Ceramic tile is an excellent material for bathrooms. It has a lot of operational advantages that are in demand in such rooms. But no less important is the grout for tiles in the bathroom. Not only the appearance of the room, but also the durability of the repair performed depends on its proper selection and use.
Tile grouting in the bathroom is not only for aesthetic purposes. Although this is an important factor. This operation also carries with it functional responsibilities. In general, grouting is necessary to protect the coating from various kinds of contaminants. And in the bathroom, high humidity is also added to the usual dirt, which can lead to mold and mildew.
Types of grout
Epoxy grout for tiles in the bathroom . This variety belongs to the category of expensive. So a 5-pound package, on average, costs about 3,500 rubles. But at the same time, it is characterized by a high service life. It consists of epoxy resins, hardener and various additives, allowing you to get a seam of gold, silver, metal, bronze or pearl color. Of the disadvantages, only one can be distinguished - this is a strong viscosity. For this reason, working with it is quite complicated. It belongs to the category of professional building mixtures. A great skill is required from the performer for its application. Also, to perform the work you will need a special tool and electronic scales. If they are not, then the result can be sad.
Cement grout for tiles in the bathroom. Working with it is much easier than with the previously considered. It is easy to process and does not dry out for a long time. In addition to the cement base, it contains special ingredients that provide additional performance indicators, including moisture resistance. To prevent mold or mildew from forming in the bathroom, the dry mix should be diluted with latex plasticizer and not with water. Only in this case can a high-quality tile grout suitable for rooms with high humidity be obtained. Its price is about 1200 rubles per 5 kg package. But it can be higher and lower, depending on the manufacturer and the additives included in the composition. After application, it should be coated with a special moisture-resistant impregnation. This will significantly increase its operational properties.
How to use
- Grout is usually sold as a dry mortar. Therefore, the first thing to do is to dilute it with a liquid so that it acquires a plastic state. The required proportions are usually written on the packaging.
- The finished solution should be laid out on a grout with a slide using a metal trowel.
- Then you need to apply the solution to the tile with a grater at an angle of 30 degrees.
- Next, walk a few times with a grater on the surface of the tile with an effort to rub the solution into the cracks.
- The last step is to clean the treated surface. Until the grout has dried, all excess will be removed with a grater. After it has completely dried, do a wet cleaning. That's how easy it is to grout the tiles in the bathroom.