How long should I wait to grout a tile backsplash?
Question:I know the directions on the adhesive says to wait 24 hours but I don't have that long to wait. Realalistically, how long should it take to set?
Answers:
Hello,
Tile setter here ... are the tiles you used butt joints? Meaning you didn't use spacers and the tile butt up against each other forming a 1/16 grout joint? If so you should be able to grout as soon as you're done installing the tile. If you used spacers and have joints 1/8 or larger let the tile set up for about an hour before grouting. Make sure you remove the spacers! If your lines are wider than 1/8 make sure you use "sanded" or "floor" grout. Wall grout or "unsanded" is only for grout lines 1/8 or less. Good luck!
an expert can do it in a couple hours,obviously you aren't one and are in danger of shifting the tile,if you can push on them with moving them you're ok,good luck,you could ruin the job getting in too big a hurry
If the directions say 24 hours, I would wait 24 hours.
Since your using the term adhesive to describe the material you used to apply the tile I'm going to assume you used mastic.I would definetly wait the 24 hours if you did.If the mastic doesn't have enough time to dry the moisture from the grout will loosen the bond and you'll make a mess.If you used thinset you can grout after 4 or 5 hours safely.
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