At first glance, choosing a mixture to fill the joints between the tiles is a simple and quick task. Manufacturers are doing everything to make the whole process seem easy, however, in any case, some steps will have to be performed independently. Each surface, room, external conditions, color design - these are the nuances about strength, moisture resistance, acceptable temperature, external qualities and much more. Professional advice will help you decide on these issues. Before buying and manufacturing the mortar, the features of the tile and the width of the seams are taken into account - to select the material itself and calculate the required mass. It is better to entrust the above tasks to the master, however, basic knowledge is enough for independent work. The result of the finish will embody the final appearance of the surfaces. Apply grout for facing facades, walls of the bathroom and kitchen, as well as industrial premises, pool walls.
Tile grout is a composition for finishing joints. The multicomponent mixture includes mineral bases, pigments of natural origin and modifying substances. Among the regulators there are additives to protect against low temperatures, increase ductility, prevent cracking of the upper layer and other important qualities. Functionality is divided into two components: protective and decorative. The multipurpose protection functions are waterproofing of the ends and protection from the adverse effects of the external environment, primarily temperature contrasts. Grout as a decorating element forms the aesthetic appearance of the composition, creates a holistic picture. The composition is used to complement the tint range of tiles or color contrast. As a result, several additional design solutions appear.
Types of grout
The main types are cement and epoxy aggregates, but the following are also common on the farm:
polyurethane;
latex;
furan.
Cement mixes perfectly proved to be in life. Their properties are regulated with the help of sand - the finished mixes for the application are significantly different. Solutions are used for joints of small, medium and large widths. The color palette of cement mixtures is also diverse. However, the effect of water on the grout leads to the formation of browning, as well as mold and fungus.Epoxy mixtures are durable and resistant to adverse conditions such as pollution and high humidity. The material does not tolerate extreme temperatures. However, it guarantees absolute protection against the penetration and influence of water. Due to its basis, latex fugues are in demand on external surfaces subject to increased mechanical stress. Furan grouts provide high-strength bonding, but lack decorative features.
Cement
In this case, in addition to the cement itself, sand is sometimes used. For resistance to moisture and frost, additional components are used. Cement grouts are perfect for the role of composite for 5 mm and narrower joints. Fugues with sand additives are used to fill wide gaps. Cement grouts are easy to use, because they are easily diluted and do not have a harmful effect on the tile. The surface of the hardened material, in turn, is resistant to mechanical stress. A cement-based mixture is a good option for domestic premises. In addition, the color palette is represented by many options. The disadvantage of solutions is moisture vulnerability. Therefore, treatment with antiseptics is required. If you have any doubts when choosing a grout, it is better to dwell on a gray or beige aggregate.
Epoxy
Such placeholders have appeared relatively recently. Epoxy grouts withstand mechanical stress better than many other options. Distinctive features of the material are absolute vapor and water resistance and chemical inertness. Recommended application environment - quickly polluting places - boiler rooms, garages. At the same time grouts do not worse manifest themselves under the conditions of constant exposure to water and various biological factors - in laundries, showers, pools. There will not appear mold or fungus.Epoxy mass prevents plaque and repainting without loss of properties due to the influence of detergents, oils and ultraviolet radiation. All these advantages, however, will not protect against high and low temperatures. Grouts of some grades withstand conditions from -20 to +100 ° C. Important! Epoxy grouts are also used as glue.
Polyurethane
Polyurethane grout is an aqueous dispersion of resins. The material is designed to form hydrophobic joints. Some modifications are combined with natural stone, and not just with tiles or porcelain stoneware, however, with a joint width of not more than 6 mm. Polyurethane material is used for places with high levels of vibration. The resulting seam is also resistant to minor deformations of the tiled coating itself. The product is sold ready to use, and its residues are easily removed from surfaces. The color of the grout remains unchanged. Variations of polyurethane aggregates possess such qualities as self-leveling, fire resistance, elasticity, fluidity, etc. Polyurethane polymers and hardeners are a part of mixtures. The components of a part of the polyurethane line have an irritating effect on the human body.
Latex
Fugue-diluted latex is more elastic. Greater ductility helps fill the entire joint, including microscopic recesses - cracks and voids will not appear in the masonry. The structure of the latex mixture resists moisture. The compressive and bending strength of such aggregates is higher than that of conventional cement. Due to these qualities, they are used to fill a few centimeters wide joints. The portability of different temperature conditions allows the use of the material on open balconies and a heated field. Aggregates change color due to the effects of cleaning products, despite the fact that they remain in principle for a long time. Latex is used between tiles and wood.The high adhesion index makes it possible to use latex aggregates for facade decoration. The components of mixtures affect a person to a lesser extent than polyurethane.
Furan
Furan resin grouts are mostly black in color, so they are used in commercial, warehouse and industrial premises. The operational and chemical properties are similar to epoxy and cement aggregates, and occupy a middle position between them. Due to the extremely high adhesiveness, application to the surface is accompanied by difficulties. It is necessary to wipe the remaining traces as quickly as possible, and pre-process the tile with wax or other fat-containing substance. Furan fillers are a durable and inexpensive material, and the aforementioned adhesion allows you to interact qualitatively with any building materials. Furan joints are characterized by high strength, resistance to sunlight and acidic environment. The main problems are limited color gamut and difficulties in decorating.
Grouting Options
The material is used on walls, floors, facades, in damp rooms and at various objects in open space. For each place of application, the company provided the optimal chemical composition. At home, 2 types of mixtures are mainly exploited: on a cement basis and with the use of epoxy. The first option - the most widely used and affordable, the second - is needed in a chemically active environment and valuable for its qualities important for design techniques. Another significant point is the gap between the masonry elements. The wider it is, the more pronounced adhesive ability will be required, and the larger the fractions. The structure of the tile introduces its own limitations in the selection of aggregate. Too active or inert solution is unacceptable for one or another tile. The shade of the grout is also important - the design of the room depends on it. The key value is assigned to the lightness / darkness parameter.Sales consultants at points of sale will tell you how to choose a grout for a particular type of tile. The right choice of placeholder is associated with such additional nuances:
On a small sample, the color looks lighter than in a large decorated room.
Grout is often chosen for the lightest / darkest color of the tile, but at the same time a half-tone lighter.
Tiles are bought both under the color of the tile, and under the furniture.
Appointment
Studying the characteristics of the compounds will help you choose the perfect option for the job. For relatively dry places like a kitchen apron, walls in the bathroom and toilet, simple cement aggregates are also suitable. Greater stability grouts, such as polyurethane and latex, are used in wet conditions. For showers and pools you need dirt-repellent fugues with resistance to mold - epoxy and polyurethane. Take into account the features of the cladding. Vibratory or uneven coatings require flexible composites such as furan, polyurethane and latex. Grouts with special properties are needed for unheated rooms, street finishes and hot floors. You will need options that can tolerate frequent temperature jumps and thermal expansion. Rigid structure aggregates are not suitable in this case.
Seam width
This indicator is indicated on the packages: minimum and maximum values. It remains only to compare the recommendations of different manufacturers. Grouting without minerals is suitable for bottlenecks - 1-3 mm. Small fractions of sand are suitable for filling joints already in 6 mm. Large grooves up to a thickness of 2 cm are wiped with either elastic mixtures or plasticized cementitious compounds. Means with medium and coarse sand are also suitable, but careful control over the proportion of water and dry mix will be required. The thicker the composition, the better. Some owners make a mistake: allocate as little distance as possible to the seams.Because of this, high-quality filling of voids is not always possible. A similar result threatens the ingress of water into the interior and the deterioration of the lining, possibly even the destruction of the coating. If the seams are already made too narrow, you will need a sealant.
Tile Features
Grouting is combined not only with the features of the surface and external conditions, but also with the structure of the tile. For the reason that the aggregate will actively interact with the ends of the tiles. Products with a porous structure or expressive texture are not usually overwritten with highly fluid solutions - otherwise they will go away in excess. Yes, and cleaning the tiles then take more time. Cement-sand options in this case are optimal. Glass tiles and mosaics are designed for rubbing with decorative epoxy compounds. Mortars with abrasives such as sand cannot be used on tiles with a glazed glossy surface or expensive decor. Polyurethane grouts, latex grouts and mixtures with fine cement are appropriate. Almost any type of fugue is suitable for boar tiles, but for external work, as a rule, they choose coarse-grained.
Color
A good color choice is important for the interior. Beautiful grout diversifies even monotonous masonry. Manufacturers make the usual mixes, and options with rich colors and decorative effects. You should know the basic nuances of using a shade of grout. For example, light colors combine drawings on different blocks into one composition. Dark colors underline the placeholder and express texture. Color contrast will highlight each tile as a separate "brick". Solid tiles are decorated with deep-colored grout and decorative inserts of the same properties, preferably in one tone. Fugue under the "chameleon" blends perfectly with multi-colored panels. Metallic color is used in a luxurious interior. The brightness of the finish will enhance the contrasting grout.As for the gaps on the floor, it is better to close them with a dark filler, because any decorating effect will be spoiled by dirt.
Options for using the grout color in the interior
It’s not easy to imagine exactly how grout and tile will look together. Samples at retail outlets facilitate this task. It is also advisable to inspect the interior options on images on the Internet and in catalogs. For example, in the case of a mismatching finish, the fugue in several shades normally looks. Similar tones for uniform seams and coatings create beautiful transitions, soften the environment. Such an atmosphere will allow you to calm down and relax, which is important for the bathroom. Grouting in one tone with the masonry will allow you to design the composition laid down during decoration in one piece. White grout on the same surface is ideal for cramped rooms. The combination of more saturated colors will make the room warmer. The contrast of aggregate and tile underlines various features of the space. Similar techniques are used to express classic design decisions.
Using different grout colors
There are 2 directions for implementing such a combination:
Several color options for grout and tile.
The color is different, not necessarily with sharp contrast.
If you lay a tile of several shades with drawings, it will not be so easy to combine the lines: both with single-color grout, and with several options. You will need accurate, balanced decisions. This kind of “ensemble” has another drawback: the lack of a sense of a single plane. However, the sheer variety of gamma is worth the experiment. More often used a combination of red and white. Patterned, striped and painted “inclusions” are added to them. The design of the room will be in the spirit of color harmony. If you select a multi-colored version of a more regular pattern, then using grouting you can achieve enhanced color perception.Different shades of fugue and tile in a monotonous design - an option for fans of minimalism and unity of space. A good solution for bathrooms of any size. In addition, a lot of time will be saved on the repair.
Tile-like grout
Several shades of color in one place - a guarantee of comfort and tranquility. Of the colors, it is better to choose shades of blue or green, because these palettes are filled with beautiful soft tones. Green is composed with light green, turquoise, mint and herbal flowers. Sky blue, indigo, light purple are added to blue. Smoothly shimmering color - a stylish touch in a modern design. A bathroom, among other things, is not a place for expression. It mainly uses wet colors associated with nature and vegetation. You need to grout the tile with a light composition with a darker tile. The discrepancy in brightness in the opposite direction is a complicated idea. It will be easiest to make a mistake in the choice. As for the tiles, the best option is a coating with a pattern, focusing on the material of manufacture.
Tile and grout of the same color
The greatest possible color similarity provides several advantages. Design then becomes laconic, space - voluminous and unobtrusive. At the same time, the decorative function is shifted to small patterns, drawings on separate squares and a panel - to white, for example, there is a strip with flowers. A bright room will visually increase the space, and with a light frieze it can be rounded, softened. Other vertical surfaces do not need to be matched in color with the walls, and the flooring is darker anyway. Any joints of different colors are covered with a lighter grout. The room may be dark - then the grout is selected several tones lighter. Contrast will not be noticeable even near. The dark interior is intended for certain purposes - expressing style or following fashion trends.
The grout color should be suitably different if two-color tiles are used for the top and bottom of the room.
Contrast grout
Options for contrasting design (the first color is dominant, the second is grouting):
black and white;
blue and white;
brown and white.
The contrast is justified when using deep colors. It is desirable that the seams are narrow, and the tile is large or vice versa - the gaps are the same for small tiles. Contrast basically implies the predominance of a darker color, along with the presence of light objects in the interior. Since the technique in the bathroom is mostly bright - a white bath and a washbasin, there are almost always opportunities for the implementation of contrast cladding. The most traditional example of contrast is black plus white. The palette needs to be supplemented with the details inherent for luxurious execution: expensive lamps, moldings, silk. If the black tone spoils the mood, you may like a different color set. It goes well with white saturated blue color. Many different topics are implemented with it. A classic design is also a pair of brown and white.
The principle of calculating the amount of grout
First of all, we take into account the dimensions of the products. For example, tiles of the same size - this is the width, length and thickness. We determine the ideal width of the inter-tile seam - at the discretion. We take into account the parameters for an area of 1 square. meter. The indicators can be put in one formula for subsequent multiplication by a standard grout density of 1.8 kg / dm³. The last parameter is changed as necessary in either side (the optimal value depends, including on the width of the seam). In theory, several patterns work: a smaller tile area - more grouting, more tile thickness - more grouting, the relief shape of the tile - more, a wider seam - again more. The flow indicated by the manufacturers is calculated for tiles of standard sizes. In practice, the calculation has to be done independently.In the formula itself, the complexity indicators of the machined surface, cuts to pipes, corners, and roughness of the tile are missing.
The best tile grout manufacturers - which company to choose
These include:
Ceresit;
Mapei;
Kiilto;
Atlas
Litocol.
The first brand, Ceresit is one of the leaders in the global market. Henkel, a Ceresit blending company, maintains an affordable price policy and manufactures products for any type of traditional ceramic tile. At the same time, the color palette has about 60 shades. Another grout manufacturer is Mapei, an Italian brand of household and construction chemicals. The company produces raw materials in various price categories, including finishing materials for designer interiors / exteriors. Mapei grouts for places with high humidity quickly become ready, and within two days after surface treatment, water can be let out. The compositions of the Finnish manufacturer Kiilto are suitable for independent work without the participation of a master. Mixtures can be prepared and applied without any difficulty. Polish Atlas aggregates correspond to the main goal of the manufacturer - to produce universal products. Litocol from Italy, in turn, focuses on the decorative properties of solutions in combination with high quality.
Conclusion
Wall cladding has always been given a lot of attention. This is one of the components of the interior, in addition to furniture. Wall grouting is part of the overall design, so you should thoroughly prepare for the selection, preparation and application of the mortar. Even before laying the tiles, they study the parameters - to calculate the amount of grout. In addition to the mass, the volume of the solution is also important - the result of the work is connected with the correctly selected density of the material. Manufacturers make mixtures for different occasions - decorating unremarkable living rooms, kitchens and bathrooms, luxurious interiors, facades, at any price category.The right purchase is possible after taking into account the factors of moisture resistance, tolerance of different temperatures and aesthetics. It is necessary to determine the optimal shade of the grout - the tile is ideally darker than the gaps. After all calculations, a solution is prepared. In work, you need a spatula and a porous sponge. At the end, each tile is carefully cleaned.
At first glance, choosing a mixture to fill the joints between the tiles is a simple and quick task. Manufacturers are doing everything to make the whole process seem easy, however, in any case, some steps will have to be performed independently. Each surface, room, external conditions, color design - these are the nuances about strength, moisture resistance, acceptable temperature, external qualities and much more. Professional advice will help you decide on these issues. Before buying and manufacturing the mortar, the features of the tile and the width of the seams are taken into account - to select the material itself and calculate the required mass. It is better to entrust the above tasks to the master, however, basic knowledge is enough for independent work. The result of the finish will embody the final appearance of the surfaces. Apply grout for facing facades, walls of the bathroom and kitchen, as well as industrial premises, pool walls.
Content
Features: features and composition
Tile grout is a composition for finishing joints. The multicomponent mixture includes mineral bases, pigments of natural origin and modifying substances. Among the regulators there are additives to protect against low temperatures, increase ductility, prevent cracking of the upper layer and other important qualities. Functionality is divided into two components: protective and decorative. The multipurpose protection functions are waterproofing of the ends and protection from the adverse effects of the external environment, primarily temperature contrasts. Grout as a decorating element forms the aesthetic appearance of the composition, creates a holistic picture. The composition is used to complement the tint range of tiles or color contrast. As a result, several additional design solutions appear.
Types of grout
The main types are cement and epoxy aggregates, but the following are also common on the farm:
Cement mixes perfectly proved to be in life. Their properties are regulated with the help of sand - the finished mixes for the application are significantly different. Solutions are used for joints of small, medium and large widths. The color palette of cement mixtures is also diverse. However, the effect of water on the grout leads to the formation of browning, as well as mold and fungus.Epoxy mixtures are durable and resistant to adverse conditions such as pollution and high humidity. The material does not tolerate extreme temperatures. However, it guarantees absolute protection against the penetration and influence of water. Due to its basis, latex fugues are in demand on external surfaces subject to increased mechanical stress. Furan grouts provide high-strength bonding, but lack decorative features.
Cement
In this case, in addition to the cement itself, sand is sometimes used. For resistance to moisture and frost, additional components are used. Cement grouts are perfect for the role of composite for 5 mm and narrower joints. Fugues with sand additives are used to fill wide gaps. Cement grouts are easy to use, because they are easily diluted and do not have a harmful effect on the tile. The surface of the hardened material, in turn, is resistant to mechanical stress. A cement-based mixture is a good option for domestic premises. In addition, the color palette is represented by many options. The disadvantage of solutions is moisture vulnerability. Therefore, treatment with antiseptics is required. If you have any doubts when choosing a grout, it is better to dwell on a gray or beige aggregate.
Epoxy
Such placeholders have appeared relatively recently. Epoxy grouts withstand mechanical stress better than many other options. Distinctive features of the material are absolute vapor and water resistance and chemical inertness. Recommended application environment - quickly polluting places - boiler rooms, garages. At the same time grouts do not worse manifest themselves under the conditions of constant exposure to water and various biological factors - in laundries, showers, pools. There will not appear mold or fungus.Epoxy mass prevents plaque and repainting without loss of properties due to the influence of detergents, oils and ultraviolet radiation. All these advantages, however, will not protect against high and low temperatures. Grouts of some grades withstand conditions from -20 to +100 ° C.
Important! Epoxy grouts are also used as glue.
Polyurethane
Polyurethane grout is an aqueous dispersion of resins. The material is designed to form hydrophobic joints. Some modifications are combined with natural stone, and not just with tiles or porcelain stoneware, however, with a joint width of not more than 6 mm. Polyurethane material is used for places with high levels of vibration. The resulting seam is also resistant to minor deformations of the tiled coating itself. The product is sold ready to use, and its residues are easily removed from surfaces. The color of the grout remains unchanged. Variations of polyurethane aggregates possess such qualities as self-leveling, fire resistance, elasticity, fluidity, etc. Polyurethane polymers and hardeners are a part of mixtures. The components of a part of the polyurethane line have an irritating effect on the human body.
Latex
Fugue-diluted latex is more elastic. Greater ductility helps fill the entire joint, including microscopic recesses - cracks and voids will not appear in the masonry. The structure of the latex mixture resists moisture. The compressive and bending strength of such aggregates is higher than that of conventional cement. Due to these qualities, they are used to fill a few centimeters wide joints. The portability of different temperature conditions allows the use of the material on open balconies and a heated field. Aggregates change color due to the effects of cleaning products, despite the fact that they remain in principle for a long time. Latex is used between tiles and wood.The high adhesion index makes it possible to use latex aggregates for facade decoration. The components of mixtures affect a person to a lesser extent than polyurethane.
Furan
Furan resin grouts are mostly black in color, so they are used in commercial, warehouse and industrial premises. The operational and chemical properties are similar to epoxy and cement aggregates, and occupy a middle position between them. Due to the extremely high adhesiveness, application to the surface is accompanied by difficulties. It is necessary to wipe the remaining traces as quickly as possible, and pre-process the tile with wax or other fat-containing substance. Furan fillers are a durable and inexpensive material, and the aforementioned adhesion allows you to interact qualitatively with any building materials. Furan joints are characterized by high strength, resistance to sunlight and acidic environment. The main problems are limited color gamut and difficulties in decorating.
Grouting Options
The material is used on walls, floors, facades, in damp rooms and at various objects in open space. For each place of application, the company provided the optimal chemical composition. At home, 2 types of mixtures are mainly exploited: on a cement basis and with the use of epoxy. The first option - the most widely used and affordable, the second - is needed in a chemically active environment and valuable for its qualities important for design techniques. Another significant point is the gap between the masonry elements. The wider it is, the more pronounced adhesive ability will be required, and the larger the fractions. The structure of the tile introduces its own limitations in the selection of aggregate. Too active or inert solution is unacceptable for one or another tile. The shade of the grout is also important - the design of the room depends on it. The key value is assigned to the lightness / darkness parameter.Sales consultants at points of sale will tell you how to choose a grout for a particular type of tile.
The right choice of placeholder is associated with such additional nuances:
Appointment
Studying the characteristics of the compounds will help you choose the perfect option for the job. For relatively dry places like a kitchen apron, walls in the bathroom and toilet, simple cement aggregates are also suitable. Greater stability grouts, such as polyurethane and latex, are used in wet conditions. For showers and pools you need dirt-repellent fugues with resistance to mold - epoxy and polyurethane. Take into account the features of the cladding. Vibratory or uneven coatings require flexible composites such as furan, polyurethane and latex. Grouts with special properties are needed for unheated rooms, street finishes and hot floors. You will need options that can tolerate frequent temperature jumps and thermal expansion. Rigid structure aggregates are not suitable in this case.
Seam width
This indicator is indicated on the packages: minimum and maximum values. It remains only to compare the recommendations of different manufacturers. Grouting without minerals is suitable for bottlenecks - 1-3 mm. Small fractions of sand are suitable for filling joints already in 6 mm. Large grooves up to a thickness of 2 cm are wiped with either elastic mixtures or plasticized cementitious compounds. Means with medium and coarse sand are also suitable, but careful control over the proportion of water and dry mix will be required. The thicker the composition, the better. Some owners make a mistake: allocate as little distance as possible to the seams.Because of this, high-quality filling of voids is not always possible. A similar result threatens the ingress of water into the interior and the deterioration of the lining, possibly even the destruction of the coating. If the seams are already made too narrow, you will need a sealant.
Tile Features
Grouting is combined not only with the features of the surface and external conditions, but also with the structure of the tile. For the reason that the aggregate will actively interact with the ends of the tiles. Products with a porous structure or expressive texture are not usually overwritten with highly fluid solutions - otherwise they will go away in excess. Yes, and cleaning the tiles then take more time. Cement-sand options in this case are optimal. Glass tiles and mosaics are designed for rubbing with decorative epoxy compounds. Mortars with abrasives such as sand cannot be used on tiles with a glazed glossy surface or expensive decor. Polyurethane grouts, latex grouts and mixtures with fine cement are appropriate. Almost any type of fugue is suitable for boar tiles, but for external work, as a rule, they choose coarse-grained.
Color
A good color choice is important for the interior. Beautiful grout diversifies even monotonous masonry. Manufacturers make the usual mixes, and options with rich colors and decorative effects. You should know the basic nuances of using a shade of grout. For example, light colors combine drawings on different blocks into one composition. Dark colors underline the placeholder and express texture. Color contrast will highlight each tile as a separate "brick". Solid tiles are decorated with deep-colored grout and decorative inserts of the same properties, preferably in one tone. Fugue under the "chameleon" blends perfectly with multi-colored panels. Metallic color is used in a luxurious interior. The brightness of the finish will enhance the contrasting grout.As for the gaps on the floor, it is better to close them with a dark filler, because any decorating effect will be spoiled by dirt.
Options for using the grout color in the interior
It’s not easy to imagine exactly how grout and tile will look together. Samples at retail outlets facilitate this task. It is also advisable to inspect the interior options on images on the Internet and in catalogs. For example, in the case of a mismatching finish, the fugue in several shades normally looks. Similar tones for uniform seams and coatings create beautiful transitions, soften the environment. Such an atmosphere will allow you to calm down and relax, which is important for the bathroom. Grouting in one tone with the masonry will allow you to design the composition laid down during decoration in one piece. White grout on the same surface is ideal for cramped rooms. The combination of more saturated colors will make the room warmer. The contrast of aggregate and tile underlines various features of the space. Similar techniques are used to express classic design decisions.
Using different grout colors
There are 2 directions for implementing such a combination:
If you lay a tile of several shades with drawings, it will not be so easy to combine the lines: both with single-color grout, and with several options. You will need accurate, balanced decisions. This kind of “ensemble” has another drawback: the lack of a sense of a single plane. However, the sheer variety of gamma is worth the experiment. More often used a combination of red and white. Patterned, striped and painted “inclusions” are added to them. The design of the room will be in the spirit of color harmony. If you select a multi-colored version of a more regular pattern, then using grouting you can achieve enhanced color perception.Different shades of fugue and tile in a monotonous design - an option for fans of minimalism and unity of space. A good solution for bathrooms of any size. In addition, a lot of time will be saved on the repair.
Tile-like grout
Several shades of color in one place - a guarantee of comfort and tranquility. Of the colors, it is better to choose shades of blue or green, because these palettes are filled with beautiful soft tones. Green is composed with light green, turquoise, mint and herbal flowers. Sky blue, indigo, light purple are added to blue. Smoothly shimmering color - a stylish touch in a modern design. A bathroom, among other things, is not a place for expression. It mainly uses wet colors associated with nature and vegetation. You need to grout the tile with a light composition with a darker tile. The discrepancy in brightness in the opposite direction is a complicated idea. It will be easiest to make a mistake in the choice. As for the tiles, the best option is a coating with a pattern, focusing on the material of manufacture.
Tile and grout of the same color
The greatest possible color similarity provides several advantages. Design then becomes laconic, space - voluminous and unobtrusive. At the same time, the decorative function is shifted to small patterns, drawings on separate squares and a panel - to white, for example, there is a strip with flowers. A bright room will visually increase the space, and with a light frieze it can be rounded, softened. Other vertical surfaces do not need to be matched in color with the walls, and the flooring is darker anyway. Any joints of different colors are covered with a lighter grout. The room may be dark - then the grout is selected several tones lighter. Contrast will not be noticeable even near. The dark interior is intended for certain purposes - expressing style or following fashion trends.
Contrast grout
Options for contrasting design (the first color is dominant, the second is grouting):
The contrast is justified when using deep colors. It is desirable that the seams are narrow, and the tile is large or vice versa - the gaps are the same for small tiles. Contrast basically implies the predominance of a darker color, along with the presence of light objects in the interior. Since the technique in the bathroom is mostly bright - a white bath and a washbasin, there are almost always opportunities for the implementation of contrast cladding. The most traditional example of contrast is black plus white. The palette needs to be supplemented with the details inherent for luxurious execution: expensive lamps, moldings, silk. If the black tone spoils the mood, you may like a different color set. It goes well with white saturated blue color. Many different topics are implemented with it. A classic design is also a pair of brown and white.
The principle of calculating the amount of grout
First of all, we take into account the dimensions of the products. For example, tiles of the same size - this is the width, length and thickness. We determine the ideal width of the inter-tile seam - at the discretion. We take into account the parameters for an area of 1 square. meter. The indicators can be put in one formula for subsequent multiplication by a standard grout density of 1.8 kg / dm³. The last parameter is changed as necessary in either side (the optimal value depends, including on the width of the seam). In theory, several patterns work: a smaller tile area - more grouting, more tile thickness - more grouting, the relief shape of the tile - more, a wider seam - again more. The flow indicated by the manufacturers is calculated for tiles of standard sizes. In practice, the calculation has to be done independently.In the formula itself, the complexity indicators of the machined surface, cuts to pipes, corners, and roughness of the tile are missing.
The best tile grout manufacturers - which company to choose
These include:
The first brand, Ceresit is one of the leaders in the global market. Henkel, a Ceresit blending company, maintains an affordable price policy and manufactures products for any type of traditional ceramic tile. At the same time, the color palette has about 60 shades. Another grout manufacturer is Mapei, an Italian brand of household and construction chemicals. The company produces raw materials in various price categories, including finishing materials for designer interiors / exteriors. Mapei grouts for places with high humidity quickly become ready, and within two days after surface treatment, water can be let out. The compositions of the Finnish manufacturer Kiilto are suitable for independent work without the participation of a master. Mixtures can be prepared and applied without any difficulty. Polish Atlas aggregates correspond to the main goal of the manufacturer - to produce universal products. Litocol from Italy, in turn, focuses on the decorative properties of solutions in combination with high quality.
Conclusion
Wall cladding has always been given a lot of attention. This is one of the components of the interior, in addition to furniture. Wall grouting is part of the overall design, so you should thoroughly prepare for the selection, preparation and application of the mortar. Even before laying the tiles, they study the parameters - to calculate the amount of grout. In addition to the mass, the volume of the solution is also important - the result of the work is connected with the correctly selected density of the material. Manufacturers make mixtures for different occasions - decorating unremarkable living rooms, kitchens and bathrooms, luxurious interiors, facades, at any price category.The right purchase is possible after taking into account the factors of moisture resistance, tolerance of different temperatures and aesthetics. It is necessary to determine the optimal shade of the grout - the tile is ideally darker than the gaps. After all calculations, a solution is prepared. In work, you need a spatula and a porous sponge. At the end, each tile is carefully cleaned.