Grouting and cleaning of cementitious joints

System description

Before starting to fill the joints between ceramic tiles, it is advisable to pay attention to the type of surface:

• Rustic or extruded stoneware generally has a rough surface that makes cleaning more difficult.
• Earthenware or terracotta, like any other covering whose surface is highly absorbent, requires prior protective treatment to prevent penetration of the grout.
• Enamelled surfaces, on the other hand, are smooth, non-porous and non-rough, making them easy to clean.

Another factor to take into account is the thickness of the joint. When it is less than 4 mm we can go with ultra-thin joints in finish such as BORADA® PORCELANICA, for thicknesses of 1-15 mm with BORADA UNIVERSAL, or BORADA PLUS if we also want better waterproofing performance and anti-mould effect.

Linked solutions

• GROUTING AND CLEANING OF PORCELAIN TILES
• GROUTING AND CLEANING OF ACID-PROOF JOINTS
• GROUTING AND CLEANING OF JOINTS IN A SWIMMING POOL

Related products

• BORADA® PORCELÁNICA 
• BORADA® UNIVERSAL
• BORADA® PLUS
• BORADA® EPOLUXE

Solution

PREPARATION OF THE SUBSTRATE

Grouting must be carried out at least 24 to 48 hours after the tiles have been laid.

To facilitate the grouting operation, remove residues of adhesive mortar from the edges of the joints beforehand.

APPLICATION

Once the surface to be grouted is clean and dry, start mixing the BORADA® PORCELÁNICA, BORADA® UNIVERSAL or BORADA® PLUS grout with the help of a mechanical mixer. The mixture should be creamy, consistent and free of lumps.

Apply the mortar diagonally to the joints, which will facilitate the complete filling of the joints. At the same time, with the same pressure, we will remove as much excess material as possible, which will facilitate subsequent cleaning.

Wait for the surface gloss of the mortar to disappear (approximately 15 minutes), by which time it will have started to harden and the cleaning of the surface can begin. Rub the surface with a scouring pad or a slightly damp sponge to facilitate this operation.

When the joint is completely hardened, the existing surface film (veil) is completely removed and with the help of a damp sponge, a uniform, comfortable and definitive cleaning is achieved. During cleaning, water should not be used in abundance, thus avoiding the dispersion of pigments and the appearance of efflorescence.

Recommendations

• The grouting must be carried out at least 24 hours after fixing the tiles.
• It is advisable to slightly dampen the edges of very porous tile joints.
• After applying BORADA® UNIVERSAL, the pavements are passable after 3 hours.
• BORADA® PORCELÁNICA, BORADA® UNIVERSAL and BORADA® PLUS can be applied with a refillable spray gun.
• Consumption varies according to the thickness and width of the joints, as well as the dimensions of the ceramic tile.
• For antacid, bacteriostatic and fungicidal decorative grouts in joints up to 20 mm use BORADA® EPOLUXE or BORADA® EPOXI.