A. GROUT THE TILE

1. Remove spacers before grouting.
2. Wipe or vacuum tile so that grout joints are free of water and other debris.
3. Moisten surface with damp cloth or sponge.
4. With margin trowel, load rubber float with grout.
5. Using the float at a 45 angle, force grout into joint spaces completely, leaving no voids (figure 10).
6. After filling the joints, remove excess grout by holding the float at a 90 angle and sliding the float across tile in a diagonal direction.
7. Make sure all joints are completely filled and flush with tile edge.
8. Let grout set for approximately 30 minutes before cleaning.

B. CLEAN THE GROUT

1. Fill a couple of buckets full of clean, cool water.
2. With a moist sponge, wipe diagonally leaving a slight haze (figure 11). Be sure to replace water when water gets dirty.
3. Let tile surface dry completely. Use cheesecloth to wipe off remaining haze or residue.
4. Use a fresh cheesecloth to polish (figure 12).

C. SEAL THE GROUT

1. Wait 21 days before sealing, then seal grout joints with MAPEI SILICONE GROUT SEALER.
2. Walls or Countertops: Spray sealer evenly on grout lines. Wipe off IMMEDIATELY any excess grout sealer with a towel. Do not use showers or tubs until 24 hours after grout is sealed (figure 13).
3. Floors: Mix grout sealer in a bowl and brush on grout surface. DO NOT APPLY TO TILE SURFACE. Wipe off any excess grout sealer with a soft terrycloth towel or extra piece of cheesecloth. DO NOT let grout sealer dry on tile surface.

Ceramic tiles are extremely durable. Little maintenance is required. By washing tiles regularly, cleaning with MAPEI GROUT CLEANER and following manufacturer's instructions, ceramic tile and grout will keep their beauty for a lifetime.

For more detailed instructions on setting ceramic tile and stone, refer to MAPEI's Do-It-Yourself Guide, Answer Book and Answer Video or call MAPEI's toll-free technical service line at 1-800-992-6273 in the U.S. or 1-800-361-9309 in Canada.