Tile grout in the bathroom: which is better to choose and how to use?

The leader in popularity in the decoration of the bathroom is always ceramic tiles. She has not only a beautiful appearance. It is inherent resistant to moisture, which is important for bathrooms with their high humidity. Laying tiles seamlessly is not possible, therefore, a competent approach to the choice of grouting compounds is required, a huge assortment of which the construction market offers.

The tile laying process is completed by jointing. And how well the interior decoration will be done depends on both the professionalism of the employee and the mixture used to putty the joints. Trowellings are also used for decorative purposes. If the jointing is performed flawlessly, the tile is correctly selected and correctly laid, then the surface will look excellent. Properly selected grouting composition can also correct laying flaws.

But the decoration function is far from the key. There is a need to protect tile adhesive from moisture. The service life of the finish will increase significantly. Professionally made joint putty is an excellent barrier to the appearance of fungus and mold.

All grouts have their own characteristics, which must be known and taken into account in the process of work, because its different types cope with the tasks with varying degrees of success.

Currently, there are 2 types of mixtures for jointing, which perfectly copes with sealing:

• based on cement;
• based on resin.

The former consists only of Portland cement or Portland cement with added sand. But just a cement mortar has established itself as an unreliable means, because from high humidity it quickly darkens and is prone to mold. Therefore, at present, manufacturers improve the properties of such a mixture by adding various components and plasticizers to the main substance.

The color spectrum of these mixtures is limited. Only 2 shades are present in them: white and gray. This mixture is made in the form of a dry powder and needs to be diluted with water.

Resin-based formulations are subdivided into several subspecies.

• Epoxy materials are moisture resistant and therefore are in great demand. Moisture resistance is achieved due to the two-component composition of epoxy resin and cement mortar. It is this composition that ensures high-quality filling of the seams, thereby completely blocking access to moisture.

• Silicone grout is a sealant. It is not intended for sealing joints between tiles, but is used only to isolate tile masonry from plumbing. This sealant, in conditions of constant dampness in the room, will darken and become covered with fungus over time, so experts do not recommend using it in a bathroom with its high humidity.

• Many professionals use easy-to-apply polyurethane fugues in the bathroom with increased moisture resistance.. In terms of quality characteristics, they are also similar to conventional sealants, but in contrast to them they have additives that protect the seams from mold and fungal infections.

• The choice of a latex-based paste, which has a huge palette of bright colors, is justified for puttying joints on tiles with unusual shades. With this option, there are no problems with the selection of grout of the desired color. She will emphasize the effect of the texture and design of ceramics. Color will not lose brightness over the years. Latex grouts are characterized by good tolerance of temperature differences and ease of application. They can be used in any room.

• Furan mixtures are almost identical to epoxy. But surpass them in characteristics, as they are resistant to acids. They are little in demand because of the dark color. They also react to household chemicals, while emitting harmful substances, therefore they are not recommended for use in residential premises and in the domestic sphere.

The most popular products of the following brands:

• Henkel Concern Ceresit;
• epoxy grouts Kerapoxy, Ultracolor Plus of the Italian company MAPEI;
• mixtures of ATLAS Polish concern.

These manufacturers of finishing mixtures produce all their types and all colors. They use special components of their own development in their products: antifungal additives, biocide concentrates, water-repellent mastics, anti-mildew, waterproof (in which water flows down), an organic additive (fights fungi and prevents the development of spores), latex additives for hardening cement mixtures.

The products of these companies are expensive, but this is a guarantee of the highest quality material, which will not lose its original properties over the years. Other manufacturers of the most purchased grouts are firms Weber-Vetonit, Litochrome, Knauf, Unis, Litokol, Sopro, Vetonit Deco, Kiilto and Isomat.

Correctly selected trowel mix in colors will give an aesthetic appearance and the effect of completeness to the bathroom, and interior dignity and decoration will make it more expressive.

• There is a rule with the help of which it is very easy to simulate a single surface in small rooms: the seams are decorated in the same tone with the laid tiles. And in the case when multicolor or patterned tiles are used, the putty should have a dominant shade. And, on the contrary, seams with too variegated ceramics do not stand out.
• When choosing contrasting shades of fugue, the emphasis on the geometric pattern of tiles and the bathroom itself is enhanced. The same principle can be applied if necessary to focus on each tile element.
• The use of seam putty in bright and saturated colors can give a special expressiveness to the bathroom.
• If the plumbing in the bathroom is traditionally white, and it is lined with dark tiles, then the white color of the grout is the most advantageous option.
• As for the design of the surfaces with a mosaic pattern, in this case soft pastel tones are preferred, which combine well with white and other shades. A combination of pastel shades with natural and neutral colors will look very advantageous. When mosaic facing the bathroom, do not forget about the use of flickering, pearly placeholders. You can experiment with chameleon mixtures, very attractive and suitable for any color of the cladding.
• When using transparent compositions, it is necessary to lay the tile on white glue to avoid transmission through the putty.
• A universal white shade will suit any coating and will be a win-win solution. The only exception is not to use the white puffer on the floor, where it quickly gets dirty.
• The brightest colors in latex and epoxy grouts. They add modifying components and varnishes to give them spectacular overflows. Such compositions look great between shiny or glazed ceramic tiles.

The jointing is used to protect, support and frame the edges of the tiles and allows to improve the quality of the work performed, to achieve strength and aesthetics of the type of coating. It is necessary to analyze all existing varieties of fugue and their properties before the necessary purchase is made. A diverse range of tiles, their composition and design - all this directly determines the choice of grouting materials.

It is also necessary to take into account the basis of the composition, the scope, its color and manufacturer. In addition, a comparative analysis of some indicators will help you choose the right material.

• The maximum ease of preparation and ease of use for cement fugues, the greatest complexity of application and the complexity of the work - for epoxy.
• The greatest strength and wear resistance are in polyurethane compositions, the lesser is in cement mixtures.
• The best moisture resistance, water resistance and water repellent are in polyurethane, epoxy and silicone fugues, and the lowest hygroscopicity in cement.
• Shrinkage is completely absent in silicone fugue, the rate is lower for epoxy materials, and the greatest shrinkage is for cement mixtures.
• The quick drying of the silicone fugue even complicates the application, the hardening of cement putties is much longer.
• Good elasticity in silicone and epoxy fugues. It is completely absent in cement.
• Epoxy and latex grouts are resistant to temperature jumps.
• Silicone fugue has excellent adhesion, the weakest adhesion is in cement mix.
• Epoxy and latex grouts have a wide selection of colors. It is small in cement.
• Epoxy fugue is aesthetic, does not require antifungal treatment, it has no pores.
• The cheapest are cement fugues, the average price is epoxy, the highest price is polyurethane fugue.

Disadvantages of grout mixtures are also available. So, for example, polyurethane fugues react to chlorine in detergents, and this reaction can destroy the grout, and the epoxy fugue is difficult to wash without additional costs. The greatest susceptibility to contamination in silicone and cement grout. After working with latex putty, it is difficult to wash off stains, seams are not cleaned with steam.

Therefore, an important indicator when choosing is resistance to the formation of various household stains that are difficult to wash out. And for floor tiles, resistance to abrasion of joints is necessary. Fugues for the bathroom should be moisture resistant, have antiseptic and antibacterial properties: from the humidity in the bathrooms, the seams are the first to get dirty.

Contribute to the correct selection of information indicated by the manufacturer on the container. When buying, you need to pay attention to physical characteristics: consistency uniformity, storage conditions and shelf life, container tightness. If there are lumps in the mixture, this means that the storage conditions or the integrity of the packaging are violated. Lumps indicate increased humidity of the mixture. Must also check color matching with the one shown on the package. Overdue shelf life - a good reason to refuse the goods.

Putty for joints is sold as a dry mortar or paste. Before use, it is mixed with liquid to the state of density necessary according to the instructions. Ready-made formulations can be used immediately after purchase. No additional time is required to prepare the desired substance. Pack them in plastic containers.

The most economical are dry powders. Part of the grout is taken from the container in the right amount, and the remainder can be stored for a long time. When using the mixture, it is necessary to take into account the material, structure, color palette of the tile and the features of its operation.

• Glass or mosaic ceramics framed by epoxy fugue. This grout can also serve as glue.
• For glossy tiles or with a pattern a fine fugue will be made of finely ground cement, mixtures with the addition of latex, polyurethane mastics that do not damage the surface of the tile.
• At work with porcelain stoneware It is strictly forbidden to use liquid fugues: the liquid is absorbed into the tile. Cement putty with a matching tone will be the best option. However, this type of putty has a significant drawback: low resistance to water. Do not use it in bathrooms or with joint widths greater than 5 mm.
• For facing the bathroom you need more resistant compounds, for example, polyurethane. And for tile seams on the wall, the best option is epoxy grout. This fugue does not react with chemicals and will allow the use of a variety of detergents. However, the application of epoxy materials requires a lot of experience.

About what grouting there are for tiles in the bathroom, see the next video.