The gap between tiles is filled with a paste called grout. This is a cement-based powder, which is mixed with water and is available in standard colours - white, grey and brown - as well as in a range of colours, so you can add interest to a plain field of tiles by matching or contrasting the coloured grout. Coloured grout is available 'ready-made' but you can also mix dry, powdered pigments into it yourself. Where tiles are exposed to running water, such as around showers, baths, basins and sink splashbacks, it is essential to use an epoxy-based waterproof grout so that these surfaces remain 'stuck' and the grout can be easily cleaned to keep it germ free.
Using a sponge or squeegee, the grout is rubbed firmly into the tile joints and any surplus is removed immediately with a damp sponge. Grouting should be left until the tiles have firmly set in their bed of adhesive - at least 24 hours, but check with the manufacturer's instructions and guidelines, as setting times do vary.
Any grout that has dried onto the surface of the tiles will need to be polished off with a soft cloth. Professional decorators use a special tool to finish the joints, but a slightly round-pointed stick - an ice-lolly stick is ideal - can be run between the joints to make a neat joint line before the tiles are given one final polish.
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