Lisa Breakspear, head of sales at Mapei UltraCare advises on the correct products that’s needed to maintain grout.
WHEN it comes to creating the perfect tiled surface, every design decision matters, from the choice of tile, size and layout to the often-overlooked detail of grout colour. Grout isn’t just a functional element; it plays a crucial role in defining the overall look and feel of a project. Whether you’re aiming for a seamless, minimalist finish or a bold, contrasting effect, the grout colour you select can completely transform the appearance of the space.
Grout colour can be as expressive as the tile itself. A light grout can open up a space, highlight clean lines, and create a subtle, elegant finish – perfect for contemporary interiors. On the other hand, a darker grout can introduce contrast, frame each tile, and bring definition to patterned or geometric layouts. For decorative tiles or mosaics, coloured grouts can enhance or complement tones within the design, helping to achieve a bespoke aesthetic tailored to the designer’s vision.
Epoxy vs cementitious grout
Epoxy grout differs from cementitious grout in its composition, performance and maintenance. Made from epoxy resins and a hardener, epoxy grout is non-porous, highly durable and resistant to stains, chemicals and moisture. This makes it ideal for areas exposed to water or heavy use, such as showers, kitchens and commercial spaces. In contrast, cementitious grout is made from a mixture of cement, water, and sand, which makes it more porous and prone to staining, cracking and discoloration over time. While cementitious grout is less expensive, epoxy grout offers superior strength, longevity and colour consistency with minimal maintenance.
Selecting the correct cleaning product
The beauty and longevity of the finish will depend heavily on how the installation is cleaned and maintained. The tile, the type of grout that you choose and the substrate of the surface will determine the correct cleaning product required to remove all grout and installation residues. It’s always advisable to consult with the cleaning product manufacturer, who can recommend the most appropriate products for your particular installation.
Whether you’re installing onto a wall or a floor, cleaning is equally important. Any grout or installation residues left on the surface will remain visible – sometimes only under certain lighting conditions, but they can still impact the overall appearance. If you’ve chosen a grout colour that matches the tile, these residues may be harder to see initially, but over time they can dull the surface and compromise the aesthetic quality of the finish.
Safety first
If a floor tile’s been selected for its PTV (Pendulum Test Value) performance, then a proper post-installation clean is essential. Grout residue left on the tile surface can track dirt, making routine cleaning more difficult and causing the PTV rating to deteriorate over time. This not only affects the appearance but can also increase the risk of slip hazards as organic dirt builds up. Taking care and attention to this cleaning detail is an absolute must to ensure a surface that not only looks as the designer intended but also performs safely and effectively.
An ongoing maintenance regime
Good ongoing maintenance is key. Regular cleaning – whether in a domestic or commercial environment – with a pH-neutral cleaning product will keep tiles looking their best. There are excellent ready-to-use spray cleaning products available for use on walls, splashbacks and other tiled surfaces. Periodic deep cleaning will also be required; most floors can be treated with an alkaline-based deep cleaning product, but for more delicate materials, like polished marble or terrazzo, a pH-neutral product should be used at a higher dilution. This approach removes organic build-up without damaging the polished surface.
Ultimately, care and understanding of the installed materials, combined with the correct cleaning and maintenance products, will ensure that tiles and grout remain as beautiful and functional as the day they were installed. By giving equal attention to design choices and long-term care, you can ensure that every surface not only performs exceptionally but also reflects the true design intent – colour, contrast and all.
Mapei • info@mapei.co.uk • www.mapei.co.uk
