I think there may be two issues here. One, you need to put your pieces a little closer together and two, the grout needs to set up 15-30 minutes before you wipe it off.

This is what I do. I mix the grout and let the grout sit for 5 minutes before I actually grout the project, then I grout the project and let it sit for 5-10 minutes. I come back over the piece with a paper towel and remove most of the excess grout, then I let it sit another 10 minutes. After that I run over it with a slightly damp sponge, usually alternating between paper towels and the sponge. You don't want to get the grout too wet at this point. For really big projects, I might use crumbled up newspaper instead of paper towels.

Su, can you post whether its sanded or unsanded and an average width of your grout lines?

these pieces are broken china plates, so they have
raw edges, and I put them close together, but sometimes
there are gaps that are larger, I am learning so bear with
me. I like the idea of waiting for awhile before wiping
the tile off the pieces. It may be that my pieces are too
far apart,
Su

I've gotta ask this question....
what's the 333 stand for?
3 is my favorite number and I'm a 3, in numerology....

I usually have a 3, somewhere in things I do...lol

Becky .(*_*).

The 333 to me stands for the 3 in one, Father
son and holy spirit, I love the Lord. It is
either 3's or 7's.
Su

Hey Su!! Do you have a pic for us to see what your stuff looks like? We LOVE lookin' at Eye Candy!lol!

No I don't it is in my booth I am
renting, I don't know how to do pictures
yet. I have made a birdhouse, and a large
round top, like a glass table top, but it
is covered with broken china, the pattern is
roses and a very old pattern, it is the first one
I ever done, the plates were my In laws and
I always loved the pattern. I only use china
plates. My son can't see why I break them? Now
if they are real special I won't use them,
but I get alot from garage sales and estate
sales. Currently I am working on a plant
cart. I made a top for a basket out of
old plates also. Fun, thanks for your
advice
Su

Hi Su,

We use to sell grout on our website. Here's a copy of the directions we sent with it. I've never worked with broken china. When I grout a piece I've done with stained glass I use a small grout float but I'm not sure how well that will work with china having never worked with it. Just takes a little practice. Good luck!

Preparation: Tiles must be firmly attached to a sound surface and tile adhesive must be cured a minimum of 24 hours prior to grout application. Complete curing of adhesive depends on temperature and humidity.

Mixing: Combine grout with clean, cool water in a clean mixing container and mix to a stiff, smooth consistency. One pound of grout will require approximately ¼ to ½ cup of water. Grout consistency should be like peanut butter. Allow mixture to set in mixing container for 10 minutes, then re-stir before applying to joints. Grout mix will remain workable for approximately 2 hours. Re-stir grout periodically to obtain maximum workability. Do not re-temper (mix with additional water).

Application: Remove all spacers before grouting and lightly dampen tiles with clean water. Force grout into joints. Remove excess grout from the surface of the tiles. Allow approximately 15 minutes for grout to become firm in the joints before proceeding. Soak sponge or cheesecloth in clean, cool water. Wring out excess water completely and wipe tiles clean. Allow installation to dry for approximately 40 minutes or until haze forms on tile and the grout in the joints sets firm. Use a soft, clean, dry cloth to polish off haze.

Curing: Lightly mist grout several times a day for 3 days. Grout must be fully cured and dried if sealing is desired.

Just my 2 cents. I use slices of those "noodles" the kids use in the pool. I just slice it about and inch thick, then quarter it. You can use them over and over. Also after the grout sets up a bit, sprinkle dry grout over the pices and rub off. It cleans everything really well. Then I rub and clean with vinegar. Course, I always have to have a salad when I'm done!

What a great idea! I bet the "noodles" make it easy to get the grout into tight corners.

What a great idea! I bet the "noodles" make it easy to get the grout into tight corners.