Grouting a brick backsplash can add an elegant finished look to your kitchen or bathroom. With the right materials and techniques, you can achieve a seamless and long-lasting brick backsplash grout that enhances the beauty of the bricks. This guide will walk you through the entire process of grouting a brick backsplash, from preparing the surface to applying and cleaning the grout.
How to Prepare Brick Backsplash for Grouting
Before applying grout to your brick backsplash, the surface needs to be clean and ready to accept the grout. Follow these steps to properly prepare the brick:
Clean the Brick Surface
Use a stiff brush or broom to remove any loose dirt, dust or debris from the surface of the bricks and from between the bricks. You want the bricks to be entirely free of any material that could prevent the grout from adhering properly.
Check for Damage or Holes
Inspect the bricks closely and look for any cracks, chips, holes or gaps in the surface. Use a sealing agent or caulk to fill any small holes or gaps between bricks. This will prevent grout from leaking through.
Remove any Excess Mortar
If there are areas with excess mortar or uneven joints between the bricks, scrape or chisel away the excess to create a flat, uniform surface. The grout will not bond correctly over bulges of old mortar.
Allow Mortar to Cure
Ensure any new mortar between the brick joints is fully cured, usually about 28 days. Do not grout over fresh mortar or the grout color may be affected.
Dampen the Surface
Use a sponge or spray bottle to lightly dampen the bricks before grouting. This helps prevent the bricks from absorbing water too quickly from the grout.
Choosing the Right Grout for Brick
For grouting most brick backsplashes, an unsanded grout is best. Here’s how to choose:
Use Unsanded Grout
Unsanded grout contains finely ground particles that can slip easily into narrow brick joints. Unsanded grout is ideal for grout joints 1/8 inch or less.
Choose Color
White or off-white unsanded grout provides a classic, clean finish. For a more decorative look, choose colored or even metallic unsanded grout.
Purchase Pre-mixed Grout
Using pre-mixed grout helps ensure you get the right grout consistency. Mixing powdered grout requires carefully measuring powder, pigment, and water.
Avoid Sanded Grout
Sanded grout has sand or other aggregates that allow it to bond well in wider joints. Do not use sanded grout for brick backsplashes or it could scratch the brick surfaces.
Grout Application Tools and Supplies
Gather the necessary tools and supplies before starting your brick backsplash grouting project:
- Grout float – For applying grout into joints
- Grout rake – To work grout into tight brick joints
- Grout sponge – For wiping up excess grout
- Grout sealing sponge – For final grout haze removal
- Buckets for grout, water, sponge rinsing
- Grout sealer
- Painter’s tape
- Drop cloths
Mixing and Applying Grout to Brick
With your materials assembled, it’s time to mix up the grout and apply it to the brickwork:
Mix the Grout
In a bucket, mix the grout per manufacturer directions, usually by pouring in powder and then adding water. Mix to a thick, peanut butter-like consistency.
Apply Grout With Float
Hold the grout float at a 45° angle and firmly press grout into the joints, filling completely. Apply in small sections so the grout stays workable.
Pack With Grout Rake
After grouting a section, pack the joints tightly using the grout rake. Move diagonally across bricks for the best compacting.
Remove Excess Grout
Wipe diagonal across bricks with the grout sponge to remove excess grout sitting on the surface of the bricks. Rinse sponge frequently.
Shape and Smooth Joints
Once excess is removed, shape and smooth the grout with corner edges of the sponge for a neat appearance. Go slow to avoid pulling grout from joints.
Allow Grout to Firm Up
Let the applied grout sit for about 15 minutes. The grout should be dry enough that it does not come out of the joints. Do not let it fully dry.
Cleaning and Sealing Grouted Brick
After allowing the grout to firm up, the final steps are cleaning and sealing:
Clean With Sponge
Wipe a lightly damp grout sponge diagonally across bricks to clean off haze and polish the surface. Rinse sponge frequently to remove haze.
Final Clean With Sealing Sponge
For stubborn haze, use a grout sealing sponge in a circular motion. This special sponge helps clean grout without pulling it from joints.
Allow to Fully Cure
Leave the grouted backsplash undisturbed for 72 hours. This allows grout to cure completely so it gains full strength.
Seal Grout
Once fully cured, apply a penetrating grout sealer using a small foam brush. This protects the grout from stains and makes cleaning easier.
And that completes the process for grouting a brick backsplash! With careful grout application and cleaning, your backsplash will have a crisp, uniform appearance.
FAQs About Grouting Brick Backsplash
What kind of grout should be used on a brick backsplash?
For most brick backsplashes, use an unsanded grout. Unsanded grout has finely ground particles that can fit easily into narrow grout joints. Avoid sanded grout, which has larger particles that could scratch brick.
How soon can I clean the grout off brick after applying?
Wait about 10 to 15 minutes after grouting to allow the grout to firm up slightly. This makes it easier to clean off excess grout without pulling it out of the joints.
What is the best way to apply grout into brick joints?
Use a grout float held at a 45° angle to fully pack joints with grout. Follow with a grout rake across bricks diagonally to help compress the grout into the joints.
How long does brick backsplash grout need to cure?
Allow 72 hours for the grout to fully cure and reach maximum strength. Avoid wiping or cleaning the grouted backsplash during this time.
Should grout between bricks be sealed?
Yes, applying a penetrating grout sealer is highly recommended. Sealer protects the grout from absorbing stains and makes the grouted backsplash much easier to clean.
Tips for Achieving Flawless Brick Backsplash Grout
Grouting brick can elevate your backsplash when done properly. Keep these tips in mind for the best results:
- Always dampen old brick before grouting to prevent absorption of water from grout. This helps grout cure uniformly.
- When mixing grout, be precise in measurements and mix to a thick, peanut butter consistency. This helps prevent cracking.
- Pack joints tightly with the grout rake to avoid voids or gaps, especially on uneven old brick.
- Wipe diagonals across the brick when removing excess grout to prevent pulling grout from joints.
- Apply grout sealer only after grout has fully cured for 72 hours to achieve the best penetration.
- If re-grouting an existing backsplash, use a grout saw to remove old grout at least 1/4 inch down before applying new grout.
Achieving an Eye-Catching Brick Backsplash
Grouting is the finishing step that can make or break the beauty of your brick backsplash. By properly packing the joints and cleaning the surface, you can highlight the unique character of brick. Complementary grout color and professionally applied sealing will leave your backsplash with a cohesive, polished look.
With the right approach and techniques, you can have stunning grout lines that seamlessly enhance the brickwork. Go slow, focus on consistency, and work in small sections for flawless results. Once completed, your gorgeously grouted brick backsplash will be a focal point providing timeless style.