The Backsplash is Grouted!!!

This has been a busy week!  We decided on a tile, installed the backsplash and now, grouted the space. Grouting was actually harder than I thought it would be and it took more time (about 4 hours).  We started by mixing PolyBlend's non-sanded, bright white grout from Home Depot.

We used a clean bucket to mix the powdery mix with water.  

The first batch was too thick, which made it challenging to apply.  

After adding a bit more water and the grout spread more easily.

 The grout began to firm up after 10 - 15 minutes.  

(I literally sat there watching the grout dry.   I was so excited to start wiping the walls down:)

We used the wrong sponge at first.  The big sponge was pulling a lot of the grout out.  Mike made a quick run back to Home Depot and picked up a  couple of sponges with a smoother finish.  Having two sponges was  actually a big help.  Mike was able to wipe the walls with one, while I rinsed the other.  It made for a quicker finish time for this part of the process. 

After wiping the tile with the sponge, a slight haze was left on the tile.  The directions for the grout recommended waiting a couple of hours before buffing the haze away.  We waited overnight and had no problem scrubbing the residue off this morning.  And, here's the finished result: 

I love the way it turned out.