Mosaics With Two Grout Colors

Design

• When installing mosaic tile, grouting with two grout colors is necessary for architectural and/or design purposes. For instance, a do-it-yourselfer may be installing a blue "field" mosaic (main tile being used) with a white mosaic detail within the blue mosaics. Grouting the blue mosaics with a blending grout color -- such as blue or gray -- while grouting the white mosaics with a white-toned grout color provides additional contrast between the two colors and separates them architecturally.

Separation of Two or More Similar Materials

• Different grout colors differentiate similar mosaic tile colors. For example, a do-it-yourselfer may be creating a mosaic pattern using a dark blue band or hand-made design within a light blue field tile. Grouting the dark blue with a matching dark blue-colored grout and grouting the light blue with light blue grout separates the two similar mosaics. Grouting with one color does not provide contrast.

Clarity of Mosaics

• A commonly overlooked aspect of grouting mosaics is the clarity of the glass pieces. For instance, some mosaic tile is completely transparent. Grouting completely transparent mosaic tile can drastically alter the color tones of the tile. For instance, white grout tends to wash out the color tones of clear mosaics; dark grout colors darken the overall color tone of the mosaic glass pieces. On the other hand, nontransparent pieces do not darken dependent on grout colors. Medium-gray grout color is the safest neutral bet for grouting mosaics.

Tips

• Always separate different mosaics before grouting. Experienced tile setters use blue masking tape to delineate mosaics grouted with two or more colors. "Masking" or taping off areas grouted with different colors saves time and hassle and improves the final outcome.