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Help with grout for glass backsplash

7 years ago

After looking over 25 samples of tile over the past 8 months we finally picked out our backsplash tile for our kitchen remodel. We chose a 3×6 glass subway tile.

We will be doing the backsplash install ourselves. My husband is very handy and did a great job on the tile floor in the kitchen. What we are not sure on is what type and brand of grout to use for glass backsplash. I know we want a non sanded grout but I'm not sure on anything else.

We have looked a non sanded grout at lowes and home depot but we are not sure if any of those are a quality grout. Any suggestions for grout?

This is the subway tile we bought. The glass color isn't as white as it is in the picture. He has a more grayish/blueish under tone.

https://www.southcypress.com/Flooring/Storka-SlimGlass/SlimGlass-3-x-6-White-Glass-Subway-Tile

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Comments (7)

rantontoo
7 years ago
After reading about others who had issues with grout and glass tiles...use the grout recommended by the tile manufacturer.
artemis_ma
7 years ago
I don't have the answer either, but I've dealt with South Cypress, and they've been absolutely wonderful to work with. So I'm sure they can track the answer down for you - I'm pretty sure that your tile is their house brand.
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Here is a link to google, how that backsplash should have been installed. There are some u tube videos too. I watched one video, where they used grout, between the countertop and the backsplash, and grout should not be used there. Caulking shud be done between backsplash and countertop. My backsplash is also caulked in all the corners, rather than grouted. Once you watch these videos and read these articles, you will see that your thinset was put on improperly, and thats why your tiles are falling off. Please read carefully. https://www.google.com/search?source=hp&ei=uI4VW7HdLszKjwTtrqSoAw&q=how+to+install+glass+subway+tile+backsplash&oq=How+to+install+glass+subway+tile+&gs_l=psy-ab.1.0.0l3j0i22i30k1l3.3755.12143.0.14244.41.29.3.9.9.0.173.3348.9j20.29.0....0...1c.1.64.psy-ab..0.41.3556...0i131k1j33i22i29i30k1.0.70wb9L5GlO8
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jiffer21225
Original Author
7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago
Thank you for the advice. I will contact South Cypress to see what they recommend. I didn't realize you had to use a specific one that the manufacturer recommends.
rantontoo
7 years ago
Grout, thinset, and tools can be a problem....follow ALL manufacturer recommendations. There was a recent post about the wrong product being used to adhere glass tile to a wall; the tile was a different color installed. This was another issue:

http://ths.gardenweb.com/discussions/2817680/glass-tile-issues-is-this-problem-inevitable
PRO
Anglophilia
7 years ago
I hope your husband's skills are up to glass. It is apparently quite different than installing plain old ceramic or porcelain tile. Blade is VERY important. Many tile guys won't touch the stuff.
jiffer21225
Original Author
7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago
I think he will be ok as far as cutting the glass. He has a very nice saw that has a good blade for cutting the tile. He fabricates custom firetrucks and ambulances for a living and one of the things he has to do is cut the glass for the windows. I Wil call South Cypress when the open on Monday to ask about mortor and grout. Thanks everyone for the advice.
jiffer21225
Original Author
7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago
I spoke to someone at South Cypress Tile and they told me what mortor to use and gave me two choices for grout.

One choice was Bostik diamond grout. She said since we are going with a white glass subway tile (it has a very slight grayish/blue under tone) that the diamond grout would really make the glass tile pop. She also said it's more stain resistant. But she did warn me it costs much more verses the other grout she recommended.

Have any if you guys used this grout? Was it worth the extra cost? Does It hold up well long term?

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