How to choose a tile grout: comparing cement versus epoxy. Grout color for white tiles: how to choose and why dark grout is ideal What grout is suitable for tiles on the outside

Renovation work on facing the room with tiles suggest a solution to the question of how to choose a grout for tiles by color.

With the right choice, the design of the room will take on a different appearance, highlighting the finishing materials. To correctly determine the shade, you should pay attention to several nuances.

Purpose of the grout mixture

Grout is needed in order to fill the gaps in the space between the tiles. She not only adds elegance to the finish, but also possesses protective functions, preventing the appearance of harmful bacteria.

In order not to be mistaken in the selection, it is worth finding out what functions the mixture performs:

• Waterproof and dustproof. During the application process, the material forms an invisible film that prevents condensation and protects the tile adhesive from destruction. In addition, the grout does not allow water to be absorbed, which prevents mold and mildew from growing.
• Decorative effect. Without the mixture, the tile finish will look incomplete. It gives materials an additional shade.
• The ability to hide defects. Correctly selected shades of grout will help mask chips and small flaws made when laying tiles.
• Expressiveness of the interior. Depending on the method of using the mixture, you can highlight the finish, give it a contrast or diversify the design of the room.
• Creation of the integrity of the interior. If the shade is contrasting with it, you can combine various furniture or decor items, combining them into a single style.

The grouting mixture guarantees the durability of the decorated room design. If this material is not applied over time, tiles can move away from the walls, creating new problems in the repair.

Grouting the joints ceramic tiles can be done independently - this does not require additional skills. Modern mixtures are available ready-made or in the form of a powder, which is diluted with water to the required consistency.

Types of grout by composition

Modern manufacturers offer the following types of mixtures for filling the inter-tile space:

1. cement;
2. cement-sand;
3. resin-based;
4. latex;
5. silicone.

Each of these varieties is suitable in a specific case. For example, cement mixes are relevant for any type of tile, they have a homogeneous composition and are applied evenly. Their counterparts, when added to the composition of sand, are intended for filling wide joints, however, the presence of an abrasive substance limits their use with glossy surfaces.

Epoxy and furan based grouts are used only by professionals; they require qualified work skills. Their plus is the brightness of color and excellent indicators of elasticity. Among the minuses, the increased cost of the material is distinguished.

Detailed video about existing types grouting their composition and selection for a specific task

Epoxy grout is good for lining swimming pools, garages, saunas due to its increased moisture resistance properties. A mixture based on furan resin should be selected subject to the finishing of industrial and production facilities. Often in this area, the colors of the standard palette are used.

The silicone mixture is considered the most optimal. It has a wide range of colors and is easy to apply to seams.

Latex grout is the most modern, indicators of its strength, moisture resistance and a wide range of shades make it the most expensive. It is well suited for finishing balconies, loggias, as it is not afraid of temperature changes.

The principle of choosing a mixture by color

Before choosing a grout for a tile, you should understand that this procedure does not have to follow the latest fashion trends. The main task in the selection is to express the interior and harmoniously combine the color of the tiles with the mixture.

Going to the hardware store, it is worth taking a tile sample with you in order to more accurately choose the color of the grout.

You should heed the advice of designers who suggest paying attention to some of the nuances when choosing:

The choice is also influenced by the structure and pattern on the tile: to shade the tile, you can use the black color of the mixture.

Grout color options

In interior decoration with tiles, there are several types of popular combinations.

They should be considered in order to choose the appropriate option:

note

Choose the color of the mixture that will harmoniously combine not only with finishing materials, but also with furniture and fixtures. Do not overload the room with dark colors - they will put pressure on the psychological state.

We select the current shade

After examining full information about how to choose the right color for the grout mixture, it is worth making a few basic conclusions:
Video lesson on the combination of colors in the interior

A competent choice of material will help to visually expand the room, correctly place accents, and divide the space into zones. Over time, the grout mixture can change its color, so you will need to periodically update the compositions. To do this, remove the old filling from the seams, clean them and apply a new mass.

In addition, there are some types of grout that are successful in resisting staining. For example, epoxy grout, which is ideal for use in the kitchen. It is resistant to stains from spilled juices, coffee or wine.

Types of grout for tiles.

There are many types of grout for tiles... Conventional grout is a multicomponent mixture based on cement and many different additives. The properties and characteristics of a particular grout are determined precisely by the presence of certain additives. Some of them block the growth of fungus, while others give the grout water-repellent properties. As a rule, grouting is sold with a dry mixture, which must be diluted in the required proportions with water or liquid latex before work. Nevertheless, there are also completely ready-to-use formulations, which, although they are somewhat more expensive, but at the same time save a lot of time.

Cement-sand grout.

An interesting type of cement-sand grout, which is a cement mixture with the addition of sand to it. At the same time, the sand gives the grout the necessary strength. The disadvantage of such a grout may be low resistance to moisture, cleaning agents and mechanical stress, since the cement can crumble over time. Sand grouts are convenient for filling large joints (from 5 mm). For small joints, it is better to use sand-free formulations. We also add that sand grouting is not used when working with marble or glazed tiles.

Epoxy grout for tiles.

Epoxy grout for tiles in its composition contains a base in the form of an epoxy resin, to which a hardener and a set of coloring pigments are mixed. Such a composition gives the seams strength and density, resistance to moisture, acids and other chemicals, and also guarantees resistance to stains on the surface of the seams.

Interestingly, the color of epoxy tile grout can last for decades. The fungus does not form on such compounds, and the seams treated with such grout cease to absorb moisture. It is not surprising that epoxy grout has the highest price among similar compounds. Even silicon elements and shiny components (gold, silver, metallic) can be included in improved grout compositions, which allows not only processing the seams, but also creating an unusual decorative pattern.

Epoxy based grout is best used for wide joints, 6 mm or more. The fact is that such a grout is viscous and does not penetrate well into small cracks.

Furan grouts.

A special type of grout - furan resin grout is considered the most reliable type of grout. Such a composition allows not only to protect the seams from fungi, but also to completely protect them from strong acids, alkalis and other aggressive chemicals. Furan grouts are difficult to use - before working with them, the entire tile should be covered with a layer of wax, and excess grout should be carefully washed off with hot steam.

What color of grout should you choose for your tiles?

Each of you can make a regular color grout. To do this, you need to mix cement with sand, adding paint to the resulting mixture. Of course, it should be remembered that such a "grout" can get a different color from the intended one, and over time it can fade. It is easier to purchase a ready-made grout with the desired shade. Such compositions have undergone uniform coloring, and due to the balanced composition they will retain their color unchanged for a long time.

Designers, in addition to the usual color options, can rub the tiles with white grout or completely colorless compounds, while some, when carrying out repairs in an apartment, want to make the tiles more contrasting and bright. though standard advice the choice of grout color remains unchanged. You should choose a grout according to the lightest tone of the tile ornament (if it is light), or vice versa, according to the darkest tone. Designers are constantly experimenting, creating the most unimaginable solutions.

One of the latter is the “gouge out” style, which allows you to combine green tiles with an orange grout tone, or white tiles with black grout. In general, we note that approximately the same color of grout and tiles will hide the seams, neutral grout colors are best used for working with ceramics of irregular shape in order to hide uneven lines of the seams.

The last, final and very important step in laying the tiles is the grouting. And at this stage, very many people have a dilemma, but how to rub these seams and how to choose the color of grout for the tiles. It is with these questions that we will try to figure it out below, we will analyze which grout color is more appropriate to use in certain cases and consider the main types of grouting mixture.

Choosing the color of the grout

It is simply impossible to unambiguously recommend which color of the grout mixture to choose because each person has their own preferences and tastes, but there are generally recognized design rules, following which you can achieve excellent results.

Rule one. In the case when you rack your brains for a long time and cannot choose something specific from the entire palette of colors, or you generally have no options in your head in what color to decorate the tile seams, then the best solution in this situation would be to use white grout. This color is universal, in perfect harmony with all other colors.

The second rule. If you are not a supporter of all kinds of experiments and love something that would be beautiful, but “strict”. Choose a grout in the base color of the tile or in the color of the pattern depicted on it. By rubbing the seams in this way, you will be sure that you will achieve a good result and the room will look beautiful and harmonious.

Rule three. When you want to achieve something unusual and bright, you can try to play in contrast, that is, choose a grout of a completely different color than the tile, but be careful, such experiments are fraught unpleasant surprises If you choose the wrong color combination, the effect will be exactly the opposite of what you would like to see, and the room will become dull and not interesting. Therefore, when considering contrasting options, it is best to consult with professionals and ask about the colors that work best with each other.

Rule four. It is best to purchase grout with tiles, the sellers in the store know their product and will be able to advise on the best option that can be used with the finish you like.

The fifth rule. There are often situations when a person knows what color of grout he needs, but cannot find it in stores. In such cases, it is advisable to use a color scheme one or two shades darker than the color you need. The mixing process will be as follows - add color to the white grout, mix everything thoroughly and apply in an inconspicuous place ready mix, we are waiting for complete drying and we look at the result if it suits you, well, if not, we repeat the experiment again, but with a different color scheme.

The main types of grout mixtures

Studying the question of how to choose the color of grout for tiles, it is worth figuring out what kind of material is in general.In modern construction, there are two main types of grout, which differ in composition and in scope. Therefore, it is worth disassembling them and determining which one you need.

So, mixtures are:

Cement grout- is made on the basis of Portland cement and is the most common type of grouting mixture.

Recommendations on how to choose a tile grout by color and create a designer finish

This material has many advantages: it is easy to work with it, even a person far from professional renovation(if you are interested in how to properly wipe the tile seams with your own hands, then an article on this topic is here), can act as an equalizer and eliminate small surface defects, and the choice of colors is quite wide.

But there is also a significant disadvantage of this material, namely, in its pure form it does not tolerate high humidity, which means it is not resistant to the appearance of fungus and mold, but this is easy to fix by adding specialized additives to the finished mixture.

In some cases, these additives are already included in the mixture, so in order not to overpay, it is more expedient to buy a grout that meets exactly your goals and objectives.

Epoxy grout. One of the advantages is: increased durability, moisture resistance, protection from mildew and mildew, and the fact that the color of the grout does not change throughout the entire period of operation.

Of the minuses - 1. the material has a high viscosity and begins to dry out very quickly, so it will be very difficult for a beginner to work with it. 2. Price, it is an order of magnitude higher than that of a cement-based material.

That's all, I hope the article will be useful to you, if you have any questions, ask them in the comments.

Video on the topic "Grout for tiles, how to choose a color":

Which grout to choose for white tiles

Grout color for white tiles: how to choose and why dark grout is ideal.

Genuine elegance and beauty - as always, are hidden in simplicity. Simple things are always distinguished by unique elegance, are easily combined with other items, do not lose their relevance, regardless of the whims of 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 color perfectly combined with a variety of color shades.

But when choosing white tiles for finishing floors or wall surfaces, the question often arises - how to choose the color of grouting ceramic tiles of such a 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 should you choose for white tiles? Traditionally tile seams either they are performed strictly in the tone of the material, or for them a composition is chosen that is most contrasting to the color of the tile. 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 trowel mixtures;

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, it can be in harmony 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 a uniquely 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, respectively, all maintenance of the lined surface will be simplified.

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

Seams in 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 to make the room visually higher, but narrower at the same time. If you do not 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.

Ceramics are most often used to decorate the bathroom. Tile laying includes several stages. The finishing moment of the cladding is rubbing with a joint between the seams. Let's consider in detail what kind of grout to choose for tiles in the bathroom.

Varieties

Ceramics are used in the hygiene room, because it is a room with high humidity, constant temperature drops. The tile is not afraid of moisture, it is easy to install. But, with any facing, there are always gaps between the tiles. They can get water, dirt, and mold. Therefore, the role of grouting consistencies is so important. Which grout is best for tiles in the bathroom can be figured out by considering the varieties of this material:

The choice of grout for tiles in the bathroom depends not only on the properties of the material. The color of the mixture is important. For a while, exclusively white formulations were available. Now manufacturers offer a large selection of color shades for grouting materials.

Take a tile sample with you to the store to find the perfect color trowel. So it is more convenient to choose the desired shade.

White tiles

When the room is already tiled with tiles, it is important to choose the trowel mixture in a suitable color. Before buying, decide how you would like to see the bathroom. Perhaps it will be a contrasting cladding or, conversely, the seams will be plastered over to match the ceramic.

White has always been considered universal, suitable for any shade. But, if the tile itself is white, how to choose a grout for the tile?

What color of grout should be chosen for white tiles to make the cladding look more effective? The best options are:

• play on sharp contrasts;
• pure white (creating the effect of one, clean coverage).

If you have any doubts about which grout to choose for white tiles, then immediately give up the beige and gray shades. So the cladding, and with it the grout for white tiles, will seem dirty and ugly.

Beige tiles

Look at the photo of the grout color for beige tiles... Here, the views of experts are as follows:

• it is better to choose a mixture a little darker than a tile. This way you can emphasize the delicate shade of the ceramics;
• the tiled shade is lighter, so it will look better against the background of darker seams;
• It is advisable to select the tones of the grout in light colors with a brown or orange tint.

What color of grout to choose for beige tiles also depends on the color of the plumbing and the style of the interior - everything should be combined.

If it's too difficult to decide which grout to choose for beige tiles, then stop at optimal solution- white or very light gray tone.

Floor tiles

To choose a grout for floor tiles, you need to consider the following points:

• percentage of shrinkage of tiles upon final drying;
• moisture absorption level;
• strength;

The floor covering of any room is constantly exposed to heavy loads, which can lead to slight deformation. Therefore, it is important to correctly select the trowel mixture for the tile covering.

You can choose a grout for floor tiles based on silicone. Other varieties are more fragile and more susceptible to stress. But, in any case, choose a composition containing protection against mold fungi.

Tools

To perform high-quality processing tile seams, the following tool is required:

• a container for diluting a powder mixture (fugue is usually sold in powders). A small plastic bowl or bucket will do;
• spatulas for mixing and applying the composition (metal and rubber);
• a soft cloth for cleaning the surface after work;
• ladder.

Almost every home has such a simple set of tools. And it's not difficult to buy it.

Competent selection

The best tile grout is your own choice, but the following tips are worth heeding:

1. the entire tiled layout, along with the seams, will be conspicuous if the fugue is much darker or lighter than the cladding;
2. the coating will seem to be a single whole if the shade of the fugue matches the tile. This option is ideal if flaws appeared in the process of work, they simply will not be visible;
3. white grout is constantly contaminated;
4. if the cladding is made with mosaic tiles, then your option is a transparent fugue.

Which grout for tiles is best decided in each case individually.

In addition to color shades, you can choose a trowel mixture that is pearlescent or glow-in-the-dark.

The working process

Having figured out how to choose a tile grout by color, feel free to get to work. To get started, preparation:

• trowel the seams only after the final drying of the tile glue (about two days);
• clean thoroughly between the seams. Remove debris, adhesive residues.

It happens that trowelling works are carried out on an old surface, just for renewal. In such cases, it is necessary to remove the remnants of the old fugue. The old grouting mixture is removed with a binder. A special mixture is applied until the seams are completely cleaned. Wait for the moment when the old composition begins to easily be removed, otherwise the ceramics can be damaged.

After removing the old mixture, wash the entire surface. Leave tiles and seams to dry completely.

Powdered mixtures are diluted with water and mixed well. Then more liquid is added to create the desired consistency. Stir the mixture again before starting work.

The application process is as follows:

1. put a layer of fugue on a special grater;
2. take a grater with the composition at a right angle and press it against the wall (floor);
3. make unhurried, diagonal movements until the seams are completely filled;
4. repeat the whole process one more time.

At the end of the trowelling work, it is necessary to remove the excess grout. Wipe off the residue carefully with a soft cloth. When the trowel is dry, wash the entire tiled surface.

Grout rating

How to choose a tile grout in the bathroom, so that the gaps are not very noticeable and blend in with the tiles? Pay attention to the following details:

• read the composition on the package;
• manufacturer reviews;
• shelf life of the mixture.

The best grout for tiles in a bathroom is one that matches the color of the ceramics and matches the overall interior of the room. Rating of the best grout for tiles in the bathroom from the following manufacturers:

A little tip: before deciding when buying a fugue, try to make a trial. Apply a little bit of the product, let it dry - the real color will appear. The reason is that after drying, the fugue becomes lighter than the declared shade.

Grout for every taste

Which tile grout is best depends on each specific case. When choosing, be guided by the following indicators:

1. if you want to focus on the ceramics itself, then select a grout compound in a darker direction;
2. light colors will create the effect of a single space;
3. small tiled elements look great with seams worn with a fugue in a contrasting color;
4. white, as always, versatile.

Regardless of what kind of grout to grout the tiles in the bathroom, it serves the same purpose - it protects against moisture and mold penetration. How illustrative example evaluate how a light tile with a dark grout looks in the photo.

It is important that the color of the grout not only matches the ceramic, but also emphasizes its merits. It is necessary to choose the color of the grout for the tiles so that the following characteristics are observed:

• with perfect tiling, you can safely buy a contrasting fugue. This technique looks good if the bathroom is laid out in two color shades;
• gray grout mixes wonderfully with red and black ceramics;
• if the tile is creamy, try a gilded grout;
• for the mosaic version, only a contrasting fugue is suitable;
• if the bathroom is tiled in three different shades, then use the beige version;
• an interesting option is a selection of fugues to match the tone of the bathroom fittings.

After finishing the bathroom, you will have a wonderful opportunity to use your imagination. Fill up the seams with a fugue of an unusual color. Imagine, experiment. You can try a combination of colors or play exclusively on contrasting options.

Important: when choosing a grouting material, you should know that her color can visually reduce or increase the space of the room. The shade of the grout also affects the perception of lighting in the bathroom. In the case of an illiterately matched grout color, the bathroom will look dull and uninteresting. Even unusual accessories won't save you.

If the bathroom has a small area, then select a lighter fugue (this also applies to the tile itself). Large spaces, on the other hand, are best made more compact by picking up darker colors.

When laying mosaic panels, a transparent or colorless grout mixture is suitable.

To pure red tile material use a pink solution to rub the seams.

Do not mix white tiles with the same fugue color - they will simply get lost. For multi-colored ceramics, buy the lightest or darkest tones.

Tile grout - how to choose a color?

Currently, the building materials market abounds in various mixtures designed to bring completed finishing works to a high aesthetic level. Such materials, among other things, include all kinds of grouting mixtures for joints after tiling the walls (floors) with tiles. But a fairly wide range of grouting can raise a perfectly legitimate question, how to choose the right color for grouting ceramic tiles.

Selection of grout color

It should be noted that a properly selected grouting mixture can not only emphasize the beauty of the tiles, but even hide minor flaws made in the process of laying it.

Therefore, asking yourself how to choose the color of grout for tiles, first of all, remember a few tips that will help you decide on the choice of a grout (the term is synonymous with the word "grout"):

• a lighter tone of the grout mixture relative to the color of the tile will lubricate all individual parts of the cladding, but the darker tone of the fugue, on the contrary, will create a geometrically clear pattern and emphasize each tile;
• fugues of a contrasting color look best when grouting tiles small size(as an option - on a mosaic);
• so that the perception of the integrity of the pattern of mosaic panels or tiles with photo printing is not disturbed, you should choose a grout of the same tone with a dominant tone of the image or transparent (colorless);
• for grouting joints on the floor, for obvious reasons, you should not use a fugue of white or any other light color... The optimal in this case is the choice of the tone of the grouting mixture, which is as close as possible in color to the composition on which the tiles are laid.

  Black grout for tiles in Arzamas

  A brown or blue-gray trowel is also suitable.

Grout selection

Consider the options for choosing grout for the most common tile colors - beige and white. So, what color of grout is best for beige tiles. The classic version of combining the color of the tiles with the tone of the grout can be considered a win-win. But so that the adjacent tiles do not merge into a single spot, which does not always look aesthetically pleasing, the tone of the grouting mixture, nevertheless, should be slightly darker than the color of the tile - a darker grout will create clear lines and help to highlight each tile. But in order to give the interior some uniqueness and mystery, you can use the novelty on construction market and apply a grout mixture with fluorescent particles to beige tiles, which in the dark glow with a bluish-violet muted shine. But this, as they say, is an “amateur's” choice.

Now let's figure out how to choose the color of grout for white tiles. There are many options here. Therefore, approach the choice of grout from the side of your preferences and capabilities. The option of choosing a grout to match (or rather, slightly darker) tiles can be considered a classic. But keep in mind that white grout can turn yellow over time. Lovers of clear graphic images can choose a sharply contrasting fugue - black. But in this case, there is a "but" - the tile must be laid ideally, otherwise, with a sharp contrast of colors, even the most insignificant mistakes in facing work will be visible. The most acceptable and at the same time effective is the choice of grout light green, blue or orange... Especially when it comes to tiles in the bathroom. Then you can create a very harmonious interior by choosing accessories to match the color of the fugue - towels, a soap dish, a bathroom curtain.

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How to choose a tile grout color? Learning the basics of this business

Repair does not tolerate trifles. Even sheer trifles, for example, how to choose the color of grout for a tile, is sometimes so necessary to know. And this is due to several simple reasons. Firstly, not guessing with a touch, you run the risk of breaking the whole composition and ruining the whole impression of the filigree and according to all the rules of the laid out tile. And sometimes - and very complicate your life in the process of further operation of the premises. And not only physically, but also psychologically: if you allowed yourself a rather bold design decision, and during the use of the room you get the feeling that it starts to put pressure on you, you intuitively try to be there less.

Of course, color choices are heavily influenced by personal or design tastes. But it is worth considering that over time, not too calm combinations of shades can begin to unnerve and even annoy. And the opinions of family members, who will begin to use on an equal basis with you common areas, should also be taken into account.

From this side, it would be nice to listen to the opinion of psychologists, who do not advise choosing sharp contrasting combinations, for example, scarlet and black, for doing internal work.

How to choose a tile grout color, also depends on where exactly the tile lies, on the floor or on the wall. In general, as in any repair issue, there are nuances here, which we will discuss in our today's article.

General settings

• If you are choosing a grout for floor tiles, you should not buy white or even just very light. Even if the tiles are in light colors. On the aisles, the seams will quickly become clogged with dirt and take on a sloppy appearance. Tilers are advised to stop either on gray, to match the cement, grout, or pick it up a couple of tones darker than the shade of the tile. If it is of fundamental importance for you to have light seams, use epoxy putties, but keep in mind that they are much more expensive than others, and it is rather difficult to work with them without the appropriate skills.
• If the walls are lined with plain tiles, the grout is taken slightly lighter than the tile.
• When using multi-colored tiles, you need to determine which tones are the darkest and lightest. In small rooms, the grout is matched to the palest shade. In large ones - whatever your whim, but if you want to visually reduce the room a little, make it more compact and comfortable, lean towards a dark grout.
• If a panel is laid out on the wall, then the seam putty is chosen as inconspicuous as possible so that it does not distract from the pattern and does not break it into separate fragments. You can go in two ways: either sew up each area with the appropriate shade, or buy a special chameleon grout, which itself is colorless and takes on the shade of a nearby element.
• Contrasting grouting is perfectly acceptable. But keep in mind that colored tiles, separated, for example, by white (or a different color) seams, look more geometric. Also, keep in mind that contrasting putty can leave marks on the tiles. It is necessary to apply it to the sample and check if staining remains. If so, then you should either look for another putty, or follow up with its immediate removal and fix the seam with varnish or sealant.
• If the tiles on your walls are white, do not flatter yourself and do not take the first grout you come across. White color has many shades that are not caught by an unprofessional eye, but with a snow-white putty they will look inharmonious. The choice here must be treated even more corrosive than in the presence of tiles of other colors.

In any case, whichever option you choose, you need to go for grout with examples of the available tiles. Many manufacturers offer customers samples of the final shades of the fugue, because when it dries it changes color slightly. They need to be applied to the elements captured with them in order to assess the degree of compliance.

Some nuances

If your wall is lined with small tiles, do not draw too much attention to the seams: you will get a crushing effect, and the room will not look finished. It is better to prefer a grout that is as close as possible to the tile in tone.

If you decide to opt for a contrasting suture filler, match the shade with the furniture and room accessories.

Black-black grout

Otherwise, there is a possibility of getting too colorful design. Moreover, it makes sense to choose the contrast only when the layout of the tiles, as they say, is ideal. The slightest defects, even a difference in the width of the seam of half a millimeter, begin to catch the eye.

Of the color combinations, the following are considered the most successful:

• green - white;
• blue - yellow, as an option - white;
• chocolate - sand (alternatively - beige);
• gray - pink;
• green yellow;
• lilac - white;
• red - yellow or white.

Moreover, the tile should be darker, not the inter-joint filler! Other color combinations, even if they seem successful at first, will soon become tiresome and annoying.

One more moment

Some inexperienced builders believe that the fugu can be tinted in the same way as with paint. Fundamentally wrong opinion! Pigments created personally for grouting do not exist in nature. The color added to the white putty is washed out over time, because any tile, at least occasionally, can be washed, and even with aggressive chemical means... As a result, the pigment is unevenly removed from the seam, and literally after 2-3 washes you will get an indistinct spot in the seams. Moreover, all colors violate the structure of the grout; after washing them out, it begins to crumble and pours out of the seams.

And the last thing. If you rubbed the seams, and the end result did not inspire you, you can try to remedy the situation with the help of special paints. For example, Duffa products work very well on almost all grouting materials. However, this method is only suitable if the paint is darker than the grout and not too contrasting in color. Not the best option, but better than picking out the putty and sewing up the gaps again. Only this time, nevertheless, try the shade somewhere in an inconspicuous place so as not to step on the already tested rake. Even knowing how to choose the color of the grout for the tile, and choosing a shade for yourself, it will be nice to apply it to control separate element and wait until dry. This is especially true for all shades of blue: they change both upon dilution and after setting.

How to choose a grout for tiles in the bathroom: selection by color

When carrying out repairs in your home, of course, it is better to delegate the implementation of all complex tasks to the hands of professionals. But there are also procedures that you can handle with your own hands. This will allow you to save money and assert yourself as a true jack of all trades.

And one of these procedures is the operation to putty the seams between the wall or floor tiles... Today we will talk about how to choose the color of the grout for the tiles.

Purpose of using the material

Of course, you can not proceed to direct consideration suitable options without understanding the main purpose of the grout application.

As you know, tiles are used for repairs in the kitchen and bathroom. This material not only has an attractive appearance, in some cases with an application for luxury, but also has very practical properties:

• Wear resistance;
• Fungus protection;
• Resistance to moisture;
• Strength;
• Durability.

But, despite such qualities, the tiles have vulnerabilities - the joints of the plate fastening to the floor or wall. These small cracks are capable of accumulating moisture, allowing debris and microbes to pass under the slabs, which inevitably leads to deterioration of the material, its complete crumbling, or rendering it look orphaned.

Therefore, the question arises of how to choose the right color for grouting tiles. After all, the properties of this material are obvious - it clogs the seams between the plates, reliably protecting the product from moisture, mold and mildew formation.

Best choice for white tiles

A very popular trend is to use white backsplash and bathroom materials.

But when it comes to choosing a putty, a problem arises, because a grout of the same color does not look the best against the background of a snow-white slab.

Therefore, in this situation, it is better to make a choice in favor of the following scales:

• Silver gray;
• Vanilla;
• Jasmine;
• Yellow;
• Mint;
• Jade.

What color of grout to choose for beige tiles?

If we talk about the niche of beige products, then they are perhaps the most commonly used for fixing in kitchens. And due to the fact that interesting ornaments and patterns appear on the tiles, this has long become the standard of choice for most people.

When the tiles are already fixed on the walls or on the floor, and it comes to choosing a putty, you need to pay attention to the colors of the drawings directly on the product. The grout can be chosen in one tone with their shades.

In addition, the following options are ideal for the beige range:

• Caramel;
• Apricot;
• Hazelnut;
• Ocher;
• Brown;
• Beige (one tone lighter or darker);
• White.

What color of grout to choose for brown tiles?

Brown shades for tiles in modern interiors of houses and apartments are also often used, but their scope of use extends not only to the bathroom and kitchen. The tile of this shade fits perfectly into the interior of hallways and guest rooms.

The priority factor in choosing a grout for such a color shade is the selection of a not too flashy option. Indeed, for the kitchen, choosing a color to match the furniture is an excellent option; for a bathroom, the decision to take a putty in the color of the ornament depicted on the tile is original solution but for other rooms it is necessary to think more rationally.

Here the grout should be used exclusively for its main practical purpose. Therefore, the colors should be chosen from the following list:

• Sienna;
• Brown;
• Light and dark brown;
• Black;
• Graphite;
• Anthracite;
• Cocoa.

By choosing the perfect grout color, you can not only protect the walls and floors of your home, but also give them an even more refined and perfect look.

When carrying out tiling using tiles, the question of how to choose the right grout for ceramic tiles by color is very important. The holistic perception of the new surface and its decorative effect depend on how correct the choice turns out to be. What should you pay attention to?

Modern tile grout is available in a variety of colors

What is grout for?

So that the selection of the optimal grout color for filling the tile joints does not turn out to be a blind solution to the issue, it is necessary to figure out what the grout is for in general. Some aspects regarding the functional purpose of the grout will help you determine the direction of further searches and choose suitable material.

The main functions of the grout:

• Protection against moisture and dirt penetration. The mastic forms a water shutter and prevents the adhesive solution from breaking down. It also prevents moisture from absorbing into the wall, which reduces the risk of mold and mildew formation.
• Defect masking. Chips and uneven joints can be masked with mastic matched to the tile.
• Decorativeness. Creates a perfect painting and a sense of completeness when finishing any surface.
• Giving expressiveness to the interior. With the help of contrast, you can highlight the geometry of the picture and make the design of the room richer and deeper.
• Linking together various design details. It allows you to combine pieces of furniture and decor of different colors with wall and floor cladding, even when using contrasting tiles.

Tile-matching grout creates a sense of completeness in the design of the room

Depending on what functions you need to perform, you can choose the most suitable option for you.

The filling can be different for the same tile. It all depends on personal preference and design intent. For example, in the question of which grout to choose for a standard white tile, there can be more than a dozen different solutions.

Types of materials

To make the right choice of the color for grouting ceramic tiles, one should take into account not only the shade of the color scheme in its composition, but also the properties of the components as a whole. To do this, it is worth considering in more detail the types of mixtures used.

White grout for black tiles

So, let's look at the types of grout mixes:

• Cement and sand. It is a simple mixture of fine sieved sand and cement. To strengthen the bond, you can use PVA glue. Used to fill wide joints.
• Alabaster. Mixed with white alabaster with water. Plastic and soft before hardening.
• Cement fugue with modifying additives. Sold in building materials stores. The mixture contains Portland cement and hardening additives, which impart viscosity and plasticity to the mass. Has a wide color palette.
• Latex. A type of cement mortar with the addition of polymer components, which give the mass greater strength and water resistance.
• Epoxy. This is a special type of mastic based on epoxy resins. They provide excellent strength values ​​and ideal moisture protection. At the same time, there are some difficulties in its application associated with the high viscosity of the substance.
• Silicate. Transparent mass based on liquid glass... It is used for filling even and clean joints, in particular for mosaics.

  May be transparent or contain particles of pigments and glitter.

• Furanic. Black grout, which has a high resistance to chemicals, but rarely used in everyday life.

Cement-sand - the simplest and most inexpensive grout for tiles

If you are using mosaics or want to create a unique design, use transparent and pearlescent mixtures. True, they are much more expensive than standard fugues.

One-stop solutions

If you are a conservative, or simply doubt that you can choose a complex combination for finishing the seams between tiles, then you should choose universal solutions that have been proven over the years.

The most affordable and easiest way to mask the joints is to pick up a white grout. At the same time, it does not matter at all which tile your choice fell on, because colorless mastic suits any shade. In this case, you can either create a feeling of solidity of the coating, or, on the contrary, emphasize each individual tile.

White grout is the simplest and in a universal way mask the joints

If there are no special questions about what color to rub the white tiles with, it may be more difficult to choose the right material with other shades. For beige ceramic tiles classic combination is a white, sandy or cream colored grout. This choice is not only classic, but also optimal.

Matching can also be used for other colored cladding. For example, the choice of grout color for dark brown tiles can range from the same beige to chocolate.

If you want to find a more original version, you can use the services of a design consultant, in some prestigious salons facing materials you can use this service.

Original design

Those who do not like boring combinations should focus their choice on more original and sometimes even extreme design options.

This includes the selection of material combinations that do not match in color, even within the same palette.

If you choose the colors of the grout for white ceramic tiles, there is absolutely nothing to be limited here. However, keep in mind that the finishing of the seams should at least be in minimal harmony with the surrounding interior.

The same principle applies when selecting the grout color for black ceramic tiles. Both materials belong to the achromatic scale, and therefore go well with any other shades. White mastic looks very original, red, yellow and rich mother-of-pearl.

Grout and tile color combinations can be very different.

But the choice of a shade of grout for the joints of ceramic tiles of a different color becomes more difficult. In this case, you need to be guided by color combinations in the natural environment. If you have taste, courage, and experiments are not alien to you, try to combine absolutely different tones.

What to consider when choosing a grout

Before choosing the color of the grout, pay attention to all the nuances that can affect the choice of color, for example, a decorative insert on a tile. With it, you can link the contrasting design of the seams.

Also take into account that the mastic can be sold dry or ready-made. After drying such a mass, the shade of the seams may change. Before finally choosing a color for grouting ceramic tiles, ask for samples of the finished work using the materials you are interested in. If you follow these recommendations, you can choose exactly the mixture that will make your interior unique and very attractive.

Anyone who has come across tiling knows that the final necessary stage is grouting of tile joints. To correctly determine which tile grout is needed, you need to consider their main characteristics.

The main functions of grout mixtures

In addition to aesthetics, grouting is necessary to perform a purely technical load, these are:

• preservation of the strength of the cladding;
• protection from pollution, settling of microbes and fungi;
• simplification of surface care;
• ensuring tightness and strength of the coating.

With the help of a well-chosen grout, you can smooth out errors in the work of the tiler and minor imperfections of the stove, and it is also interesting to beat the decor, link it with the interior of the room.

Choosing a composition

For precise definition the necessary mixture, you will also need to pay attention to the characteristics of the room and the purpose that is being pursued. In terms of composition, the following types of grout for tiles can be distinguished:

• cement, the most common, designed for a thin seam;
• cement-sand, for a larger joint width;
• latex based;
• resinous;
• and made of silicone.

Cement based mixtures

This is the most popular type of mixtures due to their versatility and affordable price. They are simpler to use than others and do not require additional costs (for example, for cleaners). Produced cleanly cement grout and with the addition of sand.

The disadvantages of cement compositions are a long drying time, low resistance to contact with water, a limited joint width (about 6 mm) and not a very rich selection of shades.

To partially get rid of the shortcomings, manufacturers add sand to the composition, this solves the above problems, however, it should be applied very carefully because of the danger of damaging the glossy surface of the plates.

Resin based grout

Not so often used type, requiring special training and experience for work. The only drawback, in addition to the complexity of the application, is the rather high cost.

The epoxy tile grout is water resistant, has a rich palette and is durable. Very well suited for swimming pools, saunas, garages, basements.

Furan grouts differ somewhat in composition and are even more difficult to apply, they are characterized by increased resistance to chemicals and external influences, they are mainly used in industrial premises by experienced craftsmen. There is one- and two-component grout.

Silicone and latex

This type of grouting mixture is easy to use and attracts with increased antimicrobial properties.

A latex-based mixture is the most progressive type, it protects the seam from moisture as much as possible, it is excellent for rooms with temperature extremes and for laying underfloor heating. In respect of color solutions the palette is very diverse.

A rather high price can be compensated for by adding a latex additive to ordinary cement grout, thereby significantly increasing its characteristics.

Manufacturers

• grout for tiles Ceresit;
• Mapei;
• Sopro;
• Litokol.

It is best to select a grout not from memory; the most suitable shade is selected by applying a sample of the grout mixture directly to the plate. It is better to purchase immediately with the tiles or take a piece with you if it is already installed.

To estimate what shade you will get in the end, it is better to try to apply a little on the tiles and wait for drying.

If the plate has a pattern, or is different in shade, the grout is taken universal or suitable for the prevailing color.

With the help of grout, you can beat a monotonous slab, choosing a contrasting tone, or, on the contrary, smooth the surface, choosing a similar color as much as possible, it would be nice to wipe the mosaic with a colorless mixture. Fresh ideas can always be gleaned by studying various photos of grout for tiles in the interior.

The black and white mixture is most susceptible to contamination and therefore not recommended for use on floors.

In addition to all the characteristics listed above, it is important not to forget to check the expiration date of the mixture indicated on the package, and also, if it is dry, to feel its consistency. It should be free-flowing without hard lumps.

Renewal of seams over time

After a certain amount of time, unfortunately, it will be necessary to renew the coating of the seams, because Even the best mixture will one day start to wash out and fade. This can be done independently, or by briefly inviting a specialist.

Previously, the old seams are carefully cleaned without damaging the surface of the tiles.

If the grout is white, you can purchase a special pencil that can be used to touch up the seam. The color option will require more work, especially if several shades are mixed.

Photo grout for tiles

When carrying out 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 choosing Construction Materials... In this case, not only the quality of the materials plays a significant role, but also the correctly selected colors.

Nowadays, few repairs are complete without laying tiles. Many relate to 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 an unsuccessfully matched grout. So when creating individual design it is very important to pay due attention to this material.

Tile grout color matching

The classic option is to select a color that is 1–2 tones different from the color of the tiles. Such a planing will ensure maximum harmony. In order for future renovations 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.

Advice. Apply to all colors, not just similar shades. Out of the blue, you may 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 color will suit to any color of the tile, if it is wall tiles. TO light colors it is always appropriate, and will create a good contrast with dark ones. 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. You need 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, are used for tiles of various colors and qualities. These grouts have a small color gamut and, moreover, do not tolerate water well.

Cement grout for tiles

For different joint widths, a different grout must be used. 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 already in finished form in buckets or as a dry powder.

Fugu from plastic buckets can be used immediately, however, despite the ease of use, this also has its drawbacks: 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 such a 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.

Flaws:

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

Epoxy grout

Epoxy grout contains a hardener. This allows it to retain color for a long time and not be washed out by 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. As a result, 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.

Dignity a fugue like this:

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

Flaws:

• 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. Besides, given view 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 you don't have the right 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 in any building materials store. You can experiment with shades by adding different colors to the white grout until you achieve the desired result. The saturation of the color depends on the amount of color scheme, and the shades only on your imagination.

Primers and additives

Various primers and additives will be of great help. There are additives that make the grout out of ordinary moisture or frost resistant, or give it anti-deformation and antifungal properties. In general, it adds the characteristics 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 those properties. It is in such situations that construction chemicals will come in handy.

Advice. 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 is dry - desired color will return.

Experienced designers advise not to overdo it with the number of colors and adhere to the "tricolor" principle. You can choose the grout to match the tile or the pattern applied to it, as well as to match the plumbing or furniture elements. But do 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