Get your head around grouting

Don't risk ruining your tiling by getting the grouting wrong. Follow Julia Gray's top tips for a neat finish

Don't risk ruining your tiling!

Follow these top tips for successful grouting.

:: You should ideally use a separate tile adhesive and grout, which usually come as powder to be mixed with water. However, it's much easier to use ready-made combined products. Look for one that prevents mould and mildew, especially if you'll be using it in your bath or shower.

:: You can get grout in all sorts of colours, but white grout is generally used for wall tiles, and grey grout for floor tiles. Dark grout works well on floors because it doesn't show the dirt. If you live in a hard-water area, or you have wall tiles around your cooker or hob, using a dark wall grout is a good idea because white tends to discolour.

:: Ready-mixed adhesive and grout should come with a flexible plastic applicator, but check in the shop that the tub has one under the lid because sometimes they're missing. Alternatively, you can buy sturdier applicators.

:: Once you've grouted, it's tricky to know when to wipe off the excess grout. Remove it too quickly and you may dislodge the grout lines; leave it too long and it'll be hard to budge, so it's a case of trial and error at first - leaving it for a few minutes should be about right. Use a large sponge and wipe off the excess diagonally, as this should keep the grout lines intact.

:: After grouting, you may find that tiny holes appear in the grout lines. To get rid of them, apply a little more grout over the top, as before. Remember not to walk on newly grouted floors, or get newly grouted wall tiles wet, until the grout's dry, which usually takes 24 hours.