Using decorative stone at home, it is possible to create an original and attractive image, but only with precise installation. This will preserve the quality characteristics of the material, as well as achieve maximum aesthetics of the surface. But not only the laying process is important, but also subsequent processing. Grouting joints using a special composition allows you to get a high-quality result that is close to natural, even when working with artificial material.
Attractive finish
How to work with natural and artificial stone
Natural decorative stone is more difficult to install due to its significant weight. At the same time, its artificial counterpart has less mass, which simplifies masonry. It is important to be careful when working with decorative materials, as in some cases damage to elements and overuse are possible.
Regardless of the type of decorative coating, preparation of the base is considered an important point, since the decorative stone is fixed more reliably to the surface treated with special compounds. Another difference between artificial stone is the installation process itself, which is usually performed from top to bottom, so as not to stain the already laid parts with glue.
What both types have in common is the need for subsequent processing of all seams. This will make it possible not only to improve the design parameters, but also to make it more attractive.
Mortar consumption and joint thickness
The smoother the seams and the more uniform the distance between the individual elements, the more accurately you can calculate the grout consumption for the masonry. According to building codes, artificial stone requires joints less than 1 cm wide.
Grout consumption rates
With a joint thickness of about 2 mm, the grout consumption will be 0.5-0.7 kg per square meter. If the depth and width of the seams is close to 1 cm, this figure will increase to 6-8 kg/m².
Tips for saving grout
The cost of grouting joints in artificial stone masonry is quite high, and with a large surface area the costs can increase significantly. You can save on the mixture by reducing the gaps between masonry elements.
Advice! If the seams are wide enough, it is better to use a rubber spatula for rubbing. It is flexible, accurately applies the composition and compacts it immediately. You can also reduce consumption by collecting the mass that gets on the elements themselves and compacting it into the seams.
Types of grout and their composition
Often, beginners use the material on which the decorative stone was attached for grouting. Basically it is glue or a cement-sand mixture. But this option is not the most optimal. An excellent alternative would be a special grout for decorative stone, which is made taking into account the characteristics of the surface and allows you to get the most effective result.
To ensure that the treatment of the space in the seams is reliable and beautiful, it is worth choosing the right composition, as well as applying it precisely according to the technology. For this purpose, it is worth studying all the characteristics of different types of grout and choosing the most optimal option.
Depending on the type in which the products are sold, there are dry and wet grouts for decorative stone. The second ones are more convenient, as they are already ready for use. Dry mixtures are more economical, since the diluted composition quickly sets, and when working with such material, it can be diluted gradually, which will eliminate unnecessary costs.
Variety of species
Also, grouts for decorative stone differ in their composition. All manufacturers add special components that increase the frost and moisture resistance of their products. Depending on the main component, there are several types of grout, which differ in their useful qualities.
| Type of grout | Peculiarities |
| Cement | The easiest to prepare and apply, and at the same time very economical. Easily wiped off the surface of decorative tiles. Dries quickly. Not suitable for grouting glazed and marble tiles. |
| Epoxy | They contain epoxy resins, which give strength to the material and also allow it to withstand aggressive influences, such as acids and alkalis. |
| Latex | They are characterized by high plasticity, which simplifies the application process. When working with such materials, the space is completely filled, cracks do not form. But this type of grout is less durable than epoxy grout. |
| Silicone | They have excellent moisture and frost resistance. It is recommended to use them in combination with silicone sealant, which improves quality characteristics. |
| Rubber | They have excellent parameters, which affects their cost. It is better to use such grouts in exceptional situations. For example, in the case when it is necessary to ensure reliable waterproofing of seams in the bathroom or kitchen, where decorative stone is constantly exposed to moisture. |
Mixtures can be sold already in color, but it is more rational to purchase white or gray compositions, which you can tint yourself, achieving the most natural color that matches the decorative stone.
What does it contain?
Grouts have a multi-component composition. The basic components are:
- Polyurethane.
- Gypsum.
- Cement.
- Epoxy resin.
- Rubber.
- Silicone.
- Latex plasticizers.
Grouts can be dry or wet. If a serious amount of work is expected (for example, processing the facade of a building), then dry ones are used, if small, then wet ones are used.
The composition for grouting artificial stone usually includes various additives that are designed to improve performance and technical characteristics. The composition may also include various pigments, which allows you to obtain products of a certain color.
Video review: Sealing joints when laying decorative stone
Review of stone grouts
There are many grouts available on the modern market from various manufacturers. Each brand has its own characteristics, both in terms of quality, application technology, decorative characteristics, and cost. To decide, you should carefully review all the options and settle on the most optimal one in all respects.
Kiilto Saumalaasti
The manufacturer offers cement grouts for decorative stone, suitable for both external and internal work. Polymer additives can significantly improve quality characteristics. Ease of application, high moisture and frost resistance, and a short drying period make the products of this brand very popular. When applying their mixtures, you should use personal protective equipment, since the prepared solution has alkaline properties and can cause harm to mucous membranes and skin.
Grout RSS
A universal material suitable for use on any substrate.
The products are made on a mineral basis with additives that increase the coefficient of moisture and frost resistance. Such compositions are also suitable for external and internal work. It is very convenient to work with the mixture, and the surface does not crack after drying.
Ceresit Super
This manufacturer offers a wide range of products, from which you can choose options for seams of various sizes.
The range includes mixtures with additional properties such as disinfection or stain resistance. All products have passed technical control and quality testing.
Perel
The products of this brand are also presented in a wide range.
The manufacturer offers options for working in winter. Grouts for decorative stone are easy to apply, resistant to various temperatures, and not subject to cracking. The use of Pirel mixtures allows you to create ideal seams, which is why the cost of production is quite high. It needs to be diluted in stages, since it dries out very quickly.
Fm Quick Mix
Cement grouts from the specified manufacturer belong to the professional category.
They have all the important characteristics: high strength, good frost resistance, and ease of application. The products are presented in a wide range of colors, which makes it possible to choose the best option for any coating. Regardless of the manufacturer you choose, you should contact only trusted sellers, since there are many fakes on the market whose properties do not correspond to those indicated on the packaging.
Sealing seams with a gun
And finally we got to the very seam. Now I will show you how this happens. It will be very inconvenient for me to show you, because I don’t have a tripod with me right now. You have to hold it in your hand. Hold a gun. Let's see how it turns out.
We begin to smoothly squeeze out, filling the seam. Now I’m a little unable to do it, because because of the camera I can hardly see anything. It will be a little slower. There’s a void left somewhere – let’s cover it up, fill it. The most important thing is not to leave empty spaces.
So. This is roughly what happens. This is what it looks like. That is, even now here is the seam that I began to fill, there is just a light element joining the two stones. Let's see, we have different colors here. More precisely, our shades are different.
This grout will continue to lighten over time. Let's see what it looks like when the seams are not sealed. It looks something like this. These are the top seams.
I have already sealed the lower part. Now I will show you what they look like from the outside. Here it is, the stone, the seams are sealed. There the seams are not sealed.
As you can see, everything is divided into fragments. If both horizontal and vertical lines are clearly visible. If I get taller, it will become even stronger to see. But you can't see it down here. Here it more or less merges into a monolith. That's all.
All rights to the video belong to: Repairman School
Which mixture is better: advice from professionals
The grouting of decorative stone joints must be done precisely according to the technology specified by the manufacturer. This will not only allow you to get a high-quality result, but also save the mixture.
As for the choice of composition, when purchasing it is worth considering:
- the type of surface on which the solution will be applied;
- quality characteristics;
- type of work: internal or external;
- features of external influences and their intensity;
- decorative properties.
Cost is considered an important aspect. It is not always necessary to purchase an expensive mixture. In certain cases, it will be rational to use products from the middle price segment with sufficient strength, moisture and frost resistance.
What connections should I make?
The most important parameters for determining which seam is required are:
It will be possible to smooth out seams aesthetically and reliably only where construction and finishing standards were initially observed:
- evenness of the masonry with the same distance between the stones;
- The tiles do not stick out above those lying next to them.
In this case, filling the seams is easy. Construction standards indicate the size of the seam - up to 1 cm, but no more. This will help determine the amount of consumables, for example:
- for a depth and width of 10 mm, you will need from 6 to 8 kg of grout mixture per 1 square meter. m;
- for a standard brick stone measuring 240 by 71 mm, 2.5-3 kg will be needed to process the seams.
When laying, special attention should be paid to the main characteristics of the facing material, since the manufacturers themselves indicate what gap should be left.
Retainer
Each manufacturer has recommendations for maintaining the gap size and fixing solution. For example:
- for clinker - 10–12 mm;
- for large stones - 15 mm;
- for an irregularly shaped stone - 15–20 mm.
Based on these gap dimensions, manufacturers calculate the consumption rates of stone, grout and fixative.
Retainers are made primarily from extruded polystyrene foam, a flexible, hard material. This is a very useful property when laying artificial stone that has smooth edges.
Methods of applying grout
Seams can be grouted using different methods using different devices. Each method has its own characteristics, which are important to take into account in order to obtain a satisfactory result, both in terms of external qualities and strength.
Using a spatula
The traditional way of applying the mixture to the seams between decorative stones is with a spatula. Everyone has this device, and no special skills are required.
Using a spatula
It is important to ensure that the space is completely filled. When grouting, the surface gets dirty, so you should clean it promptly and thoroughly so that no marks are left on the decorative stone.
Slurry method
This technique allows you to create perfect seams as quickly as possible, but this option is only suitable for smooth surfaces, since the solution that gets onto a surface of another type is quite difficult to wash off. Another nuance of this method of application is the increased consumption of the grouting composition.
The method involves treating the entire surface until the seams are finally filled. When the procedure is completed, the mixture is wiped off the decorative stone with a sponge and wiped with a dry cloth.
It is important to carry out the treatment in stages in small areas so that the solution does not have time to dry and the decorative stone is easier to wash.
Filling joints with a grout bag
For this method, you can use a special bag or make the device yourself from a pastry bag or even an ordinary thick bag.
Using a grout bag
This treatment of the seam with grout allows you to create a neat surface. This option is often used as an alternative to a syringe gun, and the processing technology for these methods is similar.
Using a syringe gun
The use of a syringe gun eliminates the need to clean the surface, since the mixture is applied directly into the cracks. After filling the empty space, it is necessary to carry out jointing with a special tool.
Using a syringe gun
If excess mortar remains on the decorative stone, it can be removed using a regular brush.
Filling joints on decorative bricks
Rubbing seams on decorative brick is no more difficult than on torn stone. The most convenient tool in this case will be a pistol. It is suitable for sealing joints between stones on any surface.
Work is carried out at positive air temperatures. If you fill the gaps at negative temperatures, the hardened mixture may subsequently collapse.
How to properly grout seams on stone
The processing process is quite simple, but depending on the chosen method there are certain features. Proper preparation of the surface, mixing the mixture according to the instructions, following the technology is a guarantee of an effective result.
Preparing the working surface for filling seams
The preparatory work is quite simple. The seams should be thoroughly cleaned of dust and debris, and the solution should be mixed if it was sold dry. With the necessary equipment at hand, you can begin the main procedure.
Filling joints with grout
Processing will depend on the technique chosen. Either the mixture will be applied directly into the joints using a gun or bag, or it will be distributed over the entire surface by slurrying.
In any case, it is important to ensure complete filling and, if possible, minimal contamination of the decorative stone.
Seam processing
After applying the mixture, jointing should be done, which will add attractiveness and make the seams uniform.
Treatment
To do this, use a special tool - a jointer, which is held slightly at an angle to make the surface smooth. To prevent the mixture from cracking during rapid hardening, it must be periodically moistened with water.
Protection of seams and stone with special compounds
Most often, in order to protect the surface of decorative stone and seams, only water-repellent compounds are used, which prevent damage to the material, as well as changes in its appearance. In some cases, varnish is used, but this option is not relevant for all situations.
How to clean grout
If you do not immediately wipe the grout off the stone, it will not be easy to do so after it hardens. You need to immediately remove excess material from the seam - remove it with a spatula, rags, or sponge. Afterwards, you will have to carefully wash the base with warm water and soap or another non-aggressive detergent.
Grout for artificial stone is a universal tool for completing finishing work. It fills the seams and gives the surface an aesthetic appearance. Without grouting, masonry will not last long, so its application is a mandatory step in cladding walls or other bases.
Saving Tips
To ensure that the grout mixture is used sparingly, it is important to choose the correct application method. So, for large seams it is better to use a rubber spatula, which will carefully and evenly fill the space between the stone. For small ones, a bag or syringe gun is suitable.
An important point is the color of the material. Color mixtures are more expensive. It will be much cheaper to purchase products in a standard shade and use a tint to give the desired color.
Specifications
| Color | white, gray |
| Maximum fraction, mm | 1.0(white) 0.63(gray) |
| Water consumption per bag, l | 3,8-5,00 |
| Water consumption per 1 kg of dry mixture, l (grout in a 25 kg bag) | 0,18-0,20 |
| Water consumption per 1 kg of dry mixture, l (coarse grout, 4.5 kg bucket) | 0,11-0,14 |
| Solution lifetime no less than h | 1 |
| Consumption, kg/m² | 1,5-8 |
| Ultimate compressive strength after 28 days, not less, MPa | 15 |
| Operating temperature, °C | from +5 to +35 |
| Application temperature, °C | from -40 to +80 |
| Frost resistance no less, cycles | 50 |
| Allowable joint width, cm | until 3 |
| Guaranteed shelf life in original packaging in a dry place, months. | 12 |
Care
Fairly simple care will extend the life of the decorative stone and maintain its attractiveness. To do this, it is enough to provide reliable protection from moisture, as well as regularly clean the surface.
Competent care
Decorative stone is an excellent option to make a building presentable and original both outside and inside. Its correct installation, careful grouting and basic care will allow you to obtain a high-quality finish that will retain its original appearance for many years.
