Grout floats are tools designed to make spreading grout into the spaces between tiles, grout joints, easier to accomplish. When selecting your float, you’re really selecting a float that will best accommodate your personal preferences. When grouting joints, any float can produce flawless results as long as it provides a soft flat surface that will not scratch and damage your tiles. At DeFusco Industrial Supply we stock floats that will last long without harming your tiles.
When grouting tile with standard grout, just about any float will do, however you will want to take your project into consideration. For large areas of your grouting projects, it will be more effective to use a larger tile float, 12 inch or larger. If you’re working in small space such as around toilets, under cabinets, or behind faucets, a smaller float will be much easier to maneuver. If your spreading epoxy grout, you’re going to want to work with a float better suited for epoxies highly sticky nature. Using a float with beveled edges will provide the best results since they tend to resist sticking to most types of epoxy grout.
Gout is a mortar used to fill the empty space between your tiles in order to provide a solid connection. By floating or pressing grout into these spaces, you are creating a bond that will provide added strength to your tiles. When it’s time to spread your grout, it’s very important that you mix the correct consistency or it may not spread evenly and fill all the gaps. Never mix more grout that you will be able to float into place within 30 minutes or you risk it not being able to set properly or possibly hardening in your mixing bucket.
To apply your grout, use a trowel to scoop the grout out of your bucket and place in on your grout float or apply it to your grout joints. Now press the grout into the tile joints by using your float to spread it along the edges of your tiles at a 45-degree angle. Make sure to use the floats edge to force the grout into place while maintaining slight pressure, being careful not to damage your tiles. After spreading about six to eight square feet of tile, use a sponge to clean up any excess grout from your tiles surface. Repeat as necessary until you’ve completed your tile job. When your project is complete, be sure to clean all of your tools with clean water, so they will be ready to use on your next project.
