How to grout shower tile | Quick and Easy DIY Project

Grouting shower tile is a quick and easy DIY project. It will transform your ordinary bathroom into an amazing space and protect it from water damage. Here are step-by-step instructions on how to grout shower tile for a magnificent finish.

Grout is fun to work with in a large space. It can also be a relaxing task, believe it or not. 

I’ve done a few of these already when I had to grout floor tile and finish off a new kitchen backsplash. 

In this guide, you’ll find plenty of tips to get a clean, precise grout line to complement your beautiful tiles.

It’s one of the easiest tasks in any renovation project and I’ll show you how it’s done.

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Here’s a great video with different tools you can use to remove old grout to prepare for repairs.

For new tile:

Before you can grout, you need to prepare your shower walls for tile, and then install the tub surround tiles. 

Allow the tile enough time to cure, at least 24 hours, before you install grout to the wall tiles. 

STEP 1: Clean the tiles

Before you can grout, spend some time cleaning the tiles.

Check to see if there is thinset that has seeped through a few of the tiles.

To clean out the grout line, use a grout removing tool or flathead screwdriver to file away the thinset between the tiles.

After you have cleaned out all the grout lines, take a damp sponge or cloth and wipe all the tiles. You want to remove any dust and thinset from the tile so that the new grout can adhere.

STEP 2: Mixing the Grout

SIDE NOTE: Many different grout options are available, usually sanded or unsanded. For this project, unsanded grout is best. You could also use the grout I bought, which is a versatile grout that works in any location (sanded or unsanded alternative).

After all the tiles and grout lines are clean and dry, it’s time to mix the grout.

I followed the instructions on the package and also used a scale to weigh the water and the mix to get the correct consistency. 

Grout goes a lot further than you think, so mix a small amount at a time. I found it helpful to use 1/4 of a 10-pound bag every time I mixed a new batch. 

First, put the water into the bucket and pour in the weighed mix.

Then, use the paddle drill attachment to mix the grout. 

Make sure you follow the instructions on the bag – the package will tell you the amount of time that you need to mix.

Also, you’ll think that there is too little water to combine with the grout mix, but it is enough.

STEP 3: Apply the grout

After the grout is mixed, apply the grout to the wall tiles with a rubber float. 

You want to fill the grout into all the spaces around the tiles, and the best way to do this is by holding the float at a 45-degree angle to the tile. 

I wasn’t doing this technique in the beginning, and it made it difficult to quickly fill in the gaps. 
The most important way to apply the grout is at a 45-degree angle to the tile (at a diagonal to the tile).

The float should also be at a 45-degree angle when you wipe off the excess grout from the tiles.

Work in sections where you apply the grout and then wipe off the excess grout from the tiles. 
IMPORTANT: Only apply as much grout as you can manage in 15-20 minutes. Make sure to set a timer. If you allow the grout to sit for longer than 20 minutes, it will start to harden and will be very difficult to remove. I learned this the hard way the first time I applied grout.

STEP 4: Clean the tiles again

After 20 minutes, it’s time to wash off the tiles and clean up the grout lines.

Use a damp sponge, not saturated, and in a circular motion, wipe up the thinset from the top of the tiles. 

When the sponge gets dirty, I recommend using two buckets to clean the sponge. One is to wash out the dirty sponge, and the other is cleaner water to give you a fresh sponge for additional cleaning.

While cleaning the tiles, gently wipe the tiles to remove the grout on the surface. You don’t want to remove grout from the grout lines.  

Continue this process until there is no more grout on the surface of the tiles. 

STEP 5: Additional cleaning

After the first wash, you’ll notice how much cleaner the tiles are, but they will still need more care. 
Wipe the tiles with a microfiber cloth. You can use a dry cloth, but I find that a damp cloth works better.

Then, allow the grout to sit for 24 hours. 

Later, wipe the tiles again with a dry microfiber cloth to remove the haze. 

STEP 6: Apply sealer

Now you’re ready for the final step: seal the tile and grout.

Apply the sealer with a paintbrush and make sure you read the instructions on the bottle to cure properly.

SIDE NOTE: I recommend you apply the sealer to the tile as well. But ensure that the sealer can be used for your tile type (e.g. stone, ceramic, porcelain, etc).

SIDE NOTE: Sealer looks wet and shiny on the tile grout. You can tell the difference between the grout lines that have the sealer installed (before it dries) and the areas that you haven’t applied the sealer.

Allow the sealer to sit for however long the instructions say.

STEP 7: Apply silicone caulk

Next, apply silicone along the edge of the tiles, where they meet the walls, bathtub, other tiles, etc. 

SIDE NOTE: I like to use two types of silicone. A white standard silicone and silicone that matches my grout, watch the YouTube Video on how to grout shower tiles so see what I’m talking about.

 like to apply tape to get a smooth, crisp line.

Then, apply the silicone caulk between the painter’s tape. Click this link so you can see how to apply caulk like pro!

When the silicone is dry, you might need to touch up the paint around some areas.

When the silicone is dry, you might need to touch up the paint around some areas.

Now, step back and admire your gorgeous new shower!

FULL PROJECT VIDEO:

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