White tiles on the floor and grout. Which grout is best for tiles - advice from professionals. How much grout is required

The tile itself is an excellent waterproofing material. But it is extremely rare for someone to make seamless masonry by cutting the edge of the tile at 45 degrees. Most often, uniform seams are left between the tiles, which is why grout is needed.

In common parlance it is called “fugue”. She's not just beautiful waterproofing material, it also performs aesthetic functions. Seams are an important component, so they must be made with high quality, which will not happen if you choose a bad fugue.

Varieties and characteristics of different types of fugue

Fugue is a bulk material based on cement. The composition also includes certain polymers that affect the color scheme itself. But grout is not only decorative element, it is quite functional. Acts as insulation for sub-tile coverings, as well as regular insulation. Extremely moisture resistant.

Construction stores have enough a large assortment various grouts, but in fact there are several types:

• Fugue on a cement base.
• Fugue based on resins.
• Grout is a sealant.

But these are not all categories, because each of the above is divided into subcategories, which are divided according to certain criteria. Each type is made mainly for different types works, therefore they cannot replace each other.

Cement grouts

The most common grout is the one made on a cement base. It is also divided into those made from Portland cement (for joints less than 5 mm) and those where sand is added in addition to Portland cement (for joints greater than 5 mm). Also, additional additives are added that affect color, setting speed, and the like.

For beginners and inexperienced specialists, this type of fugue is the simplest, as it does not require any specific skills in use or preparation.

Modern grouts when prepared are very similar to regular putty, only with a much higher drying speed, all that remains is to choose which grout will suit the tile.

All modern grouts are sold in two forms: dry (packages) and ready-made. The difference is that dry grouts require preparation (dilute with water), while ready-made grouts can be used immediately after opening the bucket.

The advantages of a cement-based fugue can be summarized in the following list:

• Good strength of the finished material.
• Diversity and versatility.
• Easy to use, does not require special skills.
• Relatively low price.
• Good indicator of moisture resistance.

The most famous grout is produced by Ceresit, which has long been established in the world market and produces a very large range of products, both for working with tiles indoors and for outdoor use.

Resin based grouts

There is also a fugue based on resin. The fugu is divided into epoxy based and on furan resins. Epoxy grout for tiles is used in those rooms where there is constant contact of the tile surface not only with water, but also with various household chemicals.

Cement compounds cannot cope with what epoxy can cope with, because epoxy fugue is two-component and combines, among other things, a cement base.

In appearance it is practically indistinguishable from cement grout. Also, moisture falling on the surface simply rolls off, while in a cement fugue it is absorbed.

In addition to rooms with high moisture using household chemicals, this type of grout is used for grouting absolutely all types of tiles, as well as tiles from natural stone. Sometimes it is used for grouting joints over a heated floor, but this is more likely due to aesthetic parameters.

The advantages of such a fugue include:

• Very long term operation.
• Does not fade when exposed to UV rays.
• The temperature withstandable by this composition ranges from -20 to +90 degrees, which makes it very resistant to different climates.
• Resistant to household chemicals and mild acids and alkalis.

The main disadvantage is the price of such a fugue, as well as the complexity and some problems during dismantling.

The setting speed is very high, so an inexperienced specialist can simply lose the finished solution when working slowly. But the color of the grout, which is shown in the picture (on the lid), is practically no different from what is inside.

In the case of cement fugue, it depends on how the composition itself is diluted. Also, when performing work, special tools and chemicals are used, which also indicates the need for the ability to work with such grout.

Photo of the best grout for tile joints

Tiles are a piece finishing material, facing which causes quite natural formation of seams.

A standard grout, or tile grout, allows you to seal everything yourself between tile joints, which helps to obtain an aesthetic and seamless coating in rooms for various purposes.

The right choice is extremely important and helps not only to independently obtain a decorative aesthetic coating when decorating the surface with tiles or, but also helps to correct some defects when not enough high-quality installation elements.

The tile grout mixture can be of the cement type or based on reliable epoxy resins, depending on the composition of the material and the intended use.

Cement-based grouts

Grout cement mixtures are dry powdery compositions, which are diluted with liquid latex or ordinary clean water before filling the joints.

If necessary, factory-prepared cement grouts are used, the cost of which is significantly higher than undiluted compounds.

Most domestic and foreign manufacturers cement grouts use Portland cement as the base, but the quality characteristics of the grout directly depend on the additives or fillers included in the mixture, with the exception of the base component.

Today, three main types of cement grout are widely used, presented:

• fugues based on Portland cement;
• compositions based on dry hardener substances;
• mixtures based on latex and Portland cement.

The use of cement-polymer and cement-sand joints is important when creating joints whose width is 0.4-0.6 cm. If it contains a mineral filler, the grout allows you to seal a wider and more voluminous space. The advantages of such compositions include strength, ease of preparation and self-application, not too fast hardening and the ability to correct any flaws, maintainability and affordable price. However, cement mixtures are capable of absorbing moisture and shrink noticeably during the drying process, harden for too long and are presented in poor quality. color scheme.

Epoxy compounds

Modern epoxy grouts are represented by resins and special hardeners, which allows you to obtain a grout with maximum strength and resistance to almost any mechanical stress.

The cost of such compositions is higher, but epoxy fugue is the only choice if it is necessary to carry out work in shopping centers or shops, as well as in public and socially significant places.

This type of material is not very easy to work with, so it is used mainly by specialists.

The limitation for the use of epoxy fugue is the small thickness of the seam, which does not exceed 5 mm.

The advantages of the epoxy composition are elasticity and absolute waterproofness, the formation flat surface without pores, resistance to detergents and abrasives, non-susceptibility to deformation under strong temperature changes. The surface does not fade or crack, and the compositions are presented in a very rich range of colors and shades, including neon and luminescent mixtures, as well as “metallic fugues” and “chameleon fugues”.

The main disadvantages of epoxy fugue are that it is difficult to apply and hardens too quickly; high price and a certain difficulty in removing the dried composition from the tiled surface.

Tile grout: which is better?

Grout mixtures formed on the basis of cement, fillers from marble chips and fine sand with color pigments and polymer additives, are affordable and have good water-repellent properties. Epoxy grouts, which are more complex in their composition, are represented by two components that determine the quality of the grout.

The first substance is a color mixture based on quartz sand or colored inert translucent filler. The second part of the grout composition in the form of a resin hardener or catalyst elements is responsible for hardening the composition, due to which epoxy grouts belong to the category of high-quality “reactive” mixtures that have practically no restrictions on use.

Grouting process

The exceptional adhesion properties of reactive fugue allow their use as an adhesive for tiles even in saunas or swimming pools. Such mixtures are marked “R2T” and are widely used as a joint sealant and for gluing the edges of tiles, forming an aesthetic and monolithic surface with a long service life. Thus, it is epoxy grouts that are currently preferred, they do not fade or fade, and they allow you to obtain an absolutely waterproof joint space.

If there is no need to obtain a waterproof surface, and there is also no experience in applying grout, then preference should be given to easy-to-use and affordable cement grouting agents.

Choosing a color depending on the color of the tile

The overall appearance of the finish and the aesthetics of the room decorated using tiles or ceramic tiles directly depends on how correctly the color is chosen or the shade of the grout is chosen.

There are several main options for choosing the color of the grout mixture:

• Simulation effect uniform surface thanks to the use of a mixture having a color similar to the color of the finishing tiles. This option allows you to visually expand the space, so it is most often used in small rooms.
• Highlight effect tiled elements using fugue color. With this option, you need to choose a color of the mixture that contrasts with the shade of the finishing tiles. The best thing this method suitable when using tiles non-standard shape or with pronounced bright coloring.
• Effect of use grout composition in the same tone as the shade of the tiles. This combination makes the room calmer, without excessive expression.

It should also be remembered that tiles and grout in light colors help connect all the elements of the composition and visually expand the room, while dark tiles and grout can visually make the space more compact. The use of dark grout on light tiles divides the cladding into several segments, effectively emphasizing only specific interior areas.

White fugue is perfect for finishing any shade, helps to emphasize or disguise the boundaries between individual segments, but requires regular and careful care.

Which grout is better to choose for the bathroom?

Tile is a very aesthetic, reliable and durable finishing material, but only if the joint space is properly grouted. In the bathroom, a well-chosen fugue prevents water from getting under the finish and gives the surface a finished and very beautiful appearance.

Experienced tilers recommend giving preference to modern epoxy grouts for the bathroom, which, unlike cement compositions, do not collapse under external adverse influences and are sufficiently resistant to stains. However, for grouting floor tiles Cement fugues can easily be used, which are easy to apply independently and are affordable to the average consumer.

Processing seams with colored grout

When using cement grouting compounds in rooms with high humidity It is recommended to purchase special water repellents that give the treated surfaces water-repellent qualities.

Price

Today, the leading countries producing grout are represented by Russia, Italy, Poland and Germany. Affordable grout mixtures differ in color and complexity of self-application, but qualified specialists and ordinary users prefer the popular MAPEI brand and Ultracolor Plus grout, created according to the most modern technologies. This fugue is widely used in sealing tile joints when performing floor and wall cladding, and when organizing interior and exterior work.

The price of grouting compounds depends on several factors:

• high-quality cement fugue (2.0 kg) - about 150 rubles;
• plastic cement-sand mixture for thin joints (25 kg) - about 3000-3600 rubles;
• epoxy grout (1.0 kg) - approximately 900-1200 rubles;
• imported decorative fugue (10 kg) - approximately 5-10 thousand rubles;
• polyurethane compounds (2.5 kg) - 2.5-5.0 thousand rubles;
• latex grout joints (2.0 kg) - 350-650 rubles.

It will be quite expensive to purchase modern high-quality furan grout, a kilogram package of which costs approximately 1200-1300 rubles.

The most popular grouting compounds on the domestic market are mixtures produced by the manufacturers Ceresit, Atla, Weber Vetonit, Unis, Litochrome and Knauf.

Conclusion

According to experts, to seal very narrow cracks, it is advisable to give preference to plastic grouts without mineral fillers, and joints up to 0.6 cm are best filled with grouts with fine sand. A joint space that is too wide must be sealed with an elastic joint or plasticized cement grout with a special coarse filler in the composition.

You can choose absolutely any color grout for tiles. With its help, it is possible to give the finishing touch the finishing touch, create a single composition from disparate tiled elements and achieve a harmonious and neat design.

How to choose grout color?

A few basic rules to consider when choosing:

• When using multi-colored or two-color tiles and mosaics, you should select a color for grouting that is close to the lighter tone used in the design or a colorless fugue.
• It is advisable to choose mixtures of a dark or contrasting shade only if the tile material on the floor or wall is laid perfectly evenly. In case of errors and unevenness on the surface would be better suited putty in light colors.
• For visual expansion rooms select light tiles in combination with similar grout, dark colors, on the contrary, visually reduce the space.
• It is better to choose putty for floor tiles in more dark colors, since it is quite practical and less susceptible to contamination.

Color combination options

Thanks to well-chosen color combinations, you can get three options for effects:

• One color. It is the simplest tandem, which is a single whole. A one-color combination is perfect for those who like a laconic, not too catchy design, and also allows you to mask some finishing imperfections in the form of uneven joints or chips.
• Contrasting grout. Gives the environment a special expressiveness and favorably emphasizes the geometry and laying of tile elements, giving them a deeper and richer look.
• Shades. Using this solution, you can unobtrusively highlight the geometric shape, pattern and color of the cladding, thereby creating a calm, expressive design.

The photo shows a bathroom interior with contrasting grout for wall and floor tiles.

Currently, there are collections of tiled models that already have a tinted putty solution. Most often, such a color palette is particularly original, for example, a black finish is complemented by a pearl-white fugue, a beige finish is complemented by grout in chocolate tones, and an olive finish is complemented by graphite.

Which grout is suitable for light-colored tiles?

For classic white tile cladding, you can choose contrasting black or brown grout. No less brave and spectacular look The combination with red, burgundy fugue, as well as combinations with pastel peach, mint, pink, blue or light blue grout are different. Beige tiles go well with neutral chocolate, gray, milky tones or a darker fugue of black.

The photo shows a white tiled wall with a blue fugue.

Light blue tile finishes can be emphasized with white, yellow or dark blue colors.

The photo shows a bathroom with tiled walls. blue color with white grout.

Which grout should I choose for dark tiles?

Brown ceramic products, a light beige, white or plain brown putty will harmoniously complement it; a combination with a yellow or black fugue will also look quite interesting. The boundaries of the cladding are blue, outlined by grout in creamy brown, gray, white, azure blue, fiery red, orange, yellow or blue.

For black finishes, it is better to choose a putty that is pearl white, pearlescent, beige, red or yellow tint. This monochromatic combination is used very carefully and is not suitable for decorating small rooms.

The photo shows a combination of white grout with tiled finishing gray in the bathroom interior.

For a calm and harmonious image, a gray tiled finish with seams made in white, dark or light gray tones would be appropriate; you can add originality to the atmosphere by using dark red, dark blue, blue, yellow, purple, lilac, pink and coral colors .

The photo shows the interior modern kitchen With work area, decorated with black tiles with white grout.

Choosing grout for tiles with different textures

For tiles imitating light wood, you can choose grey, beige, sand or milky putty; cladding imitating dark wood, such as wenge, combines perfectly with seams made in light shades.

Marbled products look harmonious with joints that have black, dark gray, white and even reddish tones. To maintain the interesting texture of the brick finish, select special compounds with small fractions.

Popular grout and tile combinations

The most commonly used shade combinations.

White tiles with black grout

A dark grout looks especially advantageous in combination with contrasting white tiles or mosaics, which allows you to achieve a simple, but at the same time quite effective and elegant design solution. However, this option is appropriate only if the tiles are applied perfectly evenly and accurately to the surface.

The photo shows white tile cladding with black grout on the wall in the kitchen interior.

The black and white combination is classic, strict and sophisticated. In addition, using this technique you can visually enlarge the room.

White

Snow-white putty is universal option, which harmoniously combines with both contrasting dark and calm light tile finishes. This design always has a very beautiful and neat appearance and is perfect for any interior.

On the picture white grout in combination with diamond-shaped tiles yellow color in the design of the work area in the kitchen.

Also, white fugue is an ideal binder when using multi-colored tile material.

The photo shows a kitchen apron lined with glossy black hog tiles with white grout.

White tiles with colored grout

White finishing with colored joints or with a fugue of two or more shades looks dynamic, creative, gives the interior a special uniqueness and sets a certain mood for it. For example, yellow putty can fill a room with warmth and make it sunnier, while green and turquoise joint filler can significantly refresh the decor.

Gray tiles with black grout

When using a gray finish with a contrasting black fugue, it is possible to divide the plane into separate segments and thereby achieve a rather original effect that will ideally complement a certain area of ​​the interior.

Combining colors in the interior of rooms

Options for color combinations in rooms for various purposes.

Choosing grout for the kitchen

In this room, tiles are a particular favorite. design solution in the design of the work area with kitchen apron. As a joint filler, moisture and vapor-tight epoxy fugue is chosen, which can differ in the most unexpected color scheme. Also, this grout composition is often supplemented with shiny components and glitters, which make it possible to achieve an interesting effect in the form of silver, gold, metal or bronze joints.

The photo shows a kitchen with a tiled work area. brown tint with white fugue.

Bathroom ideas

Putty for seams not only gives the cladding a complete and integral appearance, but also prevents moisture and dirt from getting under the tiles, which in the future does not contribute to the appearance of mold. Depending on the design of the bathroom, the fugue can have any color scheme or, due to special additives, be distinguished by a pearl-pearl luster, sparkling and glowing in the dark.

The photo shows a bathroom interior with blue tiles combined with a golden-hued fugue.

Examples for the hallway

In the hallway, putty is mainly used for the floor, which is often laid with porcelain stoneware. Here you should select compositions in non-staining gray, black or brown tones, since light-colored seams get dirty quite quickly.

Photo gallery

When choosing grout for tile joints, it is important to take into account not only its constituent components, but also the shade range, due to which it is possible to impart flatness, integrity, completeness and special harmony to the design.

Beige color is universal, and a kitchen or bathroom decorated with tiles of this shade is not only gentle and beautiful, but also practical. In order not to overdo it with the color scheme, the grout must be selected taking into account some factors, such as: the color and style of furniture, interior items and household items. The composition of the grout is chosen taking into account the conditions in which the tile will be located.

Compound

Classification of grout mixtures by composition:

• Cement based. These compositions are easy to use and come in a rich range of colors. Currently they are the most popular. Cement grout mixtures can be sold as ready-made grouts or as powders that are pre-diluted with water. This grout is suitable for dry rooms where fungus does not form.
• Based epoxy resin. These are more durable mixtures that can withstand any negative impact. Rubbing surfaces with them is a little more difficult than cement ones. This may require additional skill. Epoxy resin grout is recommended for use in areas with high humidity.

How to choose a color?

The integrity of the perception of the interior of the room directly depends on the correctly chosen grout color. Using the grout mixture you can create certain visual effects. To do this, you need to choose the appropriate shade of grout.

To match

The most simple option selection is considered beige grout to match the tiles. In this case, the entire surface of the wall with decoration merges into one beige spot. Of course, such a combination may seem quite boring and behind modern fashion trends in design. If you are afraid to miss the shade of grout, use it. In this case, the interior will have to be treated as if you had used a monotonous beige panel.

It is worth noting that the imitation of a single surface visually expands the room. This technique is especially relevant for small bathrooms and small kitchens.

A little darker

When choosing a grout mixture of a color slightly darker than the tile itself, you can choose a dark beige or light brown shade. This combination will noticeably refresh the room, fill it with comfort and tranquility.

Playing in contrast

For beige tiles, experts recommend choosing a grout that is several tones darker. This combination will emphasize the nobleness of the finish, and Wall panel will look very original. The peculiarities of a person’s perception of a combination of light and dark tones will visually push the beige tile forward, but push the seams back. Thus, the masonry will look more voluminous.

The most popular in tandem with beige tiles are chocolate or brown grout. In this case, the visual perception of lines and seams becomes clearer. Correct outlines create a feeling of comfort and order in the room.

A special effect can be achieved by combining beige tiles of various shapes or sizes with dark grout.

White color

If you find it difficult to decide on a shade, pay attention to white grout. This is a universal option that goes well with tiles various colors and shades. As a rule, a combination of beige tiles and white grout is most often used for walls, since this combination is too easily soiled for the floor. It is worth noting that walls with white joints should always be perfectly clean.

To match the decor

If the beige tile is not entirely monochromatic (it has a pattern on it) or part of it is complemented by decor, then rub the space between separate elements Can be in the color of the decor. Moreover, such a combination will be the most harmonious, since the invasion of third scales and shades can create the impression of a lack of style. If you want to create a room interior in an eclectic spirit, it is better to seek help from professionals to avoid a tacky effect.

The technique of using grout that matches the color of one of the elements on the tile is often used to create certain geometric shapes and patterns.

Light and dark

Using both light and dark grout at the same time will allow you to create separate segments, as well as highlight the necessary zones various forms and sizes.

With fluorescent particles

To add mystery to the interior, you can use grout with small luminous particles. This mixture is new to construction market, so its use is a bit unusual. With this material, tile joints glow blue in the dark and purple. It looks very original and festive.

How to tint grout yourself?

If you can’t choose a grout color from all the options offered by the manufacturer, you can create a suitable shade for beige tiles yourself.

For this purpose they usually use:

• tinting paste;
• powder color, soluble in water;
• gouache paints;
• watercolor.

Using these compounds, you can tint white grout or adjust the shade, for example, make it more saturated. When adding pigment, be aware that the mixture will become lighter as it dries.

See the video below for details of working with epoxy grout.

Anyone who has ever dealt with tiles knows that the final stage of its processing is filling the joints.

Grout for joints is needed and its necessity does not raise any doubts, but what it should be, how to choose the color of grout for the tiles, how often it will have to be renewed - all these questions do not have clear answers.

To figure it out, let’s turn to professionals and start with the most important thing - technical characteristics, functions of grout and its main types.

Grout - a colored or colorless mixture based on polymer materials, cement, additives, which is used at the final stage of processing the tile covering to fill the joints.

It is impossible to overestimate the importance of grout for tiles.

In addition to the aesthetic load and decorative function, grout plays a huge role in ensuring strength facing covering, protecting the surface from dirt, germs, moisture, preventing the appearance of mold and mildew and ensuring tightness.

It also hides minor imperfections in the tile itself or in the work of the craftsman. However, you should not hope that after grouting the crooked wall will become smooth.

Grouting joints in the bathroom prevents the appearance of fungus and mold

This video will tell you what grout is, what it is needed for, where it is applied, how it is selected, and how the grout mixture is prepared.

Types of grout mixtures

There are several types of grout:

• cement (for narrow joints);
• cement-sand (for wide joints);
• based on resins (epoxy and furan);
• latex;
• silicone.

Let's look at each of them in more detail.

Cement grouts

The most popular type of grout among consumers, home craftsmen and professional builders is cement grout with or without the addition of sand.

The technology for using this type of grout is simple, the cost is low, and the scope of application is the widest.

Cement grouts are quite homogeneous, easily distributed over the surface, completely filling the joints, and are used for any tile.

Adding sand to the mixture makes it possible to use such grout for wider joints, but limits the scope of application, since the delicate coating of some types of tiles can be deformed (for example, enameled cladding).

Resin grouts: epoxy and furan

Applying resin grouts requires experience and some dexterity from the performer and therefore they are used only by professionals. They have a lot of advantages and very few disadvantages, except for the complexity of application and cost.

Epoxy-based grouts are durable, moisture-resistant, have high performance indicators and a wide palette of colors and shades.

Most often used for facing surfaces in swimming pools, garages and saunas.

Grouting with furan resin without adding water has high efficiency, resistant to external influences and chemicals, but is used mainly for large industrial production facilities, since the application technology is too complex and requires skills, additional equipment and special treatment of tiles before the start of work and after its completion.

Silicone grout

Silicone grout can be an excellent option for grouting joints.

Her antiseptic properties and ease of use captivates consumers, and the variety of color palette allows you to realize the most daring and original ideas.

The most modern type of grout is latex. It is super resistant to moisture and has the widest range of colors. It can be used for heated floors, and for balconies and loggias, as it is not afraid of either high or low temperatures.

The cost of such grout will be higher than regular cement grout, but to save money, you can use a latex additive rather than latex grout.

In this case, the properties of cement grout and its performance will significantly improve.

Latex grout – worthy alternative cement, and high performance characteristics allow it to be used in any conditions

To choose the color of grout for tiles, you need to know what design techniques exist. There are two main options: play with contrast or match the grout exactly to the color of the tile, but there are many more intermediate options to choose from.

From whether you want to convert Special attention on tile covering or for you furniture is more important and decorative elements in the room, the choice of grout color depends.

If tiles are not the main thing you want to emphasize in the interior, choose a grout that matches the color of the tiles or choose a colorless option.

If your goal is to play in contrast, to highlight the tiles, to play up some object in the room, take a bright contrasting grout.

The selection of contrasting grouts should be done by a specialist, as there are a lot of pitfalls here.

If you are used to trusting only your taste, use our tips:

• Do not rush into the purchase under any circumstances. Think it over possible options and imagine the finished interior.
• Take with you a sample of the tiles to which the grout is matched to achieve the perfect match.
• Remember about fashion trends, but be guided by your own taste. Fashion passes, but style remains.
• It is worth purchasing several grouts in small quantities to experiment with what color you will get after complete drying.
• Small rooms are not intended for color experiments and are too dark colors tiles and grout.

When choosing multiple grouts for different colored tiles, remember that not all colors work equally well. There are win-win color combinations that will look harmonious in the interior.

But by combining several incompatible shades, you can ruin the overall impression of the room’s design, even if everything else is done flawlessly.

The combination of red tiles and white grout looks very harmonious if the tile surface is perfectly smooth

Consult a professional before combining several different colored grouts. Remember that contrasting grout is used only for rooms with ideal tile laying.

The slightest flaws will become obvious if you use a contrasting grout color.

When choosing between light and dark grout, give preference to the lighter option. This choice will make the room visually more spacious and harmonious.

Bright colored tiles and white grout look stylish in spacious rooms

White grout will refresh tiles of any color, but it is not recommended to use it for floors

Black tiles should be used very carefully; in small rooms they are not at all appropriate, but white grout will make the visit light and airy

Such aggressively stylish combinations of grout and tiles add extravagance to the room

White tiles and yellow grout are a surprisingly organic and win-win combination that makes the room feel homey.

Designers think successful combinations beige and chocolate colors, olive and graphite, pearl, pink and red with gray. A room with white tiles and yellow grout looks very fresh. It’s always sunny and bright in such a bathroom!

If you are a conservative person and experimenting is not your thing, try to choose a grout that is as close as possible to the color of the tile.

If the grout will be used for the floor, feel free to take a darker option, about one or two tones, and if for the walls, one or two shades lighter.

Professionals advise:

• Buy grout along with the tiles to find a beautiful combination.
• Try applying a little grout to the tiles and let it dry - this will be the final shade of the grout.
• For multi-colored tiles, choose either a universal colorless grout or a grout color that predominates in the tile.
• For plain tiles, you can choose a contrasting grout color or tone on tone.
• For bright mosaic tiles, you can choose a colorless option so as not to oversaturate the tile canvas with colors, and for a plain mosaic tile, you can choose a contrasting shade to give greater brightness to the main tone.
• Remember - light grout brings the tile canvas together, and dark grout divides it into separate fragments.
• For small rooms, light colors are preferable, for large ones, dark colors.
• Light gray and light beige grouts match almost any tile color.
• Do not use either white or black grout for the floor. Both types of grout get dirty too quickly.

The choice of grout should be conscious.

Don’t take what you don’t like, even if you don’t have time to carefully select it, because the right shade of grout will improve the overall appearance of the room, and the wrong color will give the interior a feeling of sloppiness and chaos.

If you're in doubt about your taste, find a collection of tiles already ready-made options grout or contact your sales consultant for help.

In almost every hardware store there are layouts with examples of grouts that can be combined with ceramic tiles any color

If you do not assign an aesthetic function to the grout, but use it solely to fill tile joints and prevent fungus and mold, take universal colorless grout.

The basis for the manufacture of this grouting material is epoxy. Glass, which is also included in its composition, provides a light-absorbing “invisibility” effect.

Thanks to the unique technical properties adapt to any color and type of tile, it is absolutely invisible. The cost of such grout is slightly higher than usual, but the performance characteristics are pleasantly surprising.

Chameleon grout, as it is also called, is easy to use, resistant to mechanical damage and chemical influences, has an antimicrobial effect and can be used even for fragile, non-standard types of tiles.

It goes perfectly with mosaic tiles and a variety of tile panels.

Colorless grout - perfect choice for multi-colored tiles

Colorless grout goes wonderfully with colored and plain mosaic tiles

Let’s summarize the information received by watching a thematic video, where a specialist will tell you how to choose the color of grout. Craftsmen do not advise choosing grout for the tiled floor in the kitchen to match the color of the wallpaper in the hallway.

The right decision would be to choose a grout color that matches the main color of the material where the grout is being made.

Choosing a manufacturer

Having decided on the required grout color, you should pay attention to the manufacturer. After all, the grout mixture is primarily the protection of the room from moisture, and the tile joints from the appearance of bacteria and mold.

Almost all manufacturers promise us such protection, but should we trust them?

The main and most popular manufacturers of grout mixtures are Ceresit and Atlas. Each of these brands has its advantages and disadvantages.

German tile grout Ceresit is used for interior and exterior work, for any tile surfaces and is characterized as moisture-resistant, environmentally friendly, resistant to mechanical damage and adverse environmental influences.

They are easy to use and cure quickly during use.

Grouting mixtures from the Polish company Atlas can also be used for both exterior and interior works and have very wide scope applications.

They are simple and easy to apply, have a plastic, uniform structure, do not scratch the tile surface during operation, are resistant to mechanical damage and can be used for joints up to 0.6 cm.

If your tile joints are larger than 0.6 cm, use Finnish Kesto cement-based grout mixtures. For reliable protection Italian grouts from the Mapei company with polymers are ideal for facing coatings against moisture.

In this video, experts will show how Mapei Kerapoxy grout is used.

So, you have chosen the manufacturer, what else should you pay attention to when buying a grout mixture?

• for color;
• for expiration date;
• to consumer reviews;
• difficulty of use;
• for resistance to moisture and mechanical stress;
• for the cost.

Grout update

No matter how sad it may sound, the grout will have to be updated from time to time. Due to moisture, fumes, dust and frequent washing, the color of the grout mixture becomes dull, washed out and requires updating.

You can change the grout yourself or by inviting good specialist who will do everything professionally.

The renovation begins with cleaning the seams and removing old grout. This must be done carefully so as not to damage the tile surface.

White grout can be renewed using a special pencil; just clean the seam and run it several times.

You can do it yourself by updating white grout using a pencil.

Updating colored grout is a more labor-intensive process, especially if you made the grout mixture yourself rather than buying it ready-made in a store.

It’s good that today there are ready-made colored grout paints for colored grout, and if you don’t find exactly the same grout you used, you can choose one that’s very similar.

Moreover, after high-quality removal of the old grout, its color will not be visible. Experts categorically do not advise applying new grout to the old one, as the seam will be sloppy and the color uneven.

To choose the right grout for tiles, you need to take into account several factors: who will do the work of applying it, in what room, what type of tile, what width and depth of the joints.

For narrow joints and tiles of classic shades, the ideal option is cement grout; for wider joints and creative ideas Latex or silicone grout would be preferable.

If you take into account all the selection criteria, the result will exceed all your expectations. And remember that operating conditions have higher value than the cost of the material.

It would seem that it could be easier than choosing a grout for the tile, but no - there are a lot of pitfalls here, but knowing all the subtleties, you can do it right choice it will be easy! We hope that our article is useful to you!