Finishing grout lines

[siremastimus]

What do people think is the best way to finish off grout lines, do the pros use their finger/plastic pipe or just leave it to a light wipe over with the sponge rather than specifically working the lines with their finger or tool? Thanks

 

[Andy Allen]

light wipe down or across the line with a damp sponge for me...

 

[Tony73]

as andy allen said, damp sponge

 

[White Room]

Damp sponge also.....

 

[Brian the Tile]

got to use a rounded end implement imo nine is a piece of wood whittled down and rounded ,but you can buy them from all good tile shops just cant think what they are called at the mo

 

[widler]

got to use a rounded end implement imo nine is a piece of wood whittled down and rounded ,but you can buy them from all good tile shops just cant think what they are called at the mo

tile grout line thingies will do

i just use a sponge as well

 

[EverDon Tiling]

Sponge for me

 

[Peter]

Good quality hydro sponge does the trick. In some instances where tiles have a deep bevel I would rake down with something suitable first to help the sponge along.

 

[siremastimus]

Thanks people, sponge it is then. At what stage do you wipe the grout lines, after you have applied the grout and allowed to dry for 10 mins or so, or before this point?

 

[d noulton]

sponge for me at 45% to the grout line

 

[Tony73]

about 20min, but have to keap checking, as different make grout drying differently

 

[siremastimus]

OK thanks so does this look correct:

Apply grout and work into gaps using float corners

Remove excess grout with float (long edge primarily)

Allow to dry for about 10 - 20 mins or so and then wipe of diagonally with sponge and lightly down joints with sponge

Once fully dried wipe over again to remove haze etc

Thanks

 

[Peter]

Depends on the grout type, make, tile, room temperature etc for when to wipe off. Best time is when the joint has started to stiffen up and is not watery or going into pinholes - usually when it starts to cake on the tile. Better testing every few minutes if you're not sure. Check if the tile needs sealing before grouting too.

Then a second wash with clean water a few hours later and finally buff up with a terry cloth next day.

 

[bugs183]

As above.
We either strike our joints with a bluntened stick, but some tiles suit going over just with a sponge.
The grout type makes a difference, especially modified types. These need a damp wipe over an area 1-2m2 just to break the polymers down so they don't stick to the tile face, then you can go over with more detail.
Best do about 1m2 then see how the grout is drying, everyday is different!
Then as above, wash again, then buff up.