Modwalls Designer Notes

Did you know that all grouts are NOT created equal?

Seriously…All grouts are not created equal.

More often than not, grout becomes an overlooked element within the tile installation process (why is that btw?).  We believe it’s just as important as finding the tile that’s right for you!  Grout is what seals everything together – literally.  Don’t go through all this time to find the right tile only to not think about what grout you will grout it with.

Since we have the fortunate privilege of chatting daily with wonderful people like yourself about their tile installations, we are in the know as to what people are planning and what they are…well…not.

Grout can either be something that you have to do OR it can be something that makes your tile look even more amazing when it’s complete!  Like we have mentioned in the past, we are extremely passionate about StarGlass Grout paired with most of our modwalls tile.  It’s kinda like the perfect marriage of tile and grout.  And we want to encourage you to specifically ask yourself, “What type & color of grout would look best with this tile [I've selected]?”…and “When is sanded grout most appropriate?”…

Since most of us are visual learners, I had this super cool idea to photograph our ModRocks Recycled Glass Pebbles in both StarGlass Grout and regular sanded grout.  The visual speaks for itself…one is “clearly” better AND it’s better for the environment.

Helpful hint = whenever you are installing glass or any translucent tile, the surrounding grout has a major impact on how your tile will appear once installation is complete. 

On the left- Diamond Starglass Grout and on the right is a standard white sanded grout.

Note:  Both of the above images are taken with the same digital camera in the same lighting conditions.

In the application on the left, the StarGlass grout allows light to enter in and through the grout and also the clear glass pebbles – making the whole area appear more illuminated.  The sanded grout application, shown on the above right, does not allow light to flow through the grout and therefore makes the pebbles appear much darker overall.  Same exact pebble tile, but with different grouts.

Here are some other examples of StarGlass Grout paired with our Lush® modwalls tile:

Modwalls Lush Blend installed with Opal StarGlass Grout

Modwalls Rex Ray TYPE White Tile grouted with Diamond StarGlass Grout

Modwalls Lush Glass Subway tile grouted with Diamond StarGlass Grout

Now lets get a little more in-depth on the StarGlass specifics…The actual product description is Translucent Grout for Glass Tile.  

For all you eco-friendly peeps out there, you’ll be happy to know that this product is made from post-consumer recycled glass – a truly revolutionary one-of-a-kind product!

The recycled glass is reduced down to teeny tiny beads (texture totally resembles the consistency of sugar) and is mixed with a translucent urethane binder that allows light to pass through the grout itself. So cool!  This waterproof, stain-proof formula won’t crack or break down over time, emits little to no VOCs, and eliminates jobsite waste since it’s pre-mixed and stored in a resealable container.  StarGlass long lasting, easy-to-use formula provides unmatched stain resistance, ultimate color consistency, crack resistant flexibility, mold/mildew protection and UV stability (aka it won’t yellow over time).  Plus, it comes in these fantastic 15 colors: diamond, onyx, opal, aquamarine, topaz, hematite, jade, amber, moonstone, aventurine, palm wood, citrine, copper, silver, and bronze.

One final benefit we want to be sure to point is how the StarGlass Grout has the ability to minimizes the look of grout lines – if this is your goal. Check out these two kitchen backsplash installations below where both purchased Lush® 3×6 Sky tile, but one kitchen grouted with Aquamarine StarGlass grout and the other with regular sanded grout.  The images truly speak for themselves.

Left – Lush 3×6 Sky with StarGlass Grout and to the right is Lush 3×6 Sky with white sanded grout.

StarGlass also offers benefits of a traditional Urethane grout:

• Pre‐mixed, ready to use
• Excellent chemical, stain and mildew resistance
• Semi‐flexible, low shrinkage and high crack resistance
• No color fading, streaking or shading – Even when wet!
• Fast, easy clean‐up when compared to epoxy and cementgrouts
• Innovative, proprietary coloring system
• Excess product can be saved and used later
• UV stable colors (non‐yellowing)
• Self‐sealing – no sealing required
• Non‐sag formula for vertical surfaces
• Free of BPA (bisphenol‐A) found in epoxy grouts
• Dust‐free mixing
• Fast, easy installation ‐ installs up to 50% faster than othergrouts
• Superior to cement grout
• Contributes to USGBC LEED Credits: MR 4.1 & 4.2(Recycled Content), MR 5.1 & 5.2 (Regional Materials), and EQ, 4.1 (Low‐Emitting Materials).
• Contains over 80% post‐consumer recycled content.

Overall, all these features and benefits are sure to minimize life cycle costs and provide a translucent, three-dimensional, reflective appearance that you can enjoy for years to come!

Where can you use StarGlass grout you ask?  StarGlass Grout can be used on vertical or horizontal surfaces in a variety of interior and exterior installations of ceramic, porcelain, glass, and natural stone tiles in a range of grout joint widths.

When is sanded grout appropriate?

Sanded grout is appropriate in many installations.  I think sanded grout looks great with natural stone, ceramic tile, porcelain tile, etc. – basically any solid tile aka non-translucent.  Below are images of a some modwalls products installed with neutral sanded grout.  As you can see, sanded grout can be used as a design element to add heavy contrast and definition to the tile and/or the pattern.

Example where sanded grout is totally acceptable = with ceramic, porcelain, or other opaque tile products.

Modwalls ModDotz Confetti grouted with a sanded grout

Brio Blend Palisades grouted with a neutral sanded grout

ModDotz shower installed with white sanded grout for high-contrast.

Now what???

It is our hope that you would soak up all this information and spend some time to select the best grout for your tile – whether that be StarGlass Grout or sanded grout!

Have more questions?  Feel free to call or email us with any related or unrelated tile installation questions.

We’d love to help!

Modwalls is making tile modern with colorful and unique designs that are in stock and available for purchase online 24/7 at  modwalls.com.

May 30, 2012 at 4:53 pm 1 comment