If you protect mosaic surfaces correctly, and adopt a suitable cleaning regime, the sheer number of grout joints and fiddly maintenance shouldn’t be a problem.
MOSAICS provide a stunning surface finish, with their intricate designs and abundant texture. But the one aspect that sometimes puts people off these beautiful tiles is the sheer number of grout joints and the potentially fiddly maintenance. Yet, if you protect the surface correctly and adopt a suitable cleaning regime, this needn’t be an issue at all.
Cement-based grout is generally used to install mosaics and, in many cases, a pale or white tone is used. Being a porous material, the grout absorbs moisture carrying particles of dirt and dries out slowly. As a result, unprotected joints can quickly discolour and become stained. Generally, in bathroom settings – where mosaics are most commonly used – the joint turns from white to a peachy orange shade. This discoloration is caused by moisture which carries in it soap and body fats. In rooms that aren’t sufficiently ventilated, the discoloration can turn to mould. Anti-bacterial cement-based grout will delay the formation of mould but it won’t stop the discoloration. This problem can be compounded when the tiles are cleaned, as dirt that is wiped from the face of the mosaic will then be drawn into grout.
How to protect a new grout joint from staining
To stop newly applied grout from discolouring, we recommend application of our wall and floor grout protector. The pump spray product is applied onto clean, newly grouted joints once they have cured for 20-30 minutes, holding the trigger 15-20 cm away from the surface of the mosaics and applying over the grout.
Joints are touch dry within five minutes and a two-to-three hour window is recommended to allow the protector to fully dry. Any over spray onto the tile is invisible and it won’t alter the appearance of the tile.
The protector, meanwhile, creates a hydrophobic barrier, preventing moisture from carrying dirt into the grout and, in the case of a natural stone mosaic (which should have been sealed) will offer additional protection.
Maintaining mosaic tiles
To maintain mosaics and to ensure the protection isn’t compromised, always use a pH neutral cleaner. General household cleaners, which tend to be either acidic or alkaline in nature, aren’t suitable; they will, over time, etch a stone surface and damage any sealer applied.
Even many ‘eco’ cleaners are too harsh. While they contain natural acids and alkalines, they’re not pH neutral.
01823 666213
technical@ecoprotec.co.uk
YouTube: ECOPROTEC TV
Mark Atkins is LTP director
