Grouting Glass Tile: Tips and Mistakes to Avoid

Blue, glass wall tile decorating a bathroom.

A completed glass tile job can provide an elegant and beautiful look for your home. However, the job will not be completed until it is grouted. Grouting glass tile is a skill that can be done by anyone with a little bit of knowledge.

1. Take Your Time

Many of the mistakes that occur while grouting glass tile comes from rushing through the process too fast. While you do have to do the work before the grout dries out, you have plenty of time to do it without rushing. Be deliberate with your motions and make sure that you distribute the grout evenly throughout the project.

2. Use the Proper Motion

When installing grout in your tile job, you should use the proper motion to make sure that the grout goes in all the joints evenly. Start out by swiping the grout across the tiles at a 45-degree angle. Finish up with a back and forth motion. This will ensure that all of the material gets to where it needs to go.

3. Use a Sponge

Once you get the grout spread onto the tile, you need to wipe everything down with a sponge. A sponge will help you remove excess on the top of the glass tiles. It will also help you even out the grout in the joints for a smooth, finished appearance as well.

Mistakes to Avoid

In addition to following the above tips, make sure you avoid these common mistakes.

1. Haze Problems

Many times, after grouting glass tile, you will notice a haze that starts to develop on top. When this happens, you need to wipe them down with a soft cloth. This will help remove the haze and give the glass tile a much cleaner look.

2. Using the Surface Too Early

After you grout the tile, you should avoid walking on it or using it until the grout is completely dry. You will want to allow two to three days for it to cure fully. If you use the surface before the grout has set, you could risk removing it in small pieces.

If you have to walk on the tile during that time period, consider covering it with a sheet of plywood. This will give you a hard surface to walk or work on while protecting the grout underneath.

3. Using the Wrong Grout

Whenever you grout glass tile, follow the manufacturer's recommendations. Some of them recommend using sanded grout, while others use unsanded. If you're installing a glass mosaic tile with very small grout lines, it is typically best to use unsanded grout. It provides a smoother substance that fits in the small joints much easier than the sanded type.

4. Not Sealing the Grout

Once you're done grouting and the tile is dry, you should seal the grout in order to keep it clean. Sealing it will help prevent dirt from getting in the joints and keep it from staining.