Grouting a backsplash brings the whole look together, seals the tile joints, and protects the wall from moisture damage. While grouting may seem daunting, especially for first-timers, it’s an essential step that’s easier than it looks with the right materials and techniques. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know for how to grout a backsplash successfully.
Materials Needed
Before starting any grouting project, ensure you have all the necessary materials on hand:
- Grout – Cement-based or epoxy grout designed for walls
- Grout float – A trowel-like tool used to spread grout
- Grout bucket – For mixing grout
- Grout sponge – A porous sponge for wiping excess grout
- Clean water – For mixing grout and cleaning
- Rags/towels – For wiping and drying as you grout
- Painter’s tape – To protect countertops and edges
- Caulking gun – If using silicone for perimeter caulking
- Silicone sealant – To seal joints between tile and fixtures
Step 1: Prepare the Tile Surface
Proper surface prep helps the grout adhere evenly and permanently. Ensure the tile adhesive or mortar has cured fully per manufacturer directions before grouting, usually 24-48 hours. Remove any spacers between tiles. Check for any cracked, loose or missing tiles and re-adhere or replace them if needed.
Use a damp sponge to wipe away any dust, dirt or debris on the tile and in the joints. This ensures a clean surface for the grout to bind to. Allow the tile to dry completely before beginning to grout.
Step 2: Apply Painter’s Tape
Apply painter’s tape around the edges of the backsplash area to protect the countertops, walls, or any adjacent surfaces from wayward grout. Avoid leaving gaps in the tape or getting too close to the tile edges. Press the tape down firmly for the best hold.
Step 3: Mix the Grout
Prepare the grout mix according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Typically you’ll add a powdered grout to a measured amount of clean, cool water in a bucket and mix to a smooth, thick consistency. Only mix as much grout as you can use within 30 minutes.
If using epoxy grout, be sure to follow the specific mixing directions. Epoxy cures much more quickly than cement grout.
Avoid adding too much water as this can weaken the grout and cause cracking, crumbling, or color variations. Don’t mix up too stiff a batch either. The grout needs to be able to flow easily into the joints.
Step 4: Apply the Grout
Using a Grout Float:
Hold the grout float at a 45° angle and use it to force the grout diagonally into the joints, pressing firmly to fill them completely and remove any air pockets.
Work in small sections of around 4-6 square feet so the grout stays workable. Spread excess grout over the tiles outside the joints as you go.
Using a Grout Bag:
Fill a grout bag (or plastic bag with a corner snipped off) with grout. Squeeze the bag gently to force the grout into the joints in a smooth, continuous motion.
Reload the bag frequently and keep the opening flat against the tile to avoid gaps. Grout bags allow you to fill the joints neatly and evenly with less mess.
Step 5: Let the Grout Harden Slightly
Allow the applied grout to firm up for about 10-15 minutes. Dampen a grout sponge with clean water and wring it out well. You want it moist but not overly wet.
Step 6: Wipe the Tiles Clean
Gently wipe diagonally across the tiles with the damp sponge to remove excess grout and smooth the joints. Rinse the sponge frequently to avoid spreading dirty grout residue.
Work in small sections and wipe each area only once; repeating the wiping can pull grout out of filled joints. Allow the cleaned sections to dry for 30-60 minutes before moving on.
Step 7: Final Polish
Once all excess grout has been cleaned off and the tiles are dry, go over the entire surface with a dry towel to remove any remaining haze or residue. Buff the tiles gently to polish them and bring back their natural color if needed.
Step 8: Remove the Tape
Carefully peel off the painter’s tape from countertops, edges, and walls before the grout fully dries. Going slowly helps prevent pulling any grout out of the joints. Clean up any smudges immediately with a damp sponge.
Step 9: Cure the Grout
Allow the grout to cure fully for 24-48 hours without getting wet. Avoid heavy cleaning or scrubbing during this time. Refer to manufacturer curing guidelines for specific times.
Grout that gets damp before curing fully can develop weak spots and cracks over time. Running kitchen or bathroom fans during the curing process helps speed drying.
Step 10: Seal the Grout (Optional)
Sealing cement grout is an optional additional step that adds stain protection. Use a specialty grout sealer made for walls and follow label directions carefully. Apply two thin coats with a clean cloth, waiting 30 minutes between coats.
Avoid wiping or cleaning the grout for at least 72 hours after sealing to allow it to cure completely. Reapply sealer at least once a year for ongoing protection.
Step 11: Caulk Perimeter Joints
Once grouting is complete, fill any joints between the edges of the tile and countertops, walls, or fixtures with a flexible silicone caulk. Apply with a caulking gun, tool the caulk smooth, and allow a full 24 hours to cure before getting wet.
Proper caulking prevents water from getting behind the tile and causing damage over time. Match the caulk color to the grout for the most seamless look.
Grout Backsplash FAQs
Still have some questions about grouting a backsplash? Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:
Should I use sanded or unsanded grout?
In general, unsanded grout is best for grout joints 1/8″ or less, like those between standard backsplash tiles. It provides a smoother finish.
Use sanded grout for wider grout lines over 1/8″. The fine sand particles in sanded grout help fill larger joints.
Always check your tile manufacturer’s recommendations on which grout to use. Some natural stone tiles require unsanded grout to avoid scratching.
What color grout should I choose?
Pick a grout color that matches or complements the tile color for the most cohesive look. If your tiles are highly patterned, a neutral grout color like white or gray blends in without competing.
Dark grout can make a small space feel more closed in, while light grout keeps things airy. Sample grout colors on a spare tile before finalizing your choice.
Can I grout over existing old grout?
It’s best to remove old failing grout before regrouting to allow fresh grout to adhere properly in the joint. Use a grout saw, Dremel tool, or sharp utility knife to carefully scrape out the old grout at least halfway down the joints.
Only grout over intact existing grout if a tile replacement isn’t feasible and after ensuring the old grout is well-bonded.
How soon can I get the backsplash wet?
Cement grout needs 24-48 hours to cure before getting wet. Epoxy grout cures more quickly but still needs 6-12 hours. Avoid cleaning, wiping or exposing the grout to moisture during the curing period to prevent weak spots.
After curing, the grout should withstand regular backsplash use. Still go gentle on heavy scrubbing for another week to avoid damaging soft grout joints.
What’s the white powder on my grout joints?
A white, chalky grout haze or efflorescence can develop as cement grout dries. It’s harmless mineral deposits left behind. Gently buff the haze away with a dry cloth once the grout has cured. Using too much water while cleaning grout can worsen hazing.
Why are my grout lines cracking?
Cracking or crumbling grout is often due to improper curing conditions. Ensure new grout doesn’t get wet prematurely. Grout can also crack if the joint spacing exceeds manufacturer guidelines. Using too stiff or dry a grout mixture can leave it brittle and prone to cracks over time.
How do I remove old grout for tile repairs?
Use a grout removal blade on a rotary tool to carefully scrape out old grout without damaging the tiles themselves. Go slowly to avoid cracking tiles or pulling them loose. Vinegar or grout removal chemicals also soften and dissolve old grout for easier removal.
Always test chemical strippers on an inconspicuous area first. Re-grout repaired sections to match the rest of the backsplash.
Grouting Backsplash Tile like a Pro
Grouting backsplash tile successfully just takes a little know-how and preparation. Keep these pro tips in mind for the smoothest grouting experience:
- Pick a day with low humidity when possible for easier clean up and curing.
- Kneepads provide comfort when working on the floor for an extended period.
- Have plenty of clean rags and water on hand before mixing grout.
- Work in manageable sections so you can completely clean each before moving on.
- Minimize mess by keeping a wet edge as you grout and wiping up spills promptly.
- Apply grout sealer once fully cured for extra moisture and stain protection.
- If regrouting, inspect failing grout to determine if issues like leaks are causing problems.
- Imperfections like occasional air bubbles or uneven joints are normal and won’t affect durability.
- Relax perfectionist tendencies for your sanity! Grout is meant to just be a neat, clean fill between tiles.
With proper tools, techniques, and realistic expectations, you can achieve gorgeous, long-lasting results and check grouting your backsplash tile off your list. Just take your time and don’t stress the small stuff. Before you know it, you’ll be enjoying an eye-catching, water-resistant accent wall that increases your space’s style factor.