Grout for Black Mosaic Glass Tiles

9 years ago

(This is my first time renovating anything)

So I installed this backsplash in my newly redone kitchen. Originally, I was going to use bright white grout (hence the white thinset I used) since we don't get a lot of light in there and I was worried it would be too dark with the dark cabinets. With the countertop being such a bright contrast my thoughts have changed.

I am now leaning towards a darker grout. My question is, do I go darker than the tiles or choose a color that is the same as the tiles? There are 2 different colors in the tiles so I am stuck at what color to choose.

I am also realizing that white would draw attention to my not so perfect tiling job.

The tile I used is called Jeffrey Court Black Magic.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

Featured Answer

Beth H. :

9 years ago

last modified: 9 years ago

charcoal, non sanded. mix well, as on directions. Do NOT use too much water on the sponge when wiping down. you will dilute the color and end up w/white spots. grout all at the same time. Home depot has it or you can try Mapei at Lowes. Charcoal is a deep gray, but not too black. unless you want black. do not use white on those tiles. it will cheapen the look. the lightest you should do is a warm gray.

here is black grout

charcoal

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (12)

PRO
Grey Heron Interiors
9 years ago
Hello michael227,

Love the tiles and love Jeffrey Court! Two scenarios for you.

If you use white, the tiles pop and the white plays off the countertop.

If you use gray, the tiles lose a bit of their individuality and the entire backsplash will read as one.

Just depends on which you prefer. Love the color combination!

Use a pre-mixed, non-sanded grout, some contain synthetic fibers now to help with shrinking. Most home stores carry a product like this. Much easier and less messy than mixing yourself.

Karen Haggard, CID
michael227 thanked Grey Heron Interiors
Related Professionals
Albany Interior Designers & Decorators · Chattanooga Interior Designers & Decorators · Chillicothe Interior Designers & Decorators · Plattsburgh Interior Designers & Decorators · Monroe Interior Designers & Decorators · Oshkosh Interior Designers & Decorators · Helena Interior Designers & Decorators · Port Saint Lucie Architects & Building Designers · Waycross Architects & Building Designers · Chillicothe Architects & Building Designers · Hays Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Concord Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Burlington Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Twin Falls Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Vernal Kitchen & Bathroom Designers
PRO
Cinar Interiors, Inc.
9 years ago
I agree with Beth about charcoal grout non sanded. A lighter grout will show imperfections with the tile install more so than a darker grout.
michael227 thanked Cinar Interiors, Inc.
michael227
Original Author
9 years ago
Thank you for your comments! I am leaning towards the charcoal. Quick question, should I try and get off as much if the white thinset that is close to the surface? Or will the grout just cover that up?
PRO
Grey Heron Interiors
9 years ago
Yes try to delicately remove what you can.
michael227 thanked Grey Heron Interiors
Beth H. :
9 years ago
no it won't cover. use a razor or some other tool to get as much out as you can.
michael227 thanked Beth H. :
PRO
Patricia Colwell Consulting
9 years ago
I agree with removal of as much thinset as possible and the charcoal grout wear gloves the dark grouts really are hard to get off hands
michael227 thanked Patricia Colwell Consulting
michael227
Original Author
9 years ago
All of the advice you are giving me is great, thank you! I wish I had asked questions sooner.

Also, am I right to now use charcoal caulking as opposed to white?
PRO
Flo Mangan
9 years ago
Gray for sure and what Beth said.
Beth H. :
9 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
I would use the white (unless you are really good at caulking. if using the dark, be very careful not to smear onto the white counter) that dark caulk has a tendency to be overwhelming. run a piece of tape across the bottom row of tiles before you run your white bead. this will keep you from getting white on the bottom edge of the black. If you are good w/your grouting, you may not have to run a white bead. you may be able to get by w/a clear silicone. (your caulking should also be 100% silicone)
michael227 thanked Beth H. :
Du Ka
8 years ago
michael227, how did using charcoal grout work for you? Ive exact same situation with exactly the same tiles
Linda Kachur
5 years ago
I would love to see the finished product with the charcoal grout