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a porous stone tile, you need to seal before grouting. This is to avoid staining the tile. Polished marble, granite, ceramic, or porcelain, do not need to be sealed at this point. Mix grout according to package directions. Again, I like to use a rubber or latex glove to mix. Use the rubber grout float, holding it at an angle to spread the grout over the entire tile floor. Work in sections, and scrape excess off tile, after a few minutes, by holding the float at a more upright angle. After waiting about 30 minutes, use a sponge, and water to clean up more of the grout. Keep rinsing and squeezing the sponge out in your bucket. You may also change the water. You may want to repeat this procedure one more time. It won't be clean yet. Wait until the next day, and then repeat the procedure. This time use old terry cloth towels to wipe and buff after you use the sponge. If there are resistant places, use a cleaner to remove grout haze.

10. Now let the grout cure for the next seven days. If the environment is dry, because of heating, use a spray bottle with water, and spritz on the grout to make it cure stronger. After the time period, and the floor is completely dry, the grout can be sealed. Some tiles need sealed also. It can be done at the same time with the same product. You may need to do a couple coats depending on the product instructions. Re install baseboard and shoe molding.

Here are a few precautions and helpful hints:

-If your floor is very out of level you may want to veto tiling, and go with a
floating type floor.
-Use thin set, never mastic for areas that will have water exposure. Mastic will
melt away if a substantial amount of water reaches it.
-If you are only tiling at your home, and not more often, rent a wet saw. Reserve
it if possible, but don't bring it home until you are cutting tile.
-When grouting, use painter's tape to protect surfaces such as the base under the
counter.
-When mixing thin set, grout, or cutting with a wet saw, do it outside, or in a
garage because of the dust. Also, wear eye goggles and a dust mask.
-When cleaning out buckets or equipment, never pour it down the drain, even be
careful about washing hands, because it will clog the drain.
-Use silicone caulk for perimeter edges instead of grout. Put the quarter round
in the wet caulk. Use finish nails to securely install. The caulk will prevent
water from running under edges of the tile.
-For cleaning, damp mop, or if the grout is dirty use a small amount of bleach and
water.
-Re-seal the grout once a year. Porous stone may need to be re-sealed every six
months.

Enjoy the fruits of your labor! By doing it yourself you have a huge savings in labor costs, and have increased the value of your home!

Learn more about this author, Kathleen Couch.
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