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Design Dilemma Kitchens Remodeling

HELP - Grout looks weird on glass tile backsplash

5 years ago

I had my backsplash grouted the other day. My contractor used Mapei FA Ultra color in Iron. When it dried you there are pin holes in the front which I know can be touch up. What is really bothering me is there are strange colors shining through the edges of the tile, it looks like maybe the grout wasn't worked in all the way? Has anyone ever seen this before? What is the solution to fix this?

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Comments (5)

PRO
BeverlyFLADeziner
5 years ago
bump
Aglitter
5 years ago
It's hard to see from your photos the color issue you are having. If the grout job was sloppy, you should contact the installer for a warranty claim on the work. Did you discuss the type and color of grout with the installer prior to the work being done? We recently had a large tile job done, and we were given the opportunity to select the type and color of grout ahead of installation. I've researched before the possibility of putting new grout over old in a fireplace brick area, but I would think that would be harder to do on a backsplash where you don't have much if any extra room for a new layer of grout. Glass tile is a product all its own that requires special handling during installation, so it could be the installer may not have been familiar with the special requirements of glass tile.
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Comments (2)
If you have heaving, then the glass-granite would be a concern. There should be a gap between the two, and that gap should be caulked, not grouted. The bowed wall, if the tile is over drywall, the bump could be a drywall joint compound "speed bump". But it should be gradual and not sudden, and a bump like that shouldn't cause lippage. I have seen installers who simply don't press tiles "flat" into the thinset. Some press more on the top edge of the tile, a few press more on the bottom edge of the tile. Those habits can result in "vertical lippage", but the tiles are usually consistent on the side edges. It's a backsplash and it's decorative. So a little lippage here and there, while not desirable, it's not really going to affect function. But if there are lights that reflect off the splash and it can be viewed at a low raking angle and it looks nasty? Then perhaps a "poor worksmanship" line has been crossed. The kicker though is the lack of a gap between the bottom course of glass tile and the granite. In your photo, is the cut glass tile at the j-box cracked? Might just be reflection/refraction. And for grins, the tile setter should have used a cement-based powdered thinset that is mixed with water to set the glass. Not a premixed mastic.
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Comments (4)
The tiles are 1" and are meshed together in 1 sqft sections. They are about 3/16" apart, and yes, it does look a little unfinished with out the grout. I bought Linen colored grout and will break down and do it today. I learned how to do this tile job by watching the links on the "This old House" website. I googled "how to install glass tiles" I think.... And it's easier than you would think with the glass tiles. You simply snip off the tiles that go around the outlets. I bought "jumbo" size outlet/receptical covers so I didn't need to make any cuts to the tiles. It looks great! As a first timer piece of advice, I used WAY too much thin set on my first try. I started oozing through the tiles! You really only need a very thin coating of it and the tiles will stick. Thanks for the feedback. I'll attach pictures of before and after grout today.
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Comments (3)
I wish I could help. I have been thinking about glass as our backsplash as well, but I had seen examples like yours that have scared me away from it. Not sure if it is an installation thing or just common with glass tiles. Hopefully it is something that is easily remedied however!
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White. Don't make it more busy than it is.
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PRO
Beth H. :
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
I think it looks fine. hard to see what you're talking about. and really, any magnified closeup is going to show 'weird' stuff. can you see it from normal viewing distance? I think you may be getting some reflection off of the glass or Maybe he didn't fill in the joints full enough?
User
5 years ago
Nothing at all wrong with that installation. Glass reflects. It’s what it does. If you don’t want edge reflections through the glass, don’t pick glass.
angelicatownshend
4 years ago
I see it. Maybe the thinset was popping up between the tile in those areas and dried. When the grout went on it peeked through, creating a less white spot. I see areas on my backsplash that may have that same issue come grout day

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