How To Grout Bathroom Backsplash [With Tips On What Style To Choose]

Are you looking to re-do the backsplash in your bathroom? Wondering which method is best to do this? If so, you've come to the right place for the answer. We've researched the best way to install grout on your bathroom's backsplash, and in this post, we will cover this as well as how to choose the best backsplash tile for your bathroom.

Here are the steps to grout a bathroom backsplash:

1. Prepare the work area
2. Combine your grout solution
3. Apply the grout
4. Wipe off the grout
5. Smooth out the joints
6. Wipe down the tiles

Adding grout to a bathroom backsplash is generally a pretty simple project. The job itself doesn't cost a lot of money, and you can typically do it within about an hour or two. Continue reading to learn more about the steps to install the backsplash grout and how to choose the best style for your backsplash.

Choosing The Best Backsplash

Before considering the options available for your backsplash tile, you'll need to determine how much your budget will be. This will help you immediately omit products that are too costly and save yourself time in your search. It's best to go with standard tile sizes to keep your costs down, and it'll also widen your options to more colors, designs, and shapes.

Tile Design & Color

The backsplash in your bathroom should flow with the rest of the decor within the room. When choosing the look for your backsplash, decide whether you want it to fall in line with the colors on the rest of the wall or if you want to add a bit of contrast. Also, consider the fixtures on the vanity and whether or not they'll go with the colors and look of the backsplash tiles. Even if you want to mix and match things, it's better to know the overall style that you're going for beforehand.

Backsplash Dimensions

Measure the area that will be dedicated toward your backsplash. This will help you get an idea of the best tile size to use and how many you'll need for the project. Keep in mind that larger tiles will be more expensive, and tiles with complex designs such as mosaic tiles will also be higher on the price list.

Steps to Grout Bathroom Backsplash

Now that we've covered how to pick the right backsplash for your bathroom. Let's go over the steps to install the grout.

Tools you'll need:

• Tarps or plastic sheeting
• Cleaning cloth
• Putty knife
• Sponge
• Grout mixing tool
• Painter’s tape
• Silicone caulk
• Grout
• Grout float
• Two 2-gallon buckets

1. Prepare the work area

The first thing to do is protect the surrounding areas beneath the backsplash. To do this, be sure to lay down a tarp or plastic sheeting over the vanity and floor to avoid spilling grout on these areas. It's also helpful to apply painter's tape along any adjacent walls and cabinetry that may be adjoined to the tile surface.

Buy plastic sheeting on Amazon.

If the tiles have just recently been installed, be sure to remove any spacers that have been left from the installation. To do this, take a pair of needle-nose pliers and carefully pull out the spacers from the tile joints. Next, take a cleaning cloth and wipe down the tile joints to remove any debris or adhesive that may interfere with the grout's ability to form a strong bond against the tile. The face of the tile should be free of any adhesives, dirt, or grime.

2. Combine your grout solution

The new grout will need to be mixed with water before you can apply it to the tile. To do this, place the recommended amount of grout in one of your two-gallon buckets, then add the recommended amount of water. Next, stir the grout using a paint stick or trowel. If you prefer not to do this manually, you can also use a paint or mortar mixer to speed this process up.

After mixing the grout, it should have a smooth but gritty consistency. Let the grout sit for about 10 to 15 minutes so that it can fully absorb the water. Then, mix the grout again and add more water as needed until you have the desired amount for your backsplash size.

Check out this mortar mixer on Amazon.

3. Apply the grout

Next, apply the grout using a grout float. When applying the grout, work on small areas that are no more than five to seven square feet. This way, you can easily go back and reapply the grout to areas where it may be too thin. When scooping up the grout with the float, be sure not to cover the entire tool with grout, but only the top third of the tool.

Apply the grout using a diagonal stroke, working from the bottom area of the backsplash upwards. As you sweep diagonally across the joint lines, gently press the float into the tile to ensure that it reaches the area inside the joints. Inspect each section as you cover it before moving to the next section.

Read more about this grout float on Amazon.

4. Wipe off the grout

After applying grout to the entire backsplash, wait about 15 to 20 minutes before wiping the grout off the tiles and joints. This way, the ground will have a chance to sit before you remove the access. To do this, feel your second two-gallon bucket with hot water and dip your sponge into it. Next, wipe down the grout using a diagonal motion.

Periodically rinse the sponge in the water, wring it out, and re-apply it to the tiles. Repeat the steps until the tiles are free of excess grout. Remember not to keep too much water on the sponge, as it should only be mildly damp.

5. Smooth out the joints

Next, use your index finger or a grout joint tool to shape the grout lines. Note that you want the grout lines to be consistent and straight. It's best to use a tool to smooth out any irregularities, as the grout joints should be no more than 3/16-inch wide.

6. Wipe down the tiles

Next, let the grout set. This can take anywhere from one or two hours, depending on the brand. Afterward, take your sponge or a cleaning cloth and wipe down the tile to remove any grout remnants or haze from the backsplash. Again, make sure that the cloth or sponge is only mildly damp.

Learn more about this cleaning sponge on Amazon.

How Long Do You Leave Grout Before Wiping It?

It depends. Some grout brands can set in 15 minutes, while others may take up to an hour to set. It's best to follow the directions on the back of the ground for the recommended setting time.

Do You Grout The Bottom of A Backsplash?

No. It's unnecessary to apply the grout to the bottom of the backsplash, as this area typically connects to either a wall or the top of a sink. You'll usually just need to apply silicone caulk to the area.

Check out this silicone caulk on Amazon.

How Do You Seal Grout On A Backsplash?

Sealing grout on the backsplash involves applying a sealant after the grout has been installed. There are a few different sealant options available to do this. Some sealants can be sprayed on top of the grout, while others come in a bottle with an applicator tip to be applied directly over the grout joints. After you've applied the sealant, you'll need to let it cure.

The curing process can take anywhere from 45 minutes to two hours. Afterward, you'll need to wipe down the tiles to remove any excess.

Learn more about this grout sealant on Amazon.

Can You Wait Too Long To Grout Tile?

No. Once you install the tile on the backsplash or wall area, there is no time limitation on how soon you'll need to install the grout. However, this is given the area is not being utilized. For example, if this is an area of a kitchen or bathroom backsplash, it's not advised to use the area without the tile having grout around it.

Wrapping Things Up

We hope that this post has helped illustrate how to install grout on bathroom tiles. Installing grout over tiles isn't a difficult project, but it may take a while to get used to the installation process. However, once you familiarize yourself with using the grout float tool, you'll be all set to install the grout in no time.

Before you go, be sure to check out our other posts:

What Kind Of Paint Should You Use On Bathroom Cabinets?

Should Floor And Wall Grout Match?