Can You Add Glitter To Grout? [And How To]

Grout fills spaces or helps hold together existing structures. A new home decor craze involves getting creative with this filler, changing up colors, adding some texture, or applying embellishments. If you've dipped into the world of arts and crafts, you most likely have some glitter around the house. Perhaps you've wondered about adding it to your grout for added flair. We created this article to explain if you can add glitter to grout and how this process can be done.

You can add glitter to grout. Glitter additives can be mixed in with most cement, epoxy, and acrylic grouts. When creating the mix, it is important to maintain an appropriate glitter to grout powder ratio to ensure the particles are evenly distributed throughout. 

You know it can be done, but what does the process look like? Continue reading as we break down the steps to applying glitter to grout, how much glitter you should be using, and what the sealing process looks like.

Laying tiles in the backsplash for the bathroom, Can You Add Glitter To Grout? [And How To]

How Do You Apply Glitter To Grout?

There are various items you can use for grout. Today, we will be discussing how to apply glitter to grout using epoxy-based grout. You will need a two-part epoxy, grout powder, glitter, a mixing container, margin trowel, a grout float, a sponge, and gloves.

The process of applying glitter to grout can be done using the following steps:

  1. Mix the two-part epoxy
  2. Add grout powder and glitter to your mixture with the desired ratio
  3. Mix thoroughly using a margin trowel
  4. Spread the mixture on your desired surface
  5. Use a sponge to clean off grout residue

You can add even more flair by mixing in glow-in-the-dark particles. Read on as we break down each of these steps in detail.

1. Mix The Two-part Epoxy

Epoxy-based grout comes as a kit with two parts, resin and hardener. Combine the two parts together in your mixing bowl for a durable epoxy base.

You can find rapid-dry epoxy kit here on Amazon.

2. Add Grout Powder And Glitter To Your Mixture With The Desired Ratio

With your epoxy mixed, you can add grout powder and glitter. The amount of glitter is up to you and your desired look, but you will need to work out the correct ratio to keep your mixture at the right consistency.

Amazon offers a 1-pound bag of grout powder here.

Adding more glitter means a more sparkly finished product. To keep the right ratio, you will measure your glitter and subtract that amount from the amount of grout powder you plan to add to your mix.

This glitter grout additive comes in a wide color selection. See it on Amazon.

3. Mix Thoroughly Using A Margin Trowel

Use your margin trowel to thoroughly mix the epoxy, grout powder, and glitter together. The goal is to have all the solid particles evenly distributed throughout the grout mixture.

Amazon offers a 2-inch, wooden-handled, margin trowel here.

4. Spread The Mixture On Your Desired Surface

Evenly apply and spread your grout mixture over your intended surface. You can use a grout float to work the grout down into tight spaces, like between tiles and corners.

You can find a soft grip grout float here on Amazon.

5. Use A Sponge To Clean Off Grout Residue

Once your grout mix is in all the right places, you can start removing the grout residue from areas you prefer not to see it. You will need to wet a sponge and may need to clean the area several times before the grout gets removed completely.

After the tiles, flooring, or other glittered item has been cleaned, you can allow the grout mix to dry completely. Dry time can depend on which brand of epoxy you use. Once dry, enjoy your creation.

The video below provides a demo on mixing epoxy tile grout with additional tips and tricks.

Read more on our blog post, “Can You Glitter Over Epoxy?”

Does Glitter Grout Look Good?

Glitter grout does look good and has become quite trendy. Use glitter grout to bring glamour or sparkle to tiled areas that otherwise appeared plain. Give a luxurious feel to your bathroom, showers, floors, kitchen sink backsplashes, and really wherever else grout is applicable.

Glitter grout is perfect for creating an ambiance around a makeup desk, or you can utilize it alongside mosaic tiles. Create a subtle shine or an eye-catching look by playing with colors and amounts of glitter.

Read more on our blog post, “What Kind Of Grout To Use For Mosaics?”

Can I Use Normal Glitter In Grout?

Normal glitter can be used in grout but the outcome can be unpredictable. If you want to do a trial with the glitter you have at home, mix it in with a small amount of your grout mixture and test it out on some loose tiles.

White tiles in the shower room backsplash

After drying, you can review the outcome and test environmental factors like water and temperature changes on the grout. Doing a test is recommended, so you don't have to go back and remove grout in the future.

While normal glitter can be used, plenty of glitter grout additives can give you better results. These specified additives are typically temperature and water-resistant, non-bleed, non-rust, and color-fast. The same characteristics cannot be guaranteed for normal glitter.

You can find a silver glitter grout additive here on Amazon.

Avoid the risk of an undesired outcome by sticking to these brand products. There are numerous commercial brands that offer every color of glitter additive for your grout.

Learn more on our blog post, “Can You Grind Glitter To Make It Finer?”

How Much Glitter Do You Add To Grout?

There is room to play when it comes to the amount of glitter in your grout. The more glitter, the more sparkle you will have. So, it comes down to preference. If you are looking for a subtle look, use less glitter and if you want a flashy design, add more glitter.

Some glitter grout brands will have a basic recommendation for the glitter to grout mix ratio to help you keep a good consistency with your grout. There is a cap for glitter as well; far too much glitter may leave you with a substance that can't dry correctly. A good rule of thumb is to not exceed one bag of glitter per two pounds of grout.

This glitter grout additive recommends 1 bag per 3.5 lbs of dry grout. See it on Amazon.

How Do You Seal Glitter Grout?

Sealing grout is a must in moisture-prone areas, such as the shower or bathroom. However, some grouts are pre-sealed, like epoxy-based grouts. If you are working with cement or acrylic glitter grout, you will need to use sealant to protect against water and stains.

Choose a grout sealant that fits your situation. There are grout sealants available for ceramic tiles, slate, cement, marble, granite, and many other surfaces. You can also find bathroom sink or shower specific sealants to add extra water protection.

Amazon offers a grout sealant for tile and stone here.

After applying the grout, wait 48-72 hours to ensure the grout has completely dried and cured. Once dried, you can apply the sealant over the grout by painting it, rolling it, or spraying it depending on preference and sealant brand recommendations.

Apply the sealer slowly and carefully, avoiding getting it on tiles, cabinets, countertops, or other nearby structures. You will apply a second layer 10-15 minutes after the first, then 24 to 48 hours for the sealant to cure. You can test the seal by flicking a few drops of water on the grout line and watching if it puddles up or sinks in.

Read more on our blog post, “How To Seal Glitter On Glass -Without Losing The Sparkle.”

In Summary

You can add glitter to grout, and it is a growing style within many homes. The process is easier than you might think and leaves you with a unique design anywhere you have tiles, stone, or other space to fill. There are plenty of commercial brand glitter additives you can mix in with your grout.

Today we talked about this process specifically with epoxy-based grout, but glitter can be added to acrylic or cement grouts as well. Epoxy grouts are pre-sealed, but other grout materials do need to be sealed for protection. We hope you found this article helpful when adding some sparkle and dazzle to your home.

Are you looking for more inspiration when it comes to crafting? Have a look through our blog post, “25 Types Of Crafts You Can Try — The Ultimate List.”

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