Create an Eccentric Mosaic Garden Ornament

Step 12 Remove the Grout "Haze" and Seal the Grout

Use some clean water and the steel wool (or scrubby sponge) to remove the grout haze from the tile pieces. You may need to scrub pretty hard if the grout is caked up. If you can, use a garden hose to rinse it off as you go.

Let the grout dry and you can seal it. Sealing it is optional but it is a good idea because it will help keep the algae down and help it last longer in the winter*. The hardware store will have grout and tile sealer. You will probably only need one coat.

*If you use regular bathroom tiles, or any tiles that are not designed for outdoor use, you probably shouldn't leave it outside in the winter if it is cold where you are. The freeze/thaw cycles will cause the tiles to crack and chip off.

Comments

[eblisster]

I have to say I've never found removing grout haze to be a problem. I usually put dampened newspaper on my mosaic pieces to slow down the drying process. The longer it takes to dry, the stronger the grout will be. Grout dries on top faster than on the bottom (due to air exposure) and what you want is to slow that down a bit so it dries more evenly. I spritz the newspaper every couple hours or so to keep it damp over night. Once you go to bed it will finishing drying on it's own. I usually just use a rag to buff off the haze later. I also add some Weldbond glue to my grout water. Just be careful when using it on mirror as it tends to make a more cloudy haze on the glass which would require more buffing. Other than that, I think this project came out really nicely and I'd be proud to have the birds in my back yard bathing in it!

[suezq]

Thank you for the newspaper tip. I have carpal tunnel and anything that helps me to not have to scrub for a long time is much appreciated!