First, the grout must be rated for outdoor applications.
Again, both types must be rated for outdoor use.
Cement-based grout is a dry powder that youmix with water(or a liquid additive) prior to program.
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Cement-basedgroutsalso should be sealed periodically for weather- and stain-resistance.
Premixed grout is made with a polymer, such as acrylic, and does not contain cement.
It is sold in tubs and is simply applied right out of the container without mixing.
Premixed grouts tend to be more flexible than cement grouts, which may help resist cracking in adverse conditions.
But perhaps the best advantage of premixed grout is that it does not need to be sealed.
Grout sealer also must remain dry as it cures.
The thinset is a different color than the grout and can show through if it is not removed.
Clean the surfaces of the tiles with a damp sponge.
Smooth the caulked joints with your finger so they will look like filled grout lines.
Let the caulk cure overnight or as directed.
However, you may need to moisten the tile surfaces with a damp sponge.
Scoop up some grout with a grout float and drop it onto the tile surface.
Use the float to force the grout into the joints, making multiple passes from different diagonal directions.
Moving parallel to the joints can pull out grout from the joints.
Sponge the Tile
Fill a bucket with clean water.
check that the sponge is just moist, not wet.
The goal is to gently wipe the tiles clean while being careful not to remove grout from the joints.
Don’t worry about getting them perfect at this point; you will be wiping them again soon.
Rinse the sponge frequently as you work.
Clean the Tiles Again
Give all the tiles another wipe-down with a barely damp sponge.
Rinse the sponge after every swipe to get the tile faces as clean as possible.
You do not need to buff the grout joints.
Allow the grout to cure fully, as directed by the manufacturer.
You do not need to seal most premixed grouts, but this may be an option.
Let the grout sealer cure fully, as directed.
For this reason, it’s best to grout when the sun is not hitting the tile.
You must look for grout thats specifically rated for outdoor use when grouting tile outside.
The two main types youll find are cement-based grout and premixed grout.
A premixed or epoxy grout thats rated for outdoor use can be used formosaics.
Its flexibility will help to minimize cracking and preserve the artwork.
Using agrout sealerthats rated for outdoor conditions will add a layer of waterproof protection to your grout.
