Understand when joints can be wetted and use a detergent, you can visually. It is necessary to see how much the mass has become lighter, but not in the seam area, but the one that remained after grouting. When the color has already begun to change, harden, you can start cleaning.
What affects the drying time of the joints
To know how much the grout for a tile dries, you need to understand what it affects. For the prevention of various kinds of damage to finished joints, it is important to follow some recommendations for surface preparation, application of the composition and final processing.
Before you start using grout, you should check the seams. They must be clean and dry. Otherwise, the mixture will lose its properties, respectively, the quality will be different.
Grout specifics and drying time
Let's consider how to put and how much the grout for a tile dries. It is important to never depart from the rules that instructions on mixing components give.
- Cooking the mixture. A large amount of water or poor mixing can affect how long the tile grout dries.
- Aging. After the mixture is prepared, before you start the process, you need to withstand it. It is very important.
- Grouting. Before applying, check the joints again and make sure they are dry and clean. And only after that can the grouting process begin.
- Cleaning of excess mixture. The very first cleaning is carried out immediately after application by the dry method, using a silicone agent for 10 minutes, since after drying it will be difficult to remove. If the grout is cement, then the excess is removed within 30 minutes. For cleaning, you can use a damp sponge for dishes.
- Final processing. Final drying takes place in a week. If the grout is latex or acrylic, then after 10 days, and the grout of silicone requires drying for 20 days.
After drying, new joints can be treated with a compound to improve performance. After that detergents can be used for 3 days.
Types of grouts that are used when applying to tile seams
How much the grout dries for the tile is affected by its variety. Currently, many new species are appearing more and more often, and each time the quality of their characteristics is improving.
It is worth considering the main types of grouts, which are considered the most popular.
Cement
Cement grout is made of sand and Portland cement. This is a modern type of grout, most often used when applying. Includes modifying components. It is made by many famous manufacturers. How long does grout tile dry? Under normal conditions, it will take 10-12 days.
Latex
Latex grout is a universal option. It is great for bathrooms and baths, as it has the ability to quickly repel moisture.
Epoxy
Epoxy grout is considered to be very strong and stable. It is more often used in manufacturing enterprises. The work has certain difficulties. Has a high price. How long does an epoxy grout dry for a tile? Under normal conditions, 100% quality is acquired after 20 days.
Furan
Furan grout is also used in large industries. It has such a feature as resistance to strong chemicals, so it is not suitable for home use.
Dry cement mix
The most suitable and excellent option for construction work in your homes and apartments is the use of dry cement mixture. It is easy to use and of excellent quality. It mixes with water, mixes well with a special tool or a simple spatula, and everything is ready to go.
The application time and the formation of the correct and beautiful seam will depend on how much the grout for the tile dries on the floor or wall. It should be neat and not go on tiles from the edges. If the type of cut of the tile allows, it is better to make the seam completely filled, so that the surface is smooth.
Grouting methods and tools
- Grater. This application is perfect if the amount of work is large. The finished mixture on the diagonal of the seam is applied and distributed over the entire surface with a grater. The mass will evenly come out over the tile, and the seams will be filled with grout. You need to take into processing not very large areas. To keep fit during drying and preprocessing.
- Putty knife. The grout mixture is taken on a spatula and pressed into the tile seam. It is necessary to apply force, otherwise the mixture may be unevenly positioned. This option is suitable for epoxy and cement grouts.
- Cone - it is filled with grout in the required amount, it is better a little more than required for grouting, since the excess can then be removed. The cone application option is suitable for surfaces that are difficult to clean after grouting.
- Syringe gun. Such a gun is more often used when working with grout in outdoor conditions. Great for large and porous surfaces. A syringe perfectly fills all the voids, and the seam is very neat and quite attractive.
30 minutes after the application of the grout is over, you can wet the seams of tiles or tiles. Since everything inside is still viscous, you need to carefully remove the unnecessary mixture without undue effort. After stripping, grind and smooth the seams with a damp sponge.