grouting tips
I've created this
page to assist you in questions you might have when grouting our shaped ceramic
tiles.
what kind of grout do I use?
A Polymer-based sanded
ceramic tile grout. This type of grout allows you up to a 1/2" grout line. If
mixed properly, it hardens like concrete.
can i mix/press foreign object into my grout?
Yes you can! I like to
press in small pebbles or an anthill gravel into my grout to create a rock-like
effect. It looks exceptional with granites and SileStone countertop
materials. It's also a very environmentally "green" looking ceramic tile grout.
SileStone color swatch with gravel-pressed grout technique
by Diane H. Holycross, artist/owner, Tiles with Style
where can I purchase tiny gravel?
Check with your local
gravel yard or landscape shop.
where do I purchase sanded grout?
Home Depot and Lowes
have a nice in-store selection of ceramic tile sanded grout colors. If you don't
see a color that you like, you can place a special order. This takes about 2
weeks.
where can I find a specific color grout?
If you cannot find a
grout color from Home Depot or Lowes, you can purchase concrete pigments to add
to white-based or gray-based sanded grouts. See Direct Colors:
http://www.directcolors.com/concretepigment/#Pigment Color Chart
what do I use to seal my grout?
I highly recommend that
you go the extra mile and purchase an oil-base, silicone, or a teflon ceramic
tile grout sealer. These products are expensive, but are designed to repel oils,
stains, etc.
Don't use a water-base
ceramic tile grout sealer. These need to be re-applied yearly...too much work.
can I mix grouts together to create a specific color?
Yes, if they are of the
same brand. Just make sure you mix an ample supply of grout, so you don't run
out during your installation! I recommend that you mix colors by weighing the
dry grout by color and then mixing it together. That way if you do run out of
the mix, you can mix a new batch and the color should match.
can I use more than one color grout during my installation?
YES!!! Because our
decorative ceramic tiles are generally installed as a scene, you can use several
different grouts to bring your design together.
The pictures below show water fading to land.
This pictures shows a
nine-part mermaid in a coral reef. Notice how the beige grout makes her look
like one large ceramic tile mermaid.
This is a fabulous
example of ceramic tile grout usage. The use of two completely different colors
of ceramic tile sanded grout colors.
This outdoor ceramic
tile tropical fish design is the perfect candidate for a two-tone ceramic
tile grout application. A turquoise tile grout on the upper half and
a rich cobalt blue tile grout on the lower half of the tropical fish
ceramic tile design would make a beautiful color transition and emphasize
depth in the water.
panel 1
PhotoShop enhanced photo to show 2-tone grout on panel 2
grouting tips?
Mix your grout per the
instructions, failure to do so can cause cracking of the grout during the drying
process!
I like to let my grout
set up for about 5-10 prior to applying it onto walls. This helps with slumping
of the ceramic tile grout from gravity.
how long before I can wipe the grout back?
I recommend you let the
grout sit for at lease 15 minutes. You want it to be damp, not wet. If you try
to wipe the grout back with your damp sponge too soon, you'll pull the grout out
of the spaces, and cause depressions. You want the grout to be level with the
decorative ceramic tile.
Comments from satisfied ceramic tile clients...
"The tiles arrived and are gorgeous. You did an
awesome job! I'm so happy I found your website as I haven't been able to find
anything like your tiles ANYWHERE else."
Nanci Bonnell, Battleground, Washington
"There is one place here in
California that makes leaf shaped tiles. She charges $100 a sq foot and yours
are 10 times better."
Forrest Mize, Ventura, CA
Our ceramic
tiles are 100% handmade in the USA.
Shipping domestically and also
to Canada and Europe!
If you
would like more information on my products or would like to place an order,
click my email me link, OR CALL or TEXT me directly @ 716.870.7172.
FYI...I do try to
return all calls and emails within 2 days.
I
look forward to hearing
from you! |
|
LLC
