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What happens if you used sanded grout instead of tile mortar?
Using sanded grout instead of tile mortar can lead to several issues. Sanded grout is designed for filling joints between tiles rather than adhering tiles to a substrate, which can result in poor bond strength and instability of the tiles. This may cause tiles to crack, shift, or come loose over time. It's essential to use the appropriate materials for their intended purposes to ensure a durable and long-lasting installation.
What is the difference between sanded and non-sanded grout?
The obvious answer is sanded grout has sand. But the in depth answer has many differences. Sanded grout which is the most common, can be used in a grout joint from 1/8" to 1/2" (and larger but check the grout). Sanded grout scratches many tile like glass. Non sanded grout can only be used on joints 1/8" or less. Non sanded grout is typically seen on marble and granite tile, many wall tile, and all glass tile.
What kind of grout to use when tiling bathroom?
Since there are many features of grout, this will depend on your question. There are epoxy grouts and latex modified grout. Epoxy grout is very stain resistance. The problem lies in that epoxy grouts are hard for a novice to use. Latex modified thin-sets are durable when used correctly. Additionally, you need to make sure you buy sanded or non sanded grout depending on the size of the grout joint and type of tile. If you have many natural stones, glass tile, or a tile with a great deal of shine, you will need a non sanded grout. Many bathrooms need this regardless, because their grout joint is 1/8" or less. All joints larger than 1/8" require sanded grout. This means you must be cautious before you begin, you place your joints correctly for the style tile you have.
Is there any difference between white tile mortar and gray tile mortar?
White mortar is the same as gray except it has been bleached. White thinset is needed if you are using a light tile with light grout.
How to install tile on a wall?
To install tile on a wall, first prepare the surface by cleaning and priming it. Then, apply thinset mortar to the wall using a notched trowel. Press the tiles into the mortar, spacing them evenly with tile spacers. Allow the mortar to dry, then grout the tiles by spreading grout over them and wiping off excess with a damp sponge. Finally, seal the grout to finish the installation.
What happens if you make a mistake and use non sanded grout in a ceramic tile joint of one quarter inch?
Non Sanded grout can be used in any size grout joint but is ideal in smaller joints usually up to 1/4" The main draw back to using unsanded grout in larger joints is that it may crack over time. If you are unwilling to remove all the grout and use a sanded grout, it is best to make sure the grout is cured and sealed properly to limit and minimize cracking.
How do you re grout tile floor?
It is somewhat painstaking. There is a grout removal tool available at most big box hardware stores. It is basically a handsaw that uses hardened aggregate applied to the blade instead of teeth. You have to shave each joint down to a level below the surface that a new grout can be applied to and adhere (about 1/8" for non-sanded grout and 1/4" for sanded grout). If you are changing grout colors, you will want to use an acid (muriatic acid) to wash down the joint edges to remove any small amounts of the old grout at the surface edge that remain, prior to new grout installation. Because you are not installing the new grout to the full tile depth, it is advisable to use a latex additive to prevent cracking.
How do you grout floor tile?
It is somewhat painstaking. There is a grout removal tool available at most big box hardware stores. It is basically a handsaw that uses hardened aggregate applied to the blade instead of teeth. You have to shave each joint down to a level below the surface that a new grout can be applied to and adhere (about 1/8" for non-sanded grout and 1/4" for sanded grout). If you are changing grout colors, you will want to use an acid (muriatic acid) to wash down the joint edges to remove any small amounts of the old grout at the surface edge that remain, prior to new grout installation. Because you are not installing the new grout to the full tile depth, it is advisable to use a latex additive to prevent cracking.
What type mortar and grout do you use for travertine?
You will want to use a medium base WHITE mud for laying your tile. The medium base will allow you to make adjustments to level the tile and you must use white to prevent the mud from staining the tile. Keep in mind this is a natural stone. As far as the grout goes, I recommend using 3/16 to 1/8 spacers and make sure you use a sandless grout. A grout that has sand in it will scratch your tile when you float it in. Again, this is a natural stone. Do not forget to seal your tile immediately after installation and continue to do so as needed. Also, make sure you regularly clean your tile. If you spill anything clean it up immediately and do not use anything acidic as it will stain or discolor your tile. Other than that, you will enjoy your travertine for many, many years. Good Luck.
What grout is used for floor tile?
Most often, sanded grout is used for floor tiles because the grout lines are usually greater than 1/8" wide. Sanded grout is necessary for the wider lines to give added strength, and to keep your grout from cracking and chipping out. Unsanded grout must be used if your grout lines are narrower than 1/8", because the grains of sand in sanded grout could cause air pockets and prevent good adhesion to your tiles - and it will crack and chip out as well. Sanded and unsanded grouts are cement-based. One alternative grout on the market is epoxy-based. It is neither sanded nor unsanded, but will work fine in either narrow or wider grout lines. If your grout lines are wider than 1/2", or if you are using saltillo tiles, you must use saltillo grout. Other grouts will not handle this wider width.
How to install tile over tile?
To install tile over existing tile, first clean and roughen the surface of the old tile. Apply a bonding agent, then spread thin-set mortar over the old tile. Place the new tile on top, pressing firmly to ensure adhesion. Grout the tiles once the mortar has dried.
Can thin set mortar be substituted for tile grout?
Nope, Mortar & Cement (Thinset) are two different types of setting materials & respond differently to stress & compression.
