Help grouting wall tiles???

[WobblyElvis]

I'm trying to grout some large 12 X 24 inch porcelain wall tiles. The tiles are 1/2 inch thick and have a sharp edge where the finished surface ends and the unfinished end of the tile begins. That is to say there is only a very small radius at the edges of the finished tile surface. When I attempt to remove the excess grout with a sponge I cannot help but remove to much grout and the sharp edge of the tile is exposed and looks like a black line. The tiles are white as well as the grout so this doesn't look so good. I've re-grouted a few times and still many of the grout lines look terrible.

I've tried mixing the grout thin and thick, no joy. The only thing I can think of is perhaps I'm doing to large an area at one time and the grout is drying before I get to it. It's got to be 20 minutes before I put down the rubber float and pick up the sponge.

Any one here have experience with this? I might have to buy a new house.

 

[JC1]

Are you removing the excess grout with a sponge on a 45 degree angle? That's the proper way to do it.

 

[WobblyElvis]

Yes, I have tried 45....parallel and 90.

 

[expat]

After packing in the grout with a plastic scraper I always finish the grout with acorse cloth or towling, then let it dry for an hour before cleaning up with towling cloth and water.

Clean up the haze the next day.

 

[JTK]

It seems odd that the exposed side of the tiles have such a sharp edge. That type of edge is always going re-appear when removing excess grout.

 

[KJSmith]

Are you going with minimal grout lines? (thinking tight like granite)

If you are, you should be using un-sanded grout.

 

[WobblyElvis]

I am using un sanded grout and I used 1/8 inch spacers. I'm beginning to think I am going to have to slowly and painstakingly grout each little line til the cows come home. I've already spent about 12 hours grouting tiles that only surround a standard bath tub and most of the joints are unacceptable. Should have used smaller tiles with more of a bevel along the edges. New modern styling sucks.

 

[Brybo86]

A pic would help.

The edges of the tile should taper down towards the grout joint.

Also it is very important to let the grout sit for at least an hour before trying to wipe.

Edit
Have the tiles been cut?
That would explain the unfinished edge...?

 

[WobblyElvis]

Just spent a couple more hours trying to get some of this right. Brought in a 200 watt work light. Put on my magnifying glasses and used a light fine cell sponge. Come to the conclusion it's a waste of time. Examined the tiles to find they essentially have no radius or bevel along the edges. Once the grout drops more than a couple of thou below the surface, the clay tile is visible. What on earth are these tiles for? Good thing they are glued to the concrete baker board.

I saw a round ball type tool on you tube for smoothing the grout between tiles but they are grouted now. Too late. Gee that was fun.

 

[splinter]

Don't use white.

I'm not racist btw.

 

[dishdude]

Originally Posted By: splinter
Don't use white.

I'm not racist btw.

It does sound like the tiles were meant to be used with a darker grout. Pics would help!