Grouting 2
Monday 14th June
Yes! It is sunny today. Perfect weather for grouting. I arrive at 8 and the tilers have already uncovered the tarpaulins and tents we put up to protect the structures on Friday.
They work throughout the day, grouting first the tops, then the sides after peeling off the backing paper. It is interesting to note that they use the same cement for grouting as they used for adhering the tiles. It is quite difficult to ask them technical questions, because of the language barrier, but I think I understand that Peter uses the cement in a situation like this because the gaps between the tiles are quite big and it is the same colour, and will therefore look the same as any exposed cement, which matters in areas where the cement has come right up to the surface in between the tiles. This is particularly true of the sides, where it oozed up beneath the backing paper.
By the end of the day all the grouting has been done and they tell me they are coming back tomorrow to do the cleaning and the painting. Painting?! I nod and smile and hope for the best.
