Grouting and cleaning of porcelain tiles

System description

Today, the “quality of finish” label is associated with ceramic floor and wall tiles made with porcelain stoneware or ceramic slabs, in which factors such as the right choice of joint type and colour, as well as the correct execution of grouting, have a very special contribution to make.

The low water absorption and the characteristic bevel of this type of tile make it difficult for the grout to adhere.

The butt-joint installation, which is not recommended on site, reduces the space in which the joint must be housed, making it difficult to penetrate.

To fill joints easily, ensuring maximum adhesion to the tile surface and high mechanical and abrasion performance, use BORADA® PORCELAIN.

Linked solutions

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

Related products

• BORADA® PORCELAIN
• BORADA® UNIVERSAL
• BORADA® PLUS
• BORALÁSTIC

Solution

PREPARATION OF THE SUBSTRATE

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

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

APPLICATION

Once the tiling surface is clean and dry, knead BORADA® PORCELAIN TILE with the aid of a mechanical mixer. The mixture should be creamy, consistent and free of lumps.

Apply 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.

To avoid subsequent “shadowing” of the joint contour, it is important to apply the grout over the entire surface of the tile.

Wait for the surface gloss of the mortar to disappear (approximately 15 minutes). Rub the surface with a scouring pad or a slightly damp sponge to facilitate this operation.

When the joint is completely hardened, remove the existing surface film (veil) with a damp sponge. The final cleaning should be carried out with a clean, dry cloth.

Recommendations

• Do not apply in full sun, when the surface is hot or in rainy weather.
• BORADA® PORCELAIN can also be applied with a refillable gun.
• During cleaning, water should not be used in abundance, thus avoiding the dispersion of pigments and the appearance of efflorescence. For joint widths greater than 4 mm, use BORADA® UNIVERSAL or BORADA® PLUS.
• BORALÁSTIC can also be used with BORADA® PORCELÁNICA or BORADA® UNIVERSAL for high-demand grouts.
• Carry out an adequate treatment of movement joints, respecting structural joints, perimeter joints (in spaces larger than 7 m2 ) and intermediate joints (indoors every 40 m2 and outdoors every 10 to 25 m2 ).
• In applications on surfaces with a high rate of micro-pores, carry out a protective treatment of the tiles before grouting to avoid staining of the pieces (consult the Technical Department).