How to choose a tile grout: comparing cement and epoxy options. How to choose a tile grout color How to choose a tile grout color in a bathroom

When performing repairs in an apartment, each owner hopes that in this form the dwelling will stand for a very long time and will not have to repeat all the work performed in a short time. In order for these hopes to come true, it is necessary to approach the issue of repair responsibly, carefully selecting building materials. In this case, not only the quality of the materials plays a significant role, but also the correctly selected colors.

In our time, few repairs are complete without laying tiles. Many treat the choice of grout color rather superficially - they just buy the first one they come across. Therefore, it often happens that an expensive tile completely loses its attractiveness from a combination with a grout that is poorly selected in color. So it is very important to pay due attention to this material when creating an individual design.

Selection of grout color for tiles

The classic option is to select a color that is 1–2 tones different from the color of the tiles. Such a jointing will ensure maximum harmony. In order for future repairs to please the eye, you need to decide on your own color preferences.

The choice can also be influenced by the pattern on the tile and its structure. In order not to be mistaken in the choice, it is best to take a tile or part of it with you to the store, and apply it to all grout samples.

Council. Apply to all colors, not just similar shades. Out of the blue, you might find an interesting combination.

Not so long ago, a contrasting grout color has become popular. This method allows you to shade and emphasize the color and structure of the tile. The most common combinations are:

• black - pearl;
• beige - cocoa;
• olive - graphite;
• gray - mahogany.

The contrasting combination looks bold and effective, but there is a rather thin line in the selection, crossing which you can get ridiculous and disharmonious combinations.

Standard grout colors

There are a few things to keep in mind when choosing a grout. White will match any tile color as long as it is wall tiles. It is always appropriate for light tones, and with dark tones it will create a good contrast. However, for grouting floor tiles, a white fugue will not work in any way, because after a while the color will turn into a dirty gray. But the gray color of the grout is suitable for the floor, no matter what shade of tiles you plan to put there.

Grout types by composition

But choosing the right color is not always enough. It is necessary to pay attention to the composition and properties of the grout, because in different rooms there are different conditions. At the moment, there are three main types of fugue:

• cement-based;
• using epoxy resins;
• silicone grout.

The most common at the moment are cement grouting. They have slight differences in composition, and depending on this, they are used for tiles of various colors and qualities. These grouts have a small range of colors and, moreover, do not tolerate water well.

Cement grout for tiles

For different joint widths, use a different grout. So, a cement grout for wide joints contains sand in its composition, which does not allow the cement to crack after drying, and retains its shape.

You can buy such a fugue ready-made in buckets or in the form of a dry powder.

Fugu from plastic buckets can be used immediately, however, despite the ease of use, there are some drawbacks in this: the mass dries quickly enough, therefore it is necessary to use it all at once.

Powder grout must first be mixed with water or latex. The advantage of this fugue is that you independently determine the volume you need, and you do not have to worry that the contents will dry out.

TO merits such grout can be attributed:

• low price;
• ease of use;
• versatility;
• strength.

disadvantages:

• collapses under the influence of household chemicals;
• not resistant to dirt.

Epoxy based grout

Epoxy grout contains a hardener. This allows it to retain its color for a long time and not wash out with water. However, applying such a grout requires experience, therefore, with ordinary apartment renovations with their own hands, they are not used so often.

Epoxy grout can be used in saunas, swimming pools, as well as in those places where tiles are often exposed to household chemicals: kitchen walls, countertops, laboratory rooms.

This fugue is sold in the form of two separately contained components:

• epoxy resin filled with quartz sand;
• hardener.

To work, you need to mix the two components. At the end, we get a viscous mixture, which is difficult to work with even for experienced craftsmen. However, the result will not upset you - epoxy resin grout can retain its appearance for several decades. It will not change color, brightness or structure.

Advantages a fugue like this:

• resistance to chemicals;
• frost resistance;
• water resistance;
• the invariability of the decorative appearance;
• durability;
• strength;
• resistance to fungi and mold.

disadvantages:

• labor intensity;
• high price.

Silicone grout

Silicone sealants have a huge variety of colors and you can choose such a grout for any type of tile, regardless of color and texture. In addition, this type of grout has an anti-fungal composition and increased resistance to water, which makes it possible to widely use it in rooms with high humidity, such as a kitchen, toilet, bathroom.

If there is no desired color

Sometimes it happens that the store does not have the required color, or you simply do not like the colors that exist in the standard offers of manufacturers. In this case, you can create a suitable shade yourself. This can be done in two ways: by mixing white grout with grout of a different color until the desired shade is obtained, or using a color scheme.

Kohlers are sold at any building materials store. You can experiment with shades by adding different colors to the white grout until you achieve the desired result. Color saturation depends on the amount of color scheme, and shades only on your imagination.

Primers and additives

Various primers and additives will be of great help. There are additives that make the grout from the usual moisture-resistant or frost-resistant, or give it anti-deformation and antifungal properties. In general, it adds the characteristics that you need to it.

If, for some reason, it is not possible to purchase a fugue with the desired properties, you can get them using special additives. For example, you need a tile putty that is suitable for underfloor heating, but you don't have the right color with these properties. It is in such situations that construction chemicals come in handy.

Council. It is worth remembering that when using a dry mixture, after you fill it with water, it may seem to you that the color does not match the one you chose. Don't worry, after the grout dries, the color will return.

Experienced designers advise not to overdo it with the number of colors and adhere to the "tricolor" principle. You can choose a grout to match the tile or the pattern applied to it, as well as to match the plumbing or furniture elements. But you should not use more than three colors in one room.

The choice of color depends entirely on your capabilities and preferences. We hope this article helped you figure out how to choose the right color and what to look for when choosing a tile putty.

Do-it-yourself grout: video

Grouting joints between tiles: photo

Genuine elegance and beauty - as always, are hidden in simplicity. Simple things are always distinguished by unique elegance, are easily combined with other objects, do not lose their relevance, regardless of the whims of a capricious fashion. All of these statements are true for white tile.

Decorating with white tiles is a classic and rather strict option, but at the same time versatile and not boring. White tiles always remain at the peak of demand in interior design, and this is explained by the fact that it is easy to make a white background bright by simply decorating it with colored or neutral elements. White can be perfectly combined with a wide variety of color shades.

But when choosing white tiles for finishing floors or wall surfaces, the question often arises - how to choose a color ceramic tiles of this light shade? Should it match the color of the tone-on-tone tile, or is it better to choose a grout in a contrasting color? Can I choose a dark grout for white tiles? We will try to answer all these questions in the following sections of the article.

Tips for choosing a grout color for white ceramic tiles.

So which grout to choose for white tiles? Traditionally, tile seams are either made strictly in the tone of the material, or a composition that is most contrasting to the color of the tile is chosen for them. This rule is true for ceramic tiles of any color, not just light colors.

It should be understood that the choice of grouting composition should really be as contrasting as possible, otherwise the seams will seem dirty and untidy. That is, it is categorically not recommended to use beige, cream or grayish tones with white tiles.

Professionals use three variations of grouting material with white tiles:

Compositions that are identical in shade to the tile itself;

Dark gray trowels;

Dark grout.

Colored grout can also be in perfect harmony with white tiles. However, this is a rather extravagant solution, because bright seams will catch the eye and at the same time highlight the slightest defects and irregularities in the laying of the material.

How to choose a tile grout by color if you nevertheless decide to choose this bright option? One advice can be given: in this case, the seams of the coating should repeat the shade that is already found in the decoration of the room. For example, harmonize with the color of furniture or flooring.

What kind of grout to choose for white tiles: dark or light?

Dark grout under white tiles is definitely a practical option. The seams of a dark color will not lose their attractive appearance from time to time, you do not have to spend time on their regular cleaning of dust and dirt, and accordingly, all maintenance of the lined surface will be simplified.

If practicality is of little interest to you, and you think much more about the aesthetics of the general appearance, then when choosing a grout color for white tiles, you should be guided by the following criteria:

Seams of a contrasting color will favorably emphasize the originality of the laying of the material, focus on geometry;

When laying the tiles vertically, dark grout will help make the room visually higher, but narrower. If you don't need such an effect, then choose a trowel to match the tiles.

When choosing the color of the grout for processing the seams of light tiles, be sure to take into account the general stylistic orientation of the interior. The tandem of dark grout and white tiles looks harsh and bold and therefore more suitable for ultra-modern styles.

There is one more rule for using black grout with white tiles - other black elements must be present in the interior. For the classics, a harmonious combination of light tiles and light grout is more appropriate.

The final stage of surface cladding with tiles is grouting, today we will talk about choosing the color of the grout between the ceramic tiles. In practical terms, this prevents moisture from penetrating under the tiles, and also creates a shock-absorbing effect. The second important aspect is the decorative function, thanks to which a drawing is created in a certain style.

It should be remembered that this final stage can best shape the composition, but it can also lead to negative results. The correct choice of fugue is a rather difficult task, and special attention should be paid to the process of correct selection.

Optimal grout color

There are several criteria according to which you can plan the optimal choice of grout color. These should include:

1. Tile type accounting;
2. Considering where the tile is located;
3. Expected Result.

As for the color of the grout, depending on the type of tile accessory, in this case it is recommended to pay attention to the mosaic, which is a very popular material for lining kitchens and baths. In most cases, the mosaic is represented by small tiles that have different shades that create a certain pattern or an array of abstract shapes and figures.

A distinct and complete pattern is also common and common. This variety determines the difficulty and scrupulousness in the selection of grout. When choosing a specific color of the fugue, a number of elements will appear much brighter, others can merge with the color of the grout, and in this situation there is often a violation of the integrity of the pattern itself. In the process of selecting contrasting color options, the appearance of the mosaic can become rough.

Mosaic grout

For the reasons listed above, cyclic ether (epoxy) grouts are generally used for mosaics. Their tint can vary from golden to silver. There are also grouts that take the color of the tile they are in contact with.

Correct selection of the grout color depending on the location of the tile and its location is very important. In considering this issue, it is advisable to refer to the following example. To do this, it is enough to imagine that white tiles are laid on the floor or light enough.

When used during the grouting of light or white fugue, which has a cement base, they will very quickly lose their attractiveness, the penetration of dirt and clogging will be detrimental. And in this situation, there are a number of competent decisions, each of which depends on the initial conditions.

Color stability of grout

If the price becomes the determining factor in the choice, then it is recommended to opt for a gray cement-based grout. It will not lead to discoloration during the operational period.

If the priority factor is precisely the color, then it is advisable to select suitable shades, However, with this choice, the grout should not allow dirt and water to pass through. Epoxy-based grouting is often the best choice. And this already goes against the modest budget - their cost is high.

As an auxiliary option, the use of cement-based grout can be distinguished: with the required shade and further processing of the joints by means of a special impregnation, which will ensure the repulsion of dirt and water.

As for the selection of the grout color depending on the expected effect, in this case there are no difficulties. When a coherent effect is required, the grout is selected to match the tone of the tile or slightly lighter. This will ensure that the seams are invisible.

If it is necessary to highlight and emphasize each tile, the grout is selected a couple of shades darker than the base color, which the coating itself has.

The choice of a color-contrasting grout that differs significantly from the base color is a very experimental option. As well as the selection of various contrasting shades to divide the surface into zones.

Universal color

The universal grout is white. It is generally suitable for most types of wall tiles. Therefore, before you rush to select different shades for grouting, try using a white grout on a limited area, you may like this solution.

Before applying

If you decide to update or replace the grout, try to carefully remove the old grout from the tile joints, the better this process goes, the better the final result will be. And yes, do it with extreme caution so as not to damage the tile edge, otherwise the question of plywood tiles will arise.

So, before making the final choice in favor of this or that grout, it is necessary to weigh all the advantages and disadvantages, to understand exactly how you want to see the final appearance of the interior as a result of cladding. The recommendations of a designer or a specialist in tiling work will help remove any doubts.

For seams.

This is an interesting, but not easy task. After all, the modern palette of grout colors includes tens and hundreds of shades. And some manufacturers even offer compositions that you can tint yourself.

In order not to get lost in all the variety of design solutions for the color of tiles and grout, you can remember three basic principles of time-tested combinations. Here they are:

• universal white,
• tone on tone,
• play on contrast.

Universal white tile grout color

The easiest way to choose a tile grout color is to choose white.

White goes well with all colors, making them stand out and accentuated. Whatever bright and outlandish tile you choose, you can be sure that a white grout will definitely suit it.

The only situation where it is better to choose something darker is to seal the joints between the tiles laid on the floor. White grout on the floor will not withstand intensive use and will quickly lose its original appearance.

Advice

Doubting which grout color to choose? Choose white!

Grout to match the tiles

For colored tiles, a good solution is to select a colored grout to match the tile itself.

Grouting of the same color as the tile creates a visually uniform surface, and at the same time allows you to hide installation defects.

You can choose a grout for tile joints a tone or two lighter or darker. For lighter shades of tiles, darker shades of grout are suitable. And vice versa - light grout looks good on dark tiles. For example, blue grout for blue tiles. Or a beige grout for brown tiles.

When selecting a tone-on-tone grout color, compare the tile to dry grout samples. After drying, the grout brightens noticeably.

Playing on contrast

A non-standard and bold design move will be the choice of grout for tiles in a contrasting color. For example, a catchy combination of red tiles and black grout.

Those who are not alien to risky experiments can try a combination of two-color tile and grout palettes. Examples of contrast are combinations of purple and yellow, green and orange, red and blue.

Advice

When choosing contrasting colors for tiles and grout, it is better to test their compatibility in advance so that the result looks really stylish.

What color of grout to choose for ...

... white tiles? The best options are white and contrasting black grout. But also colored grout can provide an interesting combination.

... brown tiles? In addition to white and brown, yellow and black grout can look good.

... a green tile? An orange or black grout will create a suitable contrast to green tiles.

... black tiles? Black tiles can be combined with white or any colored grout.

... a red tile? A black, gray or blue grout will add brightness to a red tile finish.

... a yellow tile? It is worth experimenting with brown, purple or black grout.

Matching the primary colors of tiles and grout

Grout color

Brown

Orange

Turquoise

Purple

Tile color

Brown

Orange

Turquoise

Purple

How to get the desired grout color when tinting grout

Self-tinting grout allows you to create your own original shade.

For this, a dye is added to a dry mixture of white or gray color. The intensity of the tone is controlled by the amount of dye added to the grout. To obtain a pale shade, about 3 grams of dye per 1 kg of dry mixture is enough. For a rich, vibrant color, you can add 30 grams of color to 1 kg of dry grout.

It happens that after the completion of the facing work in an apartment or house, you remain unhappy with the result. The tiles seem to be beautiful, expensive, and matched perfectly to the interior. The styling quality is also excellent. But still there is not enough harmony, the cladding looks poor and dull. The reason may be the wrong choice of grout color - fugue.

The importance of choosing the right grout

When choosing a grout for filling the joints between tiles, we usually start from several factors. First of all, you need to consider:

• the purpose of the room;
• its operational features;
• temperature and humidity;
• the location of the tiles;
• the level of load on the tiled floor.

But choosing the right color is just as important. Having played on the ratio of fugue and tile shades, you can visually enlarge or reduce the room, make it lighter or shader, regardless of the lighting level. In addition, sometimes just the right shade is enough to give a room a certain style, almost without resorting to other design tricks.

By connecting your imagination and putting in a little effort, you can create a real mosaic panel with the help of grouting in several shades and multi-colored ceramic tiles that will turn a room into a work of art. Some interior designers use this method as their "highlight".

Grout contrasts favorably with bathroom tiles

Criterias of choice

In specialized stores and building supermarkets, you can find a fugu of any colors and shades. Eyes run up, and out of habit (and even more so without experience) it is difficult to choose exactly what you need. Therefore, heed the advice of experts and designers, who have several general rules for choosing the color of grout for tile joints.

Correctly selected grout color will advantageously beat the space

Which color is more practical?

What do you think will happen to the tile seams in a room like a hallway if you grind them with a white jointer? Most likely, after a couple of days they will get dirty and turn gray. There is no need to make an elegant seam where it will get dirty in a short time - in the corridors, at the front door. And it looks ugly, and it's troublesome to constantly correct the situation.

In public institutions, tiles, regardless of their color, are usually rubbed with a gray fugue. We recommend that you do the same if walking in shoes is supposed to be in your hallway and living room. Still, our streets are not perfectly clean, which is facilitated by the climate. Roughly speaking, if the grout has the color of domestic dirt, then it will always look as if the finishing work ended only yesterday. Grouting tones close to dark gray is ideal.

The same principle applies to the bathroom. It is undesirable to use soiled colors for the floor (beige, white, etc.). Seams often get dirty in places where water flows almost constantly - in the shower stall, along the side of the bathroom. If you nevertheless decide to give preference to light colors, choose an expensive high quality fugue with waterproof properties. Additional processing of seams with a special compound in problem areas will not be superfluous.

Not a good solution: white grout on the bathroom floor

Experts recommend using only modest, discreet tones in the kitchen. On them, fat droplets and other contaminants will not look catchy. A two-component epoxy-based fugue will work very well - it retains a presentable appearance for a long time.

Note! When buying a high-quality, water-repellent dense grout, you are free to choose the color you want. This fugue is almost unaffected by dirt.

Choice for aesthetic reasons

Whichever color of tile grout you choose, its main purpose is to highlight the beauty of ceramics or stone. A fugue is a framing of a finishing material, and not an independent element. Therefore, it is not recommended to choose a grout of a brighter color than the basic tone of the tile, otherwise the overall effect will not be as pleasant as you expected.

Don't like boring combinations and traditional solutions? Then try to apply original design solutions. For example, it is now fashionable to use grout to match bathroom or kitchen accessories. The contrast between fugue and tiles is also welcome, and the combinations may not match in color, even within the tint palette.

Gallery of color solutions

White grout against colored tiles Contrast of white grout and dark colored tiles Darker grout for floor tiles Gray fugue for a composition of several colors Decorative glitter grout in mosaic-type installation Successfully matched white grout on tiles of the same color creates a monolithic effect surfaces

Video on choosing a shade of grout for joints

Our tips are general in nature, and by following them, you can personalize the cladding and avoid common mistakes. Let us know in the comments about your experience with grout color selection. Good luck to you!