Selecting the optimal grout for tile installations depends on the type of tile, joint width, and placement site.
Unsanded grout offers unique advantages for wall tiles with narrow gaps by maximizing flexibility and adhesion once cured.
Its smooth, easily spreadable premixed consistency contrasts with gritty sanded grout used on floors.
But without sand or aggregate fillers, unsanded grout lacks hardeners to minimize shrinkage when drying.
This makes proper water proportioning vital to balance optimal workability during application without sacrificing long-term durability.
tile grout is more prone to penetration of water that enables efflorescence and staining, careful sealing and cleaning methods for installations are detailed in following.
What is Unsanded Grout?
It contains only cement, pigments, water and polymers. It has a smooth, fluid consistency without sand aggregate.
Its fine texture allows filling narrow grout joints under 1/8” like wall tiles. Premixed unsanded grout options simplify mixing.
Purpose of Unsanded Grout
- Fill Joints Between Tiles -The primary purpose is to fill and seal the joint spaces between tiles on walls.This provides an attractive, finished appearance by concealing the gaps while bonding the whole surface together.
- Provide Flexibility Without sand filler -It gains flexibility properties from latex polymer additives. This creates slight elasticity to handle expansion and contraction of tiles on walls with climatic changes better than a rigid mortar or thicker grout.
- Waterproof Tile Installations – Properly installed and cured unsanded grout is water-resistant and protects moisture from seeping underneath tiles that could lead to water damage or compromise adhesive bonds over time.
- Enhance Visual Uniformity– The cement-based grout cures to a consistent color and texture based on added pigments. This creates visual uniformity across the entire installation, concealing deviations in tile sizes or uneven joint widths especially on walls.
Material Used
Unsanded Portland cement-based grouts contain:
✅ White or gray cement
✅ Inorganic mineral pigments
✅ Latex polymer additive
✅ Water reducer and air entertainer
Premixed versions only require adding water on site. Proper water ratio is key for workability without compromising cured strength.
procedure
Mixing Unsanded Grout
☑️ Use exact water amount stated on manufacturer direction
☑️ Machine mixing with a drill is faster
☑️ Do not re-temper mix by adding more water after slaking
☑️ Discard unused grout after 90 minutes
Check package for specific mixing techniques. Adjust consistency if needed within first 10 minutes.
Applying Unsanded Grout
- Apply with a rubber float, pressing firmly on an angle into joints.
- Remove excess grout held on tile using edge of float
- Final tool with plastic pointer tool for consistent concave shape
Take precautions to limit surface contact before cure for easier cleaning.
Curing Unsanded Grout
💧 Unsanded grout gains strength faster than sanded
💧 Wait 24-48 hours before sealing or light use
💧 Requires 28 days to fully cure to rated hardness
💧 Keep damp using mists of water during first 3 days
Drying Time
- Typically 24-48 hours before sealing or light traffic
- Reaches 80% strength by 7 days
- Allow 28 days to fully cure and harden completely
Sealing
- Seal after 48 hours to protect from stains
- Use water-based sealants for maximum penetration
- Reapply every 1-2 years depending on traffic
Cleaning
- Use gentle pH-neutral cleaner and soft brush weekly
- Minimize moisture contact for first 5 days during cure
- Avoid acidic cleaners which can degrade grout
Efflorescence
- More commonly develop on vertical joints of wall tiles
- Use cleaner with acid component to remove salts
- Improve drainage or ventilation to limit reoccurrence
Haze Removal
- Wipe gently with clean damp sponge during install
- Use low-concentration acid after 3-day initial cure
- Take precautions on delicate tile finishes
Applications of Unsanded Grout
Wall Tiles– Unsanded grout works extremely well for filling the joints between wall tiles.
This includes bathroom backsplashes, showers, tub surrounds, and kitchen backslashes.
The smooth premixed formula spreads easily on vertical surfaces.
Mosaics -Grouting intricate mosaic tile patterns is made much easier using an unsanded grout compared to a thick, grainy sanded mix.
The fine consistency flows easily into intricate artistic tile designs.
Glass Tiles -The narrow joints between glass tile or glowing glass mosaic sheets are ideal to fill .
This prevents scratching the delicate glass surface with aggregates.
Natural Stone Tiles -For softer, porous natural stones like marble or limestone, unsanded grout will not scratch the surface during installation and cleaning compared to sanded.
Pool Tile Grout -It is well suited for filling the joints of pool tile above the waterline. Its flexibility and water-resistance handles climatic changes pools see between seasons.
difference between unsanded and sanded grouting
| Description | Unsanded Grout | Sanded Grout |
|---|---|---|
| Texture | Smooth, Uniform | Gritty, Granular |
| Joint Width Use | Under 1/8″ i.e Wall Tiles | Over 1/8″ i.e. Floors |
| Mixing | Just Add Water | Must Be Blended |
| Efflorescence | More Susceptible | Less Common |
| Cure Rate | Gains Strength Within Days | Higher Ultimate Strength Over Weeks |
| Flexibility | Elongates For Movement | More Rigid And Crack Prone |
| Cost | Higher for Premix | Lower with Basic Components |
| Application | Easier Vertical Surfaces | Requires Quick Floor Removal |
| Cleanup | Water Washable Before Cure | Must Remove From Tile Fast |
| Typical Applications | Tile Walls, Showers | Tile Floors, Countertops |
Unsanded Grout Calculator
To find how much needed,
multiply: Tile length × tile width = area
Area x number of tiles = total coverage
Joint width x joint height x total coverage ÷ 144 = cubic feet to cover all joints
Pros and Cons of Unsanded Grout
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Flexibility for movement | Lower cured hardness than sanded mix |
| Precision smooth finish | Can show more efflorescence salt deposits |
| Water-cleanable | Requires extra care removing before cured |
| Range of color options | Not suitable for floor joints wider than 1/8” |
Conclusion
Specifying the appropriate content for narrow wall tile joints ensures durable installation. Calculate required amounts using accurate tile measurements.
Allow full 28 day cure time to develop maximum stain resistance. Follow manufacturer application and cleaning techniques closely.
Properly mixed and applied unsanded grout resists cracking and provides long-lasting appeal.
Let me know if you would like me to modify or add any additional details on unsanded grouts in this overview blog post.
