Grouting Glass Tile: Tips and Mistakes to Avoid

A completed glass tile job can provide an elegant and beautiful look for your home. However, the job will not be completed until it is grouted. Grouting glass tile is a skill that can be done by anyone with a little bit of knowledge. If you need to grout glass tile, here are a few tips and mistakes to avoid during the process.

Tips

• Take your time: Many of the mistakes that occur while grouting glass tile come from rushing through the process too fast. While you do have to do the work before the grout dries out, you have plenty of time to do the work without rushing. Be deliberate with your motions and make sure that you distribute the grout evenly throughout the project. 
• Use the proper motion: When installing grout in your tile job, you should use the proper motion to make sure that the grout goes in all the joints evenly. Start out by swiping the grout across the tiles in a 45 degree angle. Finish up with a back and forth motion. This will ensure that all of the grout gets to where it needs to go. 
• Use a sponge: Once you get the grout spread onto the tile, you need to wipe everything down with a sponge. A sponge will help you remove excess grout on the top of the glass tiles. In addition to that, it will help you even out the grout in the joints. This will give the grout a smooth, finished appearance as well. 

Mistakes to Avoid

• Haze problems: Many times, after grouting glass tile, you will notice a haze that starts to develop on top of the tile. When this happens, you need to wipe them down with a soft cloth. This will help remove the haze and give the glass tile a much cleaner look. 
• Using too early: After you grout the tile, you should avoid walking on it or using it until the grout is completely dry. You will want to allow two to three days for the grout to cure fully. If you walk on the grout too early, you could risk removing it in small pieces. If you have to walk on the tile during that time period, consider covering the tile with a sheet of plywood. This will give you a hard surface to walk on and protect the grout underneath.
• Using the wrong grout: Whenever you grout glass tile, you should be sure to follow the manufacturer's recommendations. Some of them recommend using sanded grout, while others use unsanded grout. If you're installing a glass mosaic tile with very small grout lines, it is typically best to use an unsanded grout. This provides a smoother grout that fits in the small joints much easier than sanded grout could. 
• Not sealing the grout: Once you're done grouting and the tile is dry, you should seal the grout in order to keep it clean. Sealing the grout will help prevent dirt from getting in the joints and keep it from staining.