Sparkle Up Your Bathroom with Glitter Grout Inspiration
Looking to add some glitz and glamour to your bathroom? Consider using glitter grout between your tiles for an eye-catching accent that shimmers. Glitter grout can transform even the drabbest bathroom into a chic, stylish space with just a small tweak of effort.
With the countless tile choices available today in a variety of colors, textures, shapes and sizes - the design possibilities are endless for homeowners. However, often the grout used is simply basic white or gray, which lacks personality. This is where incorporating glitter grout can really make your tilework pop.
Glitter Grout Bathroom Concepts Overview
So what exactly is glitter grout? Essentially, it is grout that has glitter flakes or mica added to it, providing a shimmery, sparkly effect between tiles. The glitter reflects light, adding lovely glitz to any tiled surface.
What is Glitter Grout?
Glitter grout consists of the typical grout materials like cement, sand and latex mixed with glitter additives. The glitter is usually made from transparent acrylic plastic, with options like silver, gold, multi-color or sheer crystal to choose from.
The result is a durable grout that livens up tile projects with eye-catching flair. Available in pre-mixed formulas or as additives, glitter grout delivers dazzling possibilities for bathrooms, showers, kitchen backsplashes, patios and more. A little glamour goes a long way!
Benefits of Glitter Grout
Why should you consider using glitter grout in your bathroom or other tiled areas? Here are some of the benefits that make it shine:
- Adds a touch of glitz and luxury to tilework
- Reflective glitter effect catches the light beautifully
- Lively, shimmery accent adds visual interest
- Available in array of colors like silver, gold, multi and crystal
- Works well with stone, ceramic, glass, metal and mosaic tiles
- Affordable way to give bathroom a makeover
Tired of your basic white grout? Glitter grout presents a simple, relatively inexpensive option to elevate your room with some sparkle. The glittery addition makes an impressive impact.
Types of Glitter Grout
Glitter grout comes in a few different forms:
- Pre-Mixed Glitter Grout - Just add water, no seperate additives needed
- Grout Additive - Add glitter flakes to existing grout
- Epoxy Grout - Durable 2-part formula with built-in glitter
The type you choose will depend on your specific tiling project and needs. Pre-mixed formulas offer convenience while additives allow flexibility with existing grout. Epoxy glitter grout provides superb adhesion and scratch resistance.
Preparing for Glitter Grout Installation
Achieving a flawless finish with glitter grout requires careful prep work. Proper planning, cleaning and surface preparation are key steps:
Evaluating Current Bathroom and Tile
First, examine your existing bathroom or tilework closely. Note any problem areas with cracked, missing or uneven tiles that need addressing beforehand. Repair any issues to ensure proper glitter grout application.
Also consider if certain tiles or surfaces may show more conspicuous grout lines. Mosaic, glass, marble and stone tiles provide an optimal backdrop to maximize the drama and appeal of glitter grout.
Cleaning and Preparing the Surface Area
Thoroughly clean your tiles, removing any existing dirty grout, soap scum, oils or sealants from the joints between tiles. Use a grout saw or Dremel tool to clear out old caulk or grout completely.
Any debris left over could prevent the glitter grout from adhering correctly or achieving full sparkle potential. Pay special attention to corners and edges. Allow area to dry fully before glitter grout application.
Choosing Glitter Grout Colors
Select a glitter grout variety that complements your tiles well and fits the desired aesthetic. Will bold gold glitter grout offset neutral floor tiles effectively? Or might soft crystal glitter suit marble wall tiles better?
Consider testing glitter grout samples first to confirm color choices. Factor in light conditions also, as differing light can impact glitter effects. The sparkle dimension glitter grout introduces can greatly enhance your design scheme.
Installing Glitter Grout
Once prep work is complete, mix up your chosen glitter grout variety and apply correctly using these techniques for best results:
Mixing the Grout
If using pre-mixed glitter grout, simply add water per package instructions, usually 16 oz to a 10 lb. bag. Only mix what you can apply and clean up within 30 minutes.
For grout additives, combine additive flakes per ratio guidelines with non-sanded grout before water. Mix thoroughly but avoid overmixing to limit air bubbles. Maintain a thick, peanut butter-like consistency.
Applying the Grout Properly
Apply glitter grout diagonally using a rubber grout float across joints. Hold float at a 45 degree angle, pressing firmly to fill joints fully while removing excess. Ensure joints are smoothly filled without gaps or low spots.
Avoid smearing glitter grout over edges of tile. Wipe diagonally across lines, keeping float moving constantly. Work in small sections for best control and also to allow time for cleaning.
Cleaning Up Excess Grout
Let glitter grout sit briefly before wiping away any residue lightly coating tile edges. Use two buckets - one with clean water and one to discard rags.
Change water frequently to limit haze and buildup. Work diagonally and rinse rag fully each pass. Thoroughly clean all tiles, leaving only glitter grout neatly between seams once dry.
Caring for Glitter Grout
To keep your glitter grout bathroom or installation looking fabulous long-term, proper maintenance is key. Follow these care tips:
Cleaning Tips
Gently mop tiles using mild pH-neutral cleaners only. Avoid harsh chemicals, acidic or abrasive cleaners which can degrade grout. Use soft scrub brushes and microfiber cloths only.
Vinegar solutions also help dissolve soap scum safely. Rinse thoroughly and wipe excess water to minimize porous grout's water absorption for best durability.
Re-Sealing Over Time
Reapply sealant to finished glitter grout every 1-2 years, using compatible grout sealing products. This helps prevent staining, discoloration or moisture damage issues over time.
Well-sealed glitter grout stays protected, keeping your bathroom or installation sparkling like new for years of enjoyment.
Creative Glitter Grout Ideas
Want to incorporate glitter grout seamlessly while adding some design flair? Consider these creative ways to implement glitter grout:
Accent Walls
Use glitter grout with neutral wall tiles, perhaps in a geometric pattern, to create a stunning focal feature wall. Gold or silver glitter grout in stripes or diamonds amps up interest gracefully.
Border Tiles
Frame mirror walls, backsplashes or niches with eye-catching glitter grouted decorative border tiles. Slim glitter lines or mosaic penny tile borders make simple yet bold statements.
Incorporate trendy geometric shapes using glitter grouted tiles - hexagons, chevrons, circles and triangles add modern flair with pizazz to any wall or flooring.