To avoid your tile staining during grouting, we always recommend installers protect your tile with a grout release product. Now you may be wondering, what is grout release, and how do I use it? Well, we're here to provide you with the information you need.
What is Grout Release?
Grout release is a removable, water-soluble surface coating that protects tile from staining when using pigmented grout. It also makes grout cleanup a little bit easier.
Tile Shown: Magnolia Chaine Homme // Design: Brownstone Boys // Image: Nick Glimenakis
Why Do You Need Grout Release?
As we mentioned, you will need grout release when applying a dark or colored grout to a light tile color. This especially applies to glazes that have any sort of crackle. All of our ceramic glazes feature at least some crazing. A dark grout will inevitably get into those tiny cracks and stain your tile.
Tile Shown: Tumbleweed & Feldspar Gloss 2x6, Feldspar Gloss 2x8 // Disign: Eliza Blank // Image: Stefanie Villers
A grout sealer should also be used when applying a dark grout to our Handpainted designs that have a light dry line, such as in the image below.
Tile Shown: Roundabout Gesso Motif // Design & Image: GLAM Studio
How to Use Grout Release
1. Test Away From Install
First, you will want to test a small area to see how much grout release you'll need to apply. You may need more than one coat for the release to be effective.
Tile Shown: Feldspar Gloss 4x4, Signal Wood Motif // Design: Kate Darden Interior Design // Image: Lisa Hovey
2. Apply the Grout Release
Apply the grout release with a sponge directly over your tile. Be sure to cover the entire area you are tiling, once you have determined how much grout release you will need.
Tile Shown: Dust Storm 1x6 Sheeted // Design: BOXI // Image: Jenna Peffley
3. Grout Your Tile
Once the grout release has dried you can begin grouting your tile.
Tile Shown: Frost Matte Mini Star & Cross // Design: Ellen Friedlander, Alexi Butts // Image: Ellen Friedlander
4. Clean Up
Once you have finished, simply wipe away the excess grout and the grout release, and you should have a clean installation!
Tile Shown: Moonshine, Feldspar, Tumbleweed, Mesa, Mist & Dawn 8x8 // Design & Image: Kirsten Southwell
If you still have questions about grout release, feel free to call, chat, or fill out our Design Assistance Form and one of our talented Design Consultants will get back to you shortly.