Tile grouting mortar composition. Do-it-yourself grouting tiles in the bathroom: the secrets of professional builders. How to make tile grout

The final step in laying tiles is grouting. In this article we will talk about how to make a grout, what role it plays and what is needed for this job.

Why grout is needed

The joints between tiles are the space at the joints of different fragments. Their width can be different from 2 to 5 mm. The width of the seam is determined from the width of the tile, the larger it is, the wider the seam.

The resulting space is filled with a special grout. There are several reasons for this:

Through these seams the wall will breathe.
It improves the adhesion of tiles.
Protects the layer of tile adhesive from the negative effects of moisture.
Due to dampness, the likelihood of dampness and the appearance of mold is excluded.
Performs a decorative role. You can choose a grout of different colors, for example, to match the lining or as a contrast.

The quality of the composition affects the final result.

Choice of grout

When choosing, the following factors must be taken into account:

Color. The chosen color affects the final result, whether it will be beautiful or not. You can highlight individual elements or focus on a specific pattern, the grout can be contrasting. If you want to create a monolithic picture, the color of the grout should match the tile. There are no restrictions in this matter, it all depends on personal preference and vision of the final result.

Properties and composition. This is another important point to which attention is drawn. The composition may contain various components, for example, epoxy, Portland cement, alabaster, gypsum, and so on. The composition depends on the purpose of the grout.

If grouting tiles is carried out in a very damp room, then the grout should be water-repellent. If we are talking about floor cladding, then the mixture must be resistant to abrasion and have the appropriate components in its composition.

Appointment. Be sure to make an individual choice for floor and wall tiles. Wall mix is not suitable for the floor, as under heavy load it will wear out quickly and will need to be updated. A tenacious mixture is needed for the floor.

Cooking rules

Having chosen a suitable mixture for grouting, consider the basic rules for its preparation. An easy way to avoid mistakes is to follow the instructions on the package.

The manufacturer indicates the proportions in which the dry mixture should be mixed with water. If you bought a ready-made solution, then it does not need to be prepared, except that you just need to mix it.

If the proportions are not observed when mixing the dry mixture, then the mass may turn out to be too liquid. As a result, it will flow out of the joint. If it is too thick, then it is unlikely to be able to make high-quality grouting.

Important! Failure to comply with the proportions leads to a decrease in the quality of the strength of the grout.

In most cases, there are about 300 ml of water per 1 kg of dry mix. Liquid should be at room temperature. With these proportions, the mixture will have the consistency of sour cream. This mixture is easy to work with. You won't need to put in much effort.

Sequencing

The whole process of work consists of several successive stages:

Mixture preparation.
Distribution of grout in a tile joint.
Cleaning seams from excess.

For work, prepare the following set of items:

Protective glasses.
Grout.
Respirator (in case of cement mixture mixing).
Container for clean water.
Clean cloth and sponge.
Mixing container.
Rubber spatula.
Gloves.
Tassel.
Rectangular trowel.

If the grout is diluted, place a small amount on the surface of the tile with a rubber spatula. To evenly distribute the solution into the seams, a rectangular trowel or a regular rubber spatula is used.

The correct sequence of actions when grouting tiles - advice from the master

Hold the spatula at a 30° angle and spread the grout diagonally between the joints. Pass over the surface of the tile with a spatula three times.

The mixture should fill the existing joints of the cladding well. The higher the density, the better. If a decorative corner was installed at the corners, then grout is also placed in the existing slots.

note

The grout is distributed gradually over the entire area. First fill the seams on an area of 2 m2 and so gradually move forward.

Do not immediately make a big batch. The mixture may set, especially if you do not already have skills in this work. During this work, the places near the sockets, the attachment of the heated towel rail and other plumbing elements must be filled.

Grouting with a special bag

Many decide to simplify their task and use a special trowel bag. The principle of its operation resembles a pastry bag. A tip is attached to the end of the bag. The width of the tip must match the gap between the tiles.

After that, a trowel mass is prepared, which is poured into the bag. Further, through the hole, the mixture is squeezed out directly into the joint between the tiles.

Before this, direct the tip directly to the joint. As you squeeze out the grout, move the bag until the seam is completely filled.

First, horizontal seams are filled, and then vertically. It is necessary to squeeze out the solution in larger portions than it may seem necessary. The composition will still be rammed.

When working on the wall, there should not be any special problems. The essence of working with tile joints on the floor is almost the same. We will consider several nuances.

Simplification of work is achieved by using a construction grater, which has a rubber pad. At arm's length, distribute the grout with sweeping movements.

To achieve the desired result, the mixture should be slightly thinner. This method is only possible when laying smooth tiles. If the surface is textured and has protrusions, then the mixture will fill all the pores. After that, you will have to spend a lot of time cleaning the tiles.

Important! As for the processing of floor tiles, be sure to choose those compounds that are resistant to possible stress.

How to deal with cracking

One of the common problems is cracking of the seams between the tiles. Most often, this problem is inherent in cement-based compositions.

There can be many reasons for this, for example:

Sudden temperature changes.
The impact of hot water.
Floating wooden floor.
Incorrect kneading when grouting.

If a crack is found, it should be repaired immediately. Water can adversely affect the tile adhesive and substrate. This may lead to the formation of mold.

There are several ways to get rid of cracks. For example, fully embroider the seams and refill them with a new mixture. If the cracks are in the initial stage, then take a dry mixture and carefully rub it into the seams.

It is more effective to prevent this problem. The preparation of the mixture must be in accordance with the existing proportions. The solution should have an average viscosity. After kneading, let the mixture stand for up to 5 minutes, and then, re-mix and work with it.

note

During the drying process, it is unacceptable to ventilate the room or turn on the heating for quick drying. The grout should dry in the most natural temperature environment.

Conclusion
So, here we learned how to grout tile joints. We examined the technology of this process and how to implement everything correctly. We hope that this material was useful to you. In conclusion, we offer you to watch a master class on grouting floor clinker tiles:

Wall and floor decoration in the bathroom, bathroom, the formation of a working apron in the kitchen is mainly made of ceramic tiles. However, over time, the seams wear out, become clogged with dirt, and in the bathroom, with constant contact with water, they can even become covered with mold spots. As a result, the whole type of finish deteriorates. To protect the grout from wear, it is necessary to impregnate the tile joints with a special solution in a timely manner.

Joint putty technology

When choosing a ceramic tile finish, most often they discuss the characteristics of the tile itself: its design, laying technology and other points. The implementation of tile joints is remembered much less often, and in fact it depends on the quality of the grout how the entire surface will look like as a whole.

Of the variety of related finishing materials, the following types of grouts are distinguished.

Resistant to chemical attack, temperature fluctuations, mold and fungus, it is easy to remove dirt from them. Due to the resistance to aggressive external factors, such grout has been widely used in the processing of rooms in which the humidity indicator is high (for example, in a bathroom or shower room).

However, only professionals in their field can work with epoxy compounds, since the consistency of the solution is quite viscous and requires great care.

They have significant advantages:

plastic consistency;
small shrinkage of seams;
independence of the speed and quality of hardening from temperature and humidity;
frost resistance;
ease of cleaning the surface of the tile from excess mortar;
hydrophilic surface.

However, if we compare this composition with epoxy, then it is significantly inferior in strength. Liquid polymers are additionally added to increase the strength of the solution.

This is the most common type. It owes its popularity to its affordable price and ease of application technology.

To make a grout, it is enough to pour the dry mixture with the required amount of water in accordance with the instructions indicated on the package. After the joints have dried, you can remove the white coating that has formed on the tile with a regular sponge moistened with water.

Such seams are prone to contamination, and under the influence of moisture they can darken or crumble, therefore, to preserve the appearance of the coating, they must be impregnated with a special solution with a water-repellent effect. Some craftsmen add a primer to give the cement composition water-repellent properties when mixing the mortar.

The grout is applied using a rubber spatula, pressing the solution into the gap between the tiles, or a special bag, which, in its principle of operation, is similar to a pastry bag.

A trowel bag is most often used when working with polymer or epoxy compounds.

Treatment with a protective solution

To create a coating on tile joints that is resistant to water and cleaning agents, the occurrence of darkening, pollution and fungal formations, it is necessary to additionally impregnate the joints with special compounds with hydrophobic properties. Impregnation for seams has the following qualities:

provides a hydrophobic coating (important when processing tiles in the bathroom);
prevents surface contamination;
has an antifungal effect.

For such processing are most often used:

water repellents, which, due to their liquid consistency, are easily applied to the seams with a thin brush;
polymer varnish that can penetrate deep into the grout (up to the base);
sealants based on silicones or acrylics, which are used mainly in the most vulnerable places: in the corners of the bathroom or at the junctions of the bath (shower) and tiles.

Now on sale there are protective coatings that do not create a "glass" layer and do not affect the vapor permeability of the treated surface. Also, two-component compositions are widely used, which, when dried, have high strength, durability and tightness. When grouting joints with such solutions, the need for additional impregnation is eliminated.

It is recommended to apply impregnation not earlier than 7 days after grouting, so that the surface is absolutely dry. In rare cases, the impregnation can change the color of the grout, therefore, in order to avoid unpleasant surprises, it is better to conduct a trial treatment in a hidden area.

The processing temperature recommended by the manufacturer is indicated on the packaging. However, there are general requirements: processing must be carried out at a temperature not lower than +5°C and not higher than +30°C and a relative humidity of at least 80%. Therefore, when working with such solutions in rooms with high humidity (bathroom, bath, pool, shower), it is necessary to clarify the indicators using a hygrometer.

Protective impregnation with water repellents is done with a thin brush neatly along the seam. If the solution gets on the tile, its surface may become cloudy. To avoid damage to the finish, it is recommended to glue the edges of the tiles with masking tape. Water repellents can penetrate the grout, so a second coat will be required to provide a water repellent finish.

Seam update

If over time the seams become dirty, then there are two ways to give a fresh look to the lined surface in the bathroom.

Coloring in with a pencil

It is necessary to wash the seams with cleaning products, wait for them to dry and cover with a water repellent. Hardware stores sell a special grouting pencil, made in the form of a marker. The tool will perfectly cope with cleaning the joints of tiles in the bathroom, since the solution included in its composition is able to destroy mold and prevent the formation of fungus.

Many housewives, when cleaning tile joints, use not only industrial cleaners, but also resort to old folk methods:

To eliminate fungus or mold that has appeared on the seams in the bathroom, it is necessary to treat the surface with a solution of vinegar, ammonia and a water softener.
Another remedy for moldy stains is alcohol. It must be applied to the joints with a small brush (an old toothbrush will do), stand for a while and wipe off the dirt.
Also, an aqueous solution of antifungal drugs (Nystatin) will help to remove mold in the bathroom. To prepare the solution, it is enough to dissolve the tablet in a small amount of water.
To bleach light joints, you can use ordinary household bleach with chlorine. It is enough just to fill the seams with mortar and brush.
In case of severe contamination, the joints can be sprinkled with baking soda and poured with vinegar. The foam formed as a result of a chemical reaction will simply push out the dirt, and it can be easily washed off with water.

Work with cleaning products (even those that are prepared independently) must be carried out in compliance with safety regulations: in rubber gloves, and, if necessary, in a respirator.

Update

You can update the grout like this. Remove the old coating with a conventional construction knife or a special “opener”. The choice of tool is an individual matter, the main thing is that the tool does not leave scratches and other damage on the surface of the tile.

If the old layer is strongly hardened and cannot be removed by conventional mechanical action, then the grout can be treated with a special softening compound. It should be noted right away that it will not be possible to remove epoxy putty on your own - this is a matter for professionals. Then:

after cleaning the seams, treat the ends of the tiles and joints with a primer;
perform a fresh grout;
when the grout dries, you can start applying the hydrophobic solution.

In order for the lined surface to last as long as possible and look like new, it is recommended to renew the grout every 3-5 years.

Many people mistakenly believe that light-colored grout is exposed to more pollution than dark-colored coatings. In fact, they are polluted in exactly the same way, but pollution stands out more against a light background. It is possible to preserve the aesthetic appearance of a ceramic tile coating only if the laying and grouting technologies are followed and proper maintenance is carried out.

To give the brickwork a more attractive appearance, its seams are rubbed with special mixtures. To perform this work does not require sophisticated equipment, it is enough to have simple tools. You can carry it out with your own hands.

Improving or changing the appearance of a building. The color can contrast with the wall.
Extending the life of the entire structure. Grouts for masonry are waterproof, thereby protecting the base from the harmful effects of water.
Improved thermal insulation. The compositions cover cracks and small cracks. As a result, the possibility of drafts in the walls is excluded.

Types of grout mixtures

For grouting brick joints, you can buy a ready-made dry mortar or make it yourself. They differ in the type of basis and are as follows:

on epoxy resin;
on cement.

Cement compositions are the most popular, as they have a lower cost and the technology for their preparation is simple. It is enough to dilute with water or latex according to the instructions specified by the manufacturer. They are easily peeled off from brickwork. Made from the following components:

cement of high grades;
quartz sand;
pigments;
various additives (increasing elasticity, resistance to moisture, reducing drying time).

Epoxy grouts are used in places with aggressive conditions or subjected to mechanical stress. These compositions have better technical characteristics than cement, but their cost is much higher.

You can also prepare the mixture with your own hands. Mix 2 parts of cement and 2 hours of lime with 10 hours of fine quartz sand. All components are thoroughly mixed. You need to use it within two hours, because after that the mixture will begin to harden and lose its plasticity.

If the bricks are covered with white spots - efflorescence - then you can make another solution. To do this, you need 1 part of cement, 5 hours of quartz sand and 1 hour of volcanic track. It is necessary to knead so that the consistency of the compositions is not liquid. They should not fall off or run off the trowel.

Types of grout joints

Most often, grouting is done as follows:

1. Flush or undercut. One of the easiest ways, as it requires minimal effort. The mortar is placed flush with the bricks, resulting in one solid sheet. Can be applied with a regular trowel.

2. Concave. It is necessary to buy a joint - a sharp, curved blade. The mixture is placed in the seams of a brick wall, after which it is cut off with a joint and smoothed with it. In the center, they turn out to be concave inward, and their edges are in contact with the edges of the bricks.

3. Rectangular recessed. The solution is laid so that it is at a distance of several millimeters from the edge of the blocks, and not flush. It is better to use this method inside the house.

4. Convex. In this case, the seam in the center is curved, and the edges go inward. It is recommended to use this method for exterior decoration, since water from the wall will not drain well.

5. Bevelled. The masonry mortar is applied with a trowel, after which the upper part is cut off so that a slope is obtained. From above, it should deepen by about 3-4 mm, and from below it is done in line with the edge of the brick. Thanks to this slope, water will drain well, and not accumulate inside.

Grout technology

Work should be done in dry and warm weather. The freshly laid mixture should not be exposed to sunlight. The recommended temperature is from +5 to +25°С. If the composition dries too quickly, it will begin to crack.

Application technology:

The foundation is being prepared. The old cement-sand mortar is removed to a depth of 10-15 mm (if necessary).
The masonry is washed from dirt and dust.
The mixture is mixed.
Start grouting vertical joints. The solution is applied in 2 stages, each layer is pressed with force to remove all voids.
Place the grout in horizontal seams, level and give the desired shape.
Remains are removed.

To increase the degree of adhesion, the seams are sprayed with water. Moisture will provide a stronger grip.

It is necessary to knead dry masonry mixes for bricks only strictly according to the technology specified by the manufacturer. In no case should the finished solution be diluted with water during finishing, because of this its shade will change. It is necessary to knead in such a volume that you can have time to squander before solidification.

There should be no lumps, so it is recommended to use a drill with a special nozzle or a construction mixer. After preparation, the composition is left for a while (indicated in the instructions), so that the components absorb water and react with it, after which it is mixed again.

In order for the brickwork to contrast, a shade is used for the seams that is directly opposite to the color of the bricks. If they are light, then a dark solution is selected, and vice versa. If there are problems with the selection of colors, then a small amount of the composition is applied to an inconspicuous section of the wall. If it does not fit, then it can be easily removed and laid another.

The cost of work and what it depends on

On average, the price of 1 m2 starts from 100-150 rubles. The specific amount is already determined on the spot, since there can be a different number of seams per 1 m2. This affects the size of the bricks: the smaller they are, the larger the area you need to overwrite.

The type of mixture that the brick is processed affects the cost. Finishing with cement mortar is cheaper than epoxy. Working with it requires more time and experience. Due to the use of epoxy resin compounds, the cost can increase by 50% or more. The price increases depending on the width of the seam. Wide gaps will require more mortar than narrow gaps.

Prices may also increase depending on where you live. The further the master needs to go, the higher the cost will be. If it is necessary to finish the seams of a decorative brick with a matte surface, then you will have to pay more for it than with a glossy one. Matt building materials are rough. The solution sticks to them quickly, but it is difficult to clean. Bricks with a shiny surface are easy to clean, so the technology is much simpler.

If brick walls were laid by specialists from a construction company, then the grouting service may already be included in the cost of building walls. When drawing up a contract, you should carefully check the availability of all stages of work. It is necessary to process the seams of brick walls only if they will not be plastered or covered with any finishing cladding.

We rarely carry out work on wall decoration with ceramic tiles on our own. But if this still happened, then you need to carefully consider every detail. Including everything about grouting. Today we will tell you everything about this component, about its correct selection and breeding.

The laying of tiles is carried out at a small distance from each other, which forms those very famous seams. The reason why we leave such distances is to hide the small difference in the size of the tiles, thus keeping the entire laying perfectly even.

Naturally, the seams that remain after must be sealed. And for this, an element called grout is used. It provides an opportunity, both to keep the seams from moisture and other elements, and is designed to improve the appearance of the tiled finish.

What is grout

Technically, this component is a dry mixture that is diluted in water and applied like putty. Now there are several types of such material on sale, which we will discuss below.

Cement based grout

As is clear, it is made on the basis of cement and is the cheapest option, which to a large extent contributes to its popularity. It is a dry mixture, in addition to cement, consisting of sand and other impurities. These impurities can give the composition, for example, a slight spreadability to facilitate application (better viscosity, the moment of final solidification is delayed). Dilution of such a mixture is usually carried out in water or latex.

Ordinary grout based on Portland cement - used for small distances between tiles;
Grout based on Portland cement and sand - used if the width of the joints exceeds 5 millimeters. Sand makes the mixture much stronger.

Resin Grout

Epoxy grout. The basis of the material is epoxy resin, to which pigments and other substances are added. Seams worn with this component have much greater durability, the ability to survive impacts and, of course, let water through less, which can be very important for a bathroom with its high humidity. Most often, tiles with a thickness of 1.2 centimeters or more are covered with such a grout with a joint width of more than 6 millimeters. Frequent use - grout for stone.

Previously, it was very difficult to work with such a grout, which led to the fact that it was mostly professionals who dealt with it. Modern models of epoxy compositions have become much easier in their work and this makes it possible to use them in everyday life.

The second type of such grout is the option with furan resin. This type of grout does not contain water and is characterized by the greatest ability to withstand external influences, including strong acids. In the vast majority of cases, it is used in industrial premises and is not used in apartment repairs.

Important! When working with a grout component based on furan resin, it is necessary to cover the tile with wax, and remove the residue with hot steam as quickly as possible. Working with such a component is the most difficult.

How to choose the right grout

Color matching is a very important aspect of choosing this material. The color of the grout is chosen based on the color of the tile itself, with which we cover the walls or floor. There are two main options here - the grout is carried out in a similar color to smooth the borders, or on the basis of contrast. It is better to use a dark or contrasting grout if you are confident in the quality of the tiled masonry. All existing irregularities in this case will become noticeable;
The epoxy option is best used in the bathroom as it resists dirt and water better;
Transparent grout is usually used in the case of narrow joints - less than 2 millimeters, as well as when laying mosaics. By itself, it is not transparent, but it has the ability to take on the colors of the rubbed tile;
Silicone grout models have an extended number of colors. It is recommended if you are going to use this component in creating the design of your room.

The main manufacturers of grout mixtures

If we consider the world market, the products of which are also represented here, then in the first place it is worth highlighting the companies Knauf, Unis, Weber Vetonit, which produce cement mixtures. If we talk about epoxy options, then here you should pay attention to Litochrome, Atlas and Ceresit (the latter also produces silicone grouts).

How to properly dilute the dry mix for grouting

It is worth noting that there are already divorced options on the market, but they, as a rule, are more expensive. Therefore, here we will consider questions about the dilution of dry mixes. We must say right away that this must be done in the strictest accordance with the instructions. Otherwise, you will not be able to obtain the necessary performance characteristics of such a grout, up to the impossibility of applying it. The breeding process itself is as follows:

A small container is taken, from where the grout will subsequently be collected with a spatula;
A small amount of powder is poured out, since it makes no sense to prepare a lot of solution at once. The longer it stands in a diluted form, the more it loses its properties;
Cement grout is diluted with ordinary water to a state slightly thicker than sour cream. But, we repeat, the amount of water must be identified in accordance with the instructions;
After initial kneading, the mixture must be allowed to stand for optimal wettability, and then re-kneaded.

How to apply grout on the seams correctly

The mixture is laid out on the seam with a small slide, which will then be distributed using a special tool;
It is necessary to apply the mixture to the seam area with a trowel. The latter is held at an angle of 30 degrees and is pressed into the seam area with quite a lot of force. In this case, water comes out of the mixture, and the mixture itself penetrates into the seam as efficiently as possible, filling it completely. It is necessary to go through the grout in the same area several times;
Before removing excess, do not treat large areas. Rub a couple of square meters, watching how the already applied layer hardens. If this process happens quickly, then it is better to think about removing the excess as soon as possible.

How to remove excess grout

It happens that the structure of the tile itself is very complex, and it is not easy to remove the grout from it. In this case, it is best to use a trowel bag that resembles its pastry "brother". A tip is put on the bag, which runs along the seam. Thus, fine processing is carried out without affecting other parts of the tile.

In most cases, grout removal is a fairly simple process, as long as it's still wet, of course. Usually, a clean cloth soaked in warm water is used for this. Cleaning is done in a circular motion, and the cloth itself is washed periodically.

Tile joints without additional processing can lose not only an attractive appearance, but also their performance. If you do not provide protection from moisture, over time, the grout will begin to collapse, the tile will begin to loosen and fall out. The seams also need to be protected from the effects of chemicals, because the detergent accelerates their destruction. Our article will help you decide what impregnation is needed for tile joints and how to use it.

All the numerous protective compounds and impregnations for tile joints can be divided into several main categories.

Protective compounds and impregnations are divided by composition:

polymer varnishes.
acrylic sealants.
Silicone sealants.
Protective compounds based on latex.

Also distinguish types of funds for their intended purpose:

Protective. The seams are protected from mechanical and chemical damage. Suitable for working with old tiles.
Firming. Reinforcing compounds are designed for putties of low price category based on cement. They must be applied before the cement putty is completely set. The protective composition will penetrate deep into and strengthen the structure.
Moisture resistant. The seams will be protected from subsequent cracking. They are used for tile joints in a bathroom or other room with high humidity.
Universal. Such compounds can be used for grouting, as well as a separate impregnation. These hybrid mixtures do not require re-treatment, as they themselves contain impregnation in their composition.

What seams need to be processed?

As a rule, the manufacturer indicates on the grout label information about whether the worn seam needs additional processing. Some modern types allow you not to grout, as they already contain protective (antifungal or sealing) additives.

The putty may require protection from moisture (use a water repellent) or other environmental influences. Before buying an impregnation, you need to clarify which impregnation is recommended by manufacturers.

The surface of different types of tiles (porcelain stoneware, tiles, cotto) may react differently to the application of impregnation for tile joints. Some impregnations may not be compatible with a certain type, so you need to study the manufacturer's recommendations for working along the seams.
Cement-based putty needs increased protection against moisture. Such putties on the seams do not have any protection against moisture.
Putties based on polymer (epoxy) resin are much better protected from the effects of high humidity. These putties should be covered with protective or decorative compounds. They protect against scuffs, stains, exposure to household chemicals.
Tiled joints of floor tiles, as well as joints near walls, are most often flooded with water, subjected to mechanical stress, so they need to be treated first. Use a water repellent.
For processing joints with light or colored grout, a polymer joint varnish is well suited. Without protective impregnation, such a grout will inevitably begin to fade and become dirty.
To protect and increase the brightness of light or colored joints of ceramic tiles, you need to use a glossy protective composition. To do this, you can use glossy polymer varnishes.

Many modern protective compounds simultaneously have protective water-repellent properties; they can be used to process ceramic tile joints in any room. Information about the properties, purpose of impregnation can be found in the description on the label. Experts recommend paying more attention to an effective water repellent, because the seams in more humid rooms constantly compete with water.

Cement-based putties must be treated with sealing compounds. Without additional processing, destruction will begin over time.

On the video: how to effectively protect tile joints.

Application of protective impregnation on the seams

After grouting, the joints must dry completely. The grout mixture from different manufacturers will have different drying times and readiness for further processing.

To be safe, you can not touch the patched surface for a week. During this time, everything is guaranteed to dry out.

Before applying, it is necessary to isolate the tile from getting a protective compound. For example, you can carefully glue with paper tape and leave only the seams open. This will be better for tiles with a monotonous or one-color pattern, on which various defects are more visible.

The seams between the tiles are smeared with a thin brush. This method guarantees a high-quality uniform coating. Compositions with deep penetrating ability are applied in 2 layers, since the first layer is almost completely absorbed into the grout. A double layer will provide the best protection.

Impregnation can change the color of the grout to an undesirable one, so you must first test the impregnation on a small area that is not in sight. You can make a test sample from tile scraps.

Cover the material with impregnation with exposure to certain indicators of temperature and humidity. These figures are indicated on the label. If they are not observed, the impregnation may lose its properties and generally begin to fall off. It is best to use a universal impregnating water repellent.

After applying protective impregnation, it will be better to leave it for 1-2 days for complete drying and hardening. After that, further processing can be carried out.

A few tips to help give a new look to old tile joints:

If they are not subject to destruction or cracking, which is caused by moisture or mechanical stress, then they can be simply one layer of deep penetration impregnation. It protects from destruction.
Colored seams can be cleaned, updated with acrylic paint, and then applied with a layer of protective impregnation (acrylic or polymer)
Dirt is removed with a toothbrush and bleach. Treat stubborn stains with baking soda and vinegar. Soda is poured, then poured with vinegar. A chemical reaction takes place that pushes the dirt out of the pores.

Polymer varnish is perfect for processing a cement joint. It completely impregnates the seam, strengthens its structure and provides complete protection against moisture.

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