Join tiles

Joints for tiles are like the icing on the cake and make your tiling durable and attractive. They are available in many different colors and can be used in different widths based on the conditions of the slab but also personal taste. Joining is also very simple, but there is a lot to think about for the result to be nice. Today we go through everything you need to know when joining - from the materials you need to the different steps!

Join tiles with the following materials and tools

Join tiles and clinker when the adhesive has hardened properly after tiling, which usually takes about 1-2 days. Read the packaging with your fix for what applies. Once you get started, there are a number of products you need. Here we list what you use when you join tiles and tiles:

• Mixer
• Measuring bucket
• Joint use
• Joint board
• Trough
• Sponge
• Polishing cloth/Tangle
• Flower sprayer

When you have joined your tile, you have one step left, which is to soft join along the edges and corners. Then you need tape, silicone joint, water spray and washing-up liquid. Some also use silicone scraper for a straighter joint.

Joint paint in different shades makes a big difference

Before you start, you need to know what color you want on the joint. Today, there is a wide range of joint paint, the most common being white, black and grey. If you choose a joint in a similar color to your tiles, clinker tiles and granite ceramics, the joint color will be more discreet, while a deviating one will be accentuated and create patterns on the tiled wall surface. A room with light tiles that you put together with a light joint color will, for example, be perceived as larger, while a dark joint color would have given the tile surface a checkered effect.

For those who want to renew old joints without scraping off existing joints, joint paint is also available to buy.

Tile cross where the size determines the width of the joint

When you are going to lay your tile or clinker, you have the opportunity to determine the width of the joint to some extent. Then you use so-called joint joints or tile joints as they are also called. They are small plastic crosses with different millimeters in width and help you to achieve an even joint width over the entire surface. At Stenbolaget, we sell tile crosses with a width of 2-5 mm. The size is very much a matter of taste, but a guideline is larger joint to larger tiles and for a tiled wall joint width of 2-3 mm.

An alternative to joint joints for an even joint width is joint cord, which you then place between the tiles when tiling. The advantage of grouting cord is that you remove it, unlike the tile grout, which you leave in place when grouting. If you don't put the cross deep enough, it can, with bad luck, show in the joint.

You mix grout for tiles with a mixer

After the adhesive has hardened, it is time to mix the grout to the tile. Then you need a bucket, whisk, water and the grout itself. We recommend that you use a measuring bucket to make mixing easier. Follow the instructions on the package of the joint and mix the batter thoroughly with a mixer until it is smooth and fine.

Join your tiles diagonally and from both sides

Make sure your tile surface is properly cleaned before you start and that there is no adhesive in the joints. After that, it's just a matter of getting started with joining your tile.

Apply the joint compound to your joint board and apply to the wall from below and diagonally across the joint. It is important that you apply the joint compound in both directions and ensure that the joints are properly filled without gaps. A tip is also to join the tiles one wall at a time. The product dries relatively quickly and smaller surfaces are also easier to handle!

Joint washing must be done with even pressure

When you have allowed the joint compound to dry somewhat, it is time for joint washing. After about 30 minutes, the joint is surface dry and must then be wiped clean with water. Use a cleaning tub with the option to squeeze out and a cleaning plate for a joint wash with even pressure. It is important that the mushroom does not hold too much liquid. If you instead use a washing sponge without a plate, you must therefore ensure that it is firmly wringed out. Rinse the sponge many times for a clean and neat tile surface, and if any joint is damaged, you can fill in with new joint.

Polish the tiles with a cloth or polishing cloth

After the joint washing is completed, you wait a couple of hours until the joints have dried. Then it's time for a final round of cleaning the tile surface. Use a squeegee or a polishing cloth to polish your tile.

For best results, we also recommend that you remoisten your joints for a couple of days. Use a flower sprayer and moisten the joints a couple of times a day.

Soft joint with silicon in edges and corners as a finish

The last step to finish your tiling is to install soft joint along the edges and corners of your tile surface. Use masking tape on both sides along the edges to protect the tiles and then apply a strip of soft joint in between. Make sure that the distance is the same width as the other joint between the tiles or about 5mm. This also applies to finishing against your ceiling.

When you have filled in with silicone, use water mixed with a little washing-up liquid in a flower bottle and spray on. Either remove the excess soft joint with a silicone scraper or with your finger provided you are wearing gloves. You then pull the tape off before the joint has dried.