How to Grout Ceramic Tile Bathroom Floors with Mapei Flexcolor CQ (Step-by-Step)

Learning how to grout ceramic tile bathroom floors isn't hard. Today's video shares the details. If you're doing a bathroom remodel and need help, enroll in Home Repair Tutor's online courses at www.homerepairtutor.com/👍🏼
Helpful links:
Mapei Flexcolor -- amzn.to/2FKeu5f
Margin trowel -- amzn.to/2PSV8j3
An awesome Grout float -- amzn.to/2QlotC6
Mapei's Flexcolor CQ is one of the grouts we recommend for ceramic tile bathroom floors because it's stain resistant, doesn't need to be sealed and is pre-mixed. There are a lot of great features to the grout and the ease of use makes it a good option for homeowners or contractors. The nice part about it being pre-mixed is there's not guessing the consistency.
The first step to using Flexcolor CQ is to get all the supplies in the room. You'll need a rubber grout float, margin trowel, knee pads or towel, 5 gallon bucket of water and sponge.
Work in 3x3 foot sections as you don't want the Flexcolor CQ to sit on the tile for more than 5-10 minutes. Dampen the top of the tile with a sponge. Apply the Flexcolor CQ to the grout joints using the rubber grout float at a 45 degree angle to the tile. Remove excess grout from the tile by holding the grout float at a 90 degree angle and moving it diagonally across the tiles. Use a damp sponge to remove excess grout. Move the sponge diagonally to the tile to remove the grout.
One you're done apply the Flexcolor CQ to one section move onto the next one. You'll see all the steps in the video and feel comfortable using this grout even if you've never grouted before.
Also, we have some tips on how to tackle the joint between the tile and tub. Mapei makes color matching sealants for its sanded grouts. We used Keracaulk-S. You'll see all the tips in the video
• How to Grout Ceramic T...
For more details on bathroom remodeling visit our website at
www.homerepairtutor.com/

[@robertmcclafferty636]

Thank you for this home tutorial video. I'm a DIY'er that needed a quick refresher on how to go about applying the grout in between the tiles. The instructions alone on the side of the premixed grout container is very basic. Although, it doesn't actually show it how. I also like your painter's tape idea for applying the caulk. I'll definitely give that a whirl because it makes more sense to apply the caulk and just peel off the tape without having to clean up the excess caulk anywhere or everywhere it's applied. Right. So, off to work I go. Thanks, man! 👍

[@Jabba53e]

Good video....nice delivery...very informative....GREAT CAULKING TECHNIQUE...sharp straight line. Never thought about using painter's tape...will do so now. Didn't even know about Keracaulk. Thanks!

[@thestoiccontrarian8962]

this grout is, in fact, sold in my "local home store" Thanks for the video

[@HomeRepairTutor]

Awesome, we like Flexcolor CQ for floors. It's a great option

[@oldirtybasser261]

I just did my entire shower in flexcolor CQ. One tip I learned. It is very important to keep your sponge water out of the grout joints. I almost couldn’t get my sponge dry enough. I ended up wiping up the left over grout with a microfiber cloth instead. Otherwise excess water in the grout joints really screws things up and makes the joint look bad.

[@petermenteer3059]

AaaaaaaaaAaaaaaaaA 1:02 1:02 1:02 I tiigigihiiiiiin😅uigyy😅 g😅😅😅fill😅t

[@brianf8076]

Thanks for the great tutorial. The Mapei grout I put down today was much drier than the grout you used in this video. I still have half the sunroom to do, so hopefully the next bucket has a better consistency.

[@scoremoore4280]

Great video, I always love to do things by myself instead of wasting money on calling people to do the jb, which they take a long time to come, but your making it easy on me thank you sir.

[@HomeRepairTutor]

Glad you liked the tutorial. This grout imo is very user friendly. If you follow the directions you should be fine. Just make sure the tile isn't super soft or can be scratched by the grout. Always good to do a small test before you apply the grout to the entire floor or shower.

[@draconiasoundcollage]

Great video! Thanks for sharing.

[@bhayescampbell]

I didn’t know about Keracaulk. I will definitely use that after grouting. Thanks!

[@OurBuild]

Another great tutorial Jeff, nice to see you use such a uality product 👌

[@HomeRepairTutor]

Thank you, I agree about the quality product. We'll be showing more tutorials using Mapei grouts. This bathroom also required a shower grout installation. So that'll be out soon.

[@OurBuild]

Nice, look forward to it!

[@warrenstilwell2022]

This is strange grout to work with. It seems like it has a high bonding and sealant content, which makes it seem like it's drying on the tile quickly (which it does). But quickly use a sponge (or blue scrub pad) and get it off. It seals and finishes great once you get to the clean/rinse sponge stage.

[@craiglair1080]

Thanks for another great video Jeff!

[@HomeRepairTutor]

+craig lair thank you, hope the tips help. I know the video is a little long but my goal was to show how to grout the entire floor

[@djohnson9944]

Home Repair Tutor I thought the length was good, myself. I also liked how you'd slip floor level shots in with the overhead viewing angle. The floor angle helps give an idea about the size of the glow that gets put at one time. I think you mentioned 3/4 cup works well, but it's nice to see it too. Great video :0)

[@lil2Man]

big help. thanks

[@srinivasanpadmanabhan1811]

Nice video. do you need to waterproof if this is done on the ground floor and the substrate is concrete floor ? Thanks

[@owenchagnon6003]

Hello. all your videos are great. I was wondering what tile (material/name/brand) you used in this video.

[@333dlm]

Thanks Jeff!

[@HomeRepairTutor]

+dlm mallison glad to help 👍

[@tylersims3527]

Best pre mix grout on the market

[@robrichman3314]

I only have a small area and will most likely have a lot leftover, is this a once you open it for the project your done? or can it be closed up and stored for later? It does state this product is good for shower floors, just not submerged water like pools or tubs.... so sounds like good to go for me .

[@discipleofjmb]

Got Flexcolor CQ at Lowe's! Thanks for the demo.

[@mosheraiden2476]

i realize I'm kind of randomly asking but do anybody know a good website to watch newly released movies online ?

[@victorcalvin1557]

@Moshe Raiden lately I have been using flixzone. You can find it on google :)

[@otiskamden1757]

@Moshe Raiden try FlixZone. You can find it by googling :)

[@rickytyson8778]

@Moshe Raiden I watch on FlixZone. Just search on google for it :)

[@mosheleland5104]

@Moshe Raiden lately I have been using FlixZone. You can find it on google =)

[@chupalia]

Good stuff

[@HomeRepairTutor]

+chupalia thanks 🙏

[@rashellyohn5121]

hello there. ty for the vid. I need to know how clean the grout line needs to be before you put in the grout. I think that on some of the tiles there is going to be mortar in the lines. As i lain the tile I took a putty knife to it. I was afraid that I would mess with the cohesion of the tile. Anyway. the tiles are almost dried enough to support me getting on the floor to apply the grout. Can I still clean out the grout line if there isnt supposed to be any run off off mortar in between the tiles. I am scared that half of the floor has run off of mortar in between the tiles. I tried to get in between the tiles with a putty knife.

[@raemarie4412]

Thank you, Jeff! This was so helpful for my husband and I, as we just grouted after we watched this video.

[@HomeRepairTutor]

Awesome!!! Thank you for sharing, how did it turn out?

[@raemarie4412]

It's beautiful! We really liked the easy application with the Mapei Flexcolor CQ and did the extra wipe down after an hour, it looks great. You explained things so easily and our application went very smoothly!

[@brianfotag7998]

Is the sealant necessary between the tub and tile? I am using the Flexcolor CQ grout and isn't it supposed to be a sealant already...as in not needing to be sealed afterward? Is the tube a stronger sealant than the CQ?

[@Titantitan001]

Laticrete spectrelock 1 is where its at. Some things he didn’t mention and I would also like to preface with CQ is great but its not something I would suggest for a DIYer. Easy to mess up and has a very unforgiving haze that can be left on the tiles. It also suggests to use a rounded sponge. Never sure why they send that square sponge with the product. For the initial wiping you want your sponge pretty dry. You also want a microfiber towel. I cant stress that one enough. The type of tile used can change the process drastically. Please don’t get cocky just from watching a video and think this is some easy process. Clearly this guy knows the product enough. Also wear gloves ffs lol. One more thing in a room like that be very careful for the initial wash. Can easily get water in the joints near the bucket and in front of you. This grout can turn into soup from excess water on the tiles or in the grout. Also bro if you read this. Ammonia free window cleaner. Its your friend.

[@bobbyslater1198]

Great!

[@HomeRepairTutor]

+Bobby Slater thank you, hope it helped

[@SeattleLSB]

So Mapei CQ for Floors, Laticrete Epoxy for Showers? How is the stain resistance with Mapei CQ?

[@pearlperlitavenegas2023]

Do you recommend sealing this grout for extra insurance? Which sealer?

[@BlahBlahManYeah]

This is sanded grout and sand aggregate is colored, so it is very consistent in color. When in bucket it looks like wet sand, but in reality it is wet due to saturation with glue, so it is sticky staff. The sponge that comes with it, is quite appropriate for its application as it is stiff. Now recommendations: since grout saturated with glue, you should not apply when grout lines might trap some water, like after water cleaning, instead let grout lines to dry overnight so glue can set well. When wiping it off, do not overdo with watering, use wet sponge, but do not water it too much so it makes puddles, which will weaken glue, and you end up with frustration that it is weak and mushy. Speaking of application, float is probably worse tool to use in my opinion, get pack of bondo spreaders for 1/4 of epoxy float price. You will have less fatigue spreading it, and work on vertical surfaces will be a breathe, although this won’t be fast, but you won’t waste much like when you use float, and way less mess too. If you do it with those recommendations in mind, you will have hard time to peel it off or dent with screwdriver next day. Also, glue sets fast so if you have large surface to work on keep bucket closed while you spreading it and take your time, it will last in closed bucket.

[@johnboon5330]

Can I pour the leftover back into the bucket, or should I throw it away?

[@eatdemonsforlunch]

Hello, Awesome video! I have a question. Why did you dampen the tile before you grouted?

[@HomeRepairTutor]

+eatdemonsforlunch it prevents the grout from sticking to the tile and allows the grout to float into the joints. Think of the water like a thin film that protects the tile, although that's exaggerating a bit...it's just water

[@tylersims3527]

Best pre mix on the market!!!

[@sheenacosta7317]

My husband didn’t treat this grout as one that contains sealer, nor did he continue to use clean sponges while grouting. The grout dried looking terribly dirty and old. Is there a way to fix it without regrouting?

[@iamomeed]

Why do you caulk instead of grout ? Is it better?

[@jamesjett1561]

Does it scratch glass or polished porcelain?

[@AG-mt3xs]

I am regrouting my kitchen. Can I use that color match caulk for the trim in the kitchen?

[@HomeRepairTutor]

what do you mean by trim? Just need to know the details 👍🏼

[@thelukerocks]

Hey Jeff great video as always! I was reading through some of the comments and you mention using mapai ultra color for wall but I was wondering if you have used customs fusion grout on shower wall and what’s your opinion on it?

[@HomeRepairTutor]

haven’t used it, lately I’ve been liking Laticrete Spectralock 1

[@thelukerocks]

Thanks for the fast reply! I have been seeing a lot of great reviews on spectralock 1. Your the man Jeff thank you again!

[@HomeRepairTutor]

@@thelukerocks happy to help buddy 🙌🏼

[@charlieerekuff2334]

Hey Jeff can you also use that grout for larger tile joints? And for tile inside the shower, if your not doing a tub.

[@HomeRepairTutor]

+charlie erekuff yes, the instructions say 1/16" to 1/2" Grout joints. You can use it in the shower but I didn't because the quartz would have possibly scratched the glazed porcelain Here's a link to Mapei's instructions www.mapei.com/public/US/products/2028301018-mapieflexcolorcq-en.pdf

[@gunner2oo]

Do not use in a steam shower

[@littlebeebs1]

Is it ok if there is a tiny bit of dampness in the grout lines before using this product ( from cleaning the tile prior to grouting ) , or do I need to let it dry completely before grouting ?

[@BlahBlahManYeah]

I would say, better to let it dry out. The grout uses its moisture to travel into cavities and clogs them out doing its job. When cavities are already wet there is less absorption of wet caulk hence less penetration and gripping as a result.

[@chriss1227]

This stuff has the consistency of a thick slushi. Use a putty knife to scrape the excess off your float. Keeping the float clean helps when spreading this stuff.

[@AG-mt3xs]

Lowe's carries it

[@CT-um7zq]

I wonder, is this waterproof since it has acrylic?🤔

[@PetePuebla]

They do have this product in Lowe's.

[@shahsmerdis]

Hey, Would you recommend this to a contractor who has usually only delt with traditional grouts? I Don't really want to deal with sealing, but im reluctant to give him something that is not comfortable with. Is this pretty much top of the line grout? Pretty much what I am reading this is one step under epoxy grout, but equally as awesome and above and beyond what a shower/bath would need. Thanks.

[@HomeRepairTutor]

Yes, we'd recommend using Flexcolor CQ on floors. Just be sure the contractor follows the directions and uses this one the right tile. That goes for all grouts. If you want a good grout for the floor and wall tile check out Mapei Ultracolor Plus FA. That also rocks

[@shahsmerdis]

@@HomeRepairTutor right when I thought I figured out the grout . Here is another one to look at. Thanks for the suggestions. I appreciate it .

[@shahsmerdis]

@@HomeRepairTutor btw any reason why just on floors ? Seems like others used it on walls too unless I'm just going cross eyed thanks !

[@HomeRepairTutor]

@@shahsmerdis it's a great grout for floors but the consistency imo is a little loose for walls, hence the Mapei Ultracolor Plus FA recommendation

[@turbo-seal189]

using a grout bag is so much faster and more efficient especially with the new faux wood tile. Using this product on soft stone tiles will create scratch potential since they don't make an unsanded version of this product. The quartz grits are the enemy and the grout trowel is the tool that can do the damage with pressure that's applied.

[@HomeRepairTutor]

we tested the Tile with the FlexColor and it didn’t scratch

[@stevegooder4273]

Jeff I'm using pebbles for the bottom kbrs pan in my shower is this product ok for a shower?

[@HomeRepairTutor]

they should be fine but send us an email with pictures of the top and bottom of the pebble stone

[@myjobsruizs4923]

Not recomende for joins more than 1/4 what happens is that hot water will maket soft

[@prestongaines2301]

thanks for the demo video. If you happen to see this comment, I have about a 100 square foot kitchen that I'm about to grout, is it a problem to do it in sections over a few days, or should I plan to power through the whole thing in one session?

[@prestongaines2301]

I am using flexcolor (available at lowes!)

[@k9builder]

Flex-Color Mapei CQ is available at Lowes Hardware.

[@dalbriggss]

shelzmike ~ Wanted to make note that online ... Lowe’s has a price of approx 87.00 for certain colors which is double the cost of all other stores. This is a pricing error as 1 bucket of the Mapei CQ should be about 45.00. I would bring this discrepancy up with Lowe’s as the $87.00 is definitely wrong.

[@elivabeth]

Is this grout like epoxy? Meaning that you have about 1 hour to work with it before it gets hard?

[@chriss1227]

It dries fast once applied. You will need to sponge after 5-7 min. It stays wet in the bucket though.

[@monsterjam7m633]

Any tips on cleaning the sand off the tile? We followed all these steps & there is still sand residue.

[@FromThe3PointLine]

Did you get the sand out of the tiles?

[@ladytexan1768]

What is the purpose of wetting the tile before you put the grout down? I am getting ready to grout my bathroom floor and I have never seen anyone do this before.

[@HomeRepairTutor]

that’s done per the FlexColor CQ directions. It makes the grout easier to spread and less likely to stick to the tile

[@b0neme]

It also the last chance to get any dust or mortar/mastic pieces off the tile and grout lines before you grout.

[@fernandolimon1267]

What about of fusión

[@tylersims3527]

Junk

[@AB-bm4xk]

I really hope that there is something on the floor at that edge piece beside his right knee. If not, that is a horrible cut on that tile and will be a huge grout line, lol.

[@basshead8555]

Wall trim and probably a shoe molding will cover the gap. You don’t grout between drywall and tile.

[@kerryfrost5501]

Can't believe you didnt protect the carpet

[@ordnajelaaadartse3917]

Worst grout can mapei make a grout that actually dry on the joint instead of drying on the tile

[@HomeRepairTutor]

all grout performance is dictated by the installer. For example, was it mixed properly? Was it removed from the surface properly? Was the tile cleaned per the directions?

[@gunner2oo]

That grout can leave a shiny film on top tile after drying, it sag too if you use too wet sponge, can’t use in steam shower / melting in hot places / use real epoxy instead If your need stain resistant grout. This grout is take too long to install. Can’t spread too much at time ! Don’t like it at all. I have 20 years experience doing tile work and I can follow directions.

[@elkskiutah8204]

Where does it say not to use in steam shower? I just did my first use luckily in a test panel. I'm using wavy glass subway tiles on a backsplash. It dries so fast at 75 f. It is low humidity today like many in Utah. this wavy tile left so much all over the place and it was so hard to scrub off using the now included white scrubby. I feel like I burn through half the life of the scrubby on a 1.5 square foot test bed. I've watched several videos now and the thickness of my two tubs that I have opened is much thicker then I've seen on the videos. I do not see how these buckets seal very well especially after they are opened one time. I'm worried now because I will probably not finish my steam shower for a month and I opened the wrong color first. it is very hard to scrub off the top of the tile because it adheres very well without removing too much of the grout in the joint.

[@blizzdog3881]

This grout is junk do not use flexcolor

[@HomeRepairTutor]

Sounds like a bad experience, what happened?

[@blizzdog3881]

I been a union setter for 35 years, I have never seen grout foam up so bad and the grout shrinkage it's terrible worse than epoxy, hate to see a home owner try to use this stuff wow

[@HomeRepairTutor]

We’ve used it and haven’t seen any foaming, not sure what would cause that. Did you use it on a floor or wall, and what was the substrate under the tile?

[@blizzdog3881]

We put down 8,000 SF of 2x2 sheet tile over cement and it's 3/8 deep we have always use mapia grout and it's always foam up on us some but this stuff wow

[@HomeRepairTutor]

Hmm, wonder if it was the mesh on the back of the tile?

[@deculinc]

Blah blah blah blah😒😒