Grouting ceilings and walls

[JND]

I'm a newbie. I've done two traditional grouting jobs, a kitchen and bathroom floor and they went excellent. I'm now doing my own steam shower with 6 x 6 tumbled stone over WEDI and I'm using Spectralock. When I did the two floors it was easy, just dump out the grout and spread. In my shower, I have to put about three small dabs on the float and then spread for one tile side. While doing so much of the stuff falls out, especially while doing the ceiling. I'm using the full contents for the mini kits.

So my question here is, is this common even for you pros? Do you get lots of grout dripping and falling out as you spread? It becomes a pain in the rear and with this stuff being so expensive I'm spending much time scraping it off the cardboard laid over the floor.

Any help and or tips are greatly appreciated.

Regards,

Jim Dewar

[ceramictec]

try getting a plasterer/stucco HAWK

hold it under where your spreading.
most tiles guys have them for when we grout walls with sanded grout.

[JND]

I have one, never thought to use, 'cause I'm a newbie and can't think.

Good idea, thanks and I'll be putting it in the line.

Also, I gather with that tip that the stuff does drip for you pros as well then.

[tilelayer]

i can grout anything with sanded grout and no offense i don't need a hawk to do it, it took me years to do it that way. Unsandeds easy.

I couldnt grout with a hawk i would probably hit a shelve with it and chip it while trying to grout. i just work fast i get a little bit in spots but not really messy.

[ceramictec]

I couldnt grout with a hawk i would probably hit a shelve with it and chip it while trying to grout.

surprised you being a mud guy you cant control your hawk

[tilelayer]

so youve never hit ur fresh wall after mudding it before? I know id rather hit fresh mud then a shelf

[ceramictec]

I don't mud walls.

[tileman2000]

I don't mud walls either,but it's nice to know it's still being done.I don't use a hawk for the walls,but i do for ceilings.Jim,just remember to wear safety glasses and keep your mouth closed.

[jay f]

And wear a hat.

[cx]

Welcome, JND. Please pewt a first name or a couple of them initials in a permanent signature line for us to use.

I got hawks older than these guys what's arguin' about usin'em.

I do like a hawk for grouting ceilings. I've been known to use one at times for high walls, too. But I'm sloppy and it helps.

Heed the advice from Michael and Jay, 'specially the part about keepin' your mouth shut. And don't have your readin' glasses hanging 'round your neck. Hat don't matter much unless you got hair.

My opinion; worth price charged.

[Deckert]

I use a hawk at times, and sometimes just use a 12x12 that I load up with grout.

Try to remember though, grout is cheap. I protect things that shouldn't have grout on em, and then i let it rip and don't get overly nit picky about getting a little on myself. I think you can waste a lot of time trying to be too tidy grouting walls. Guess I'm saying find a nice middle ground and get it done.

[cx]

Originally Posted by Deckert

Try to remember though, grout is cheap.

He said he's usin' Spectralock, Brannigan.

If that stuff's cheap for you, please to send me three full units of Caramel. My customer nearly fainted when I done tole her the price of that stuff for her new shower replacement.

Sooooooo, we're fixin' to do plain ol' cementitious grout.

[Deckert]

Aye, completely overlooked that part CX. Changes the math a bit no doubt.

I just got caught up in the hawk or not, clean vs quick aspect o things. Carry on, nothing to see here

[JND]

Thanks everyone for the advice.
I just bought a hawk and will go at it again tonight.
I'll also wear safety glasses, a hat and I'll keep my mouth shut the best I can. Last time I took a mouthfull of the grout. Didn't taste bad but I'd rather not eat it.
Lastly, I guess some of you are messy and some not. I'm a messy one.