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

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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

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[thestoiccontrarian]

this grout is, in fact, sold in my "local home store"

Thanks for the video

[brianf]

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.

[oldirtybasser]

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.

[Jabbae]

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!

[robertmcclafferty]

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! 👍

[bhayescampbell]

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

[warrens]

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.

[scoremoore]

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.

[discipleofjmb]

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

[OurBuild]

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

[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.

[pearlperlitavenegas]

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

[emilyfackrell]

How to get the tile clips out of the grout area

[rashellyohn]

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.

[johnboon]

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

[robrichman]

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 .

[srinivasanpadmanabhan]

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

[jamesjett]

Does it scratch glass or polished porcelain?

[CT-umzq]

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

[brianfotag]

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?