Grouting Vitreous Glass

One of the most common complaints about using vitreous/venetian glass is the grouting. Vitreous tile has some pits, striations, and speckles. This is what makes it vitreous and usually gorgeous tile. However when you spread grout on top of the vitreous tile, then the grout tends to fill the pits and striations.

I, personally, love this look. I think it makes the piece look more natural and earthy. I do admit that sometimes I don't want that. Imagine if you are using white tiles but grouting in black. The white tiles will pretty much lose their white color.

So what can you do? There are a couple of options. This first method is the easiest for me. After you get the grout cleaned off of your piece take a stiff toothbrush and go over each tile to brush out the grout. You have to do this while the grout is still very fresh. Once it has a chance to dry, you will not get it out of the pits. It seems tedious but goes quickly since it is just a light brushing.

The second option is to use a Weldbond mask on the tiles before grouting. Brush full strength Weldbond onto each tile and allow to dry. Grout as normal and then pull off the Weldbond. It should just scrape right off. You can even add a little water to pesky spots since this is water soluble glue. This method has far too many steps for me but is widely used in the mosaic community.

I am sure there are other methods that I am not aware of but these are a starting point. Using vitreous glass gives you a tremendous color palette that is a must to your mosaic work. Don't let the pits and striations steer you away from this amazing tile.