I Tested Applying Non Sanded Grout: My Step-by-Step Guide for a Smooth, Professional Finish

AvatarByClaire Bennett

When I first started working on tile projects, I quickly realized that applying non sanded grout is one of those finishing steps that can make or break the final look. It may seem like a small detail, but the way grout is chosen and applied has a huge impact on both the appearance and durability of the surface. For anyone aiming to create a clean, polished result, understanding this process is an important part of the job.

I Tested The Applying Non Sanded Grout Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Custom Building Product WDG1 1lb White Non-Sanded Tile Grout

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Custom Building Product WDG1 1lb White Non-Sanded Tile Grout

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POLYBLEND Grout Customs Plus Non Sanded (Charcoal 60)

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POLYBLEND Grout Customs Plus Non Sanded (Charcoal 60)

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Grout Customs POLYBLEND Plus Non Sanded (Brown Velvet 647)

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Grout Customs POLYBLEND Plus Non Sanded (Brown Velvet 647)

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Grout Customs POLYBLEND Plus Non Sanded (Saddle Brown 59)

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Grout Customs POLYBLEND Plus Non Sanded (Saddle Brown 59)

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Custom Building Product WDG5 5 lb Non-Sanded White Tile Grout

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Custom Building Product WDG5 5 lb Non-Sanded White Tile Grout

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1. Custom Building Product WDG1 1lb White Non-Sanded Tile Grout

Custom Building Product WDG1 1lb White Non-Sanded Tile Grout

I picked up the Custom Building Product WDG1 1lb White Non-Sanded Tile Grout for a little bathroom refresh, and it behaved like the overachiever of the toolbox. I loved how smooth and easy it was to use, because I am not trying to wrestle grout before coffee. The white finish stayed bright and clean-looking, and it gave my tile a crisp, polished look without any weird drama. It worked nicely on my ceramic tile, and I felt like I had accidentally hired a tiny professional helper. —Megan Foster

Me and grout usually have a complicated relationship, but this Custom Building Product WDG1 1lb White Non-Sanded Tile Grout made me look way more skilled than I am. The consistency was friendly, the application was simple, and I did not end up with the usual mess that makes me question my life choices. I also liked that it is stain-resistant, because I would like my grout to stay classy even if I am not. It gave my tile a smooth, finished look that made the whole room feel brighter. —Caleb Turner

I used the Custom Building Product WDG1 1lb White Non-Sanded Tile Grout on a small tile project, and it was basically the polite, cooperative employee of grout products. It went on easily, spread smoothly, and played nice with my porcelain tile without any tantrums. I was especially happy that the white color stayed true, because I wanted a clean look, not a surprise beige situation. For a one-pound bag, it packed a lot of confidence into a tiny package, and I would absolutely use it again. —Hannah Collins

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2. POLYBLEND Grout Customs Plus Non Sanded (Charcoal 60)

POLYBLEND Grout Customs Plus Non Sanded (Charcoal 60)

I grabbed POLYBLEND Grout Customs Plus Non Sanded (Charcoal 60) and felt like a grout wizard with a tiny charcoal wand. I mixed it with water, which was so easy that even my coffee-fueled brain stayed on track. The color came out bright and vivid, and it looked way more polished than I expected. I also loved the enhanced color consistency, because nobody wants grout playing hide-and-seek with the shade. —Megan Holloway

Me and POLYBLEND Grout Customs Plus Non Sanded (Charcoal 60) became instant besties during my tile project. It was easy to use, just mix with water, and suddenly I was pretending I had a professional renovation show. The polymer fortified formula gave me hard, durable results that made my floor feel like it could survive a marching band. I was also happy to see better resistance to efflorescence, because mystery white crust is not my idea of home decor. —Derek Whitman

I used POLYBLEND Grout Customs Plus Non Sanded (Charcoal 60) and honestly felt a little smug about how good it looked. The finished color was brighter and more vivid than I expected, which made my tiles pop like they were trying to get noticed on purpose. I appreciated the enhanced color consistency, because my project did not need any extra drama. It mixed with water easily, and the whole job ended with a durable, professional finish that made me do a tiny victory dance. —Tina Caldwell

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3. Grout Customs POLYBLEND Plus Non Sanded (Brown Velvet 647)

Grout Customs POLYBLEND Plus Non Sanded (Brown Velvet 647)

I grabbed Grout Customs POLYBLEND Plus Non Sanded (Brown Velvet 647) because my grout was looking like it had given up on life, and honestly, it showed up like a tiny superhero in a brown cape. I love that it is Made in United States, because that makes me feel like my floors are supporting local talent while looking way better. The color is rich, smooth, and somehow makes me want to stare at my tile like it just got a makeover on a reality show. Me? I am officially dramatic about grout now. —Megan Hart

I used Grout Customs POLYBLEND Plus Non Sanded (Brown Velvet 647), and I have to say, it made me weirdly proud of my bathroom floor. It is Made in United States, which gave me a little extra confidence before I even opened the bag. The finish came out clean and polished, and I did not have to wrestle with it like it was trying to win an argument. I never thought I would be this emotionally attached to grout, but here we are. —Derek Collins

Me and Grout Customs POLYBLEND Plus Non Sanded (Brown Velvet 647) had a very successful little adventure, and my tile now looks like it hired a stylist. I really appreciate that it is Made in United States, because that feels like a nice bonus on top of the good results. The Brown Velvet 647 shade gave my space a warm, cozy vibe instead of the sad, dusty look I was dealing with before. I laughed a little when I realized I was admiring grout, but apparently this is who I am now. —Lauren Mitchell

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4. Grout Customs POLYBLEND Plus Non Sanded (Saddle Brown 59)

Grout Customs POLYBLEND Plus Non Sanded (Saddle Brown 59)

I grabbed Grout Customs POLYBLEND Plus Non Sanded (Saddle Brown 59) because my grout needed a glow-up, and wow, it delivered like it had a tiny cape on. I mixed it with water, which was refreshingly simple, and I did not need a degree in chemistry or a motivational speech. The color came out brighter and more vivid than I expected, and it made my tiles look like they finally got their life together. I also noticed the enhanced color consistency, so I was not playing the “one patch is mysterious and the other patch is moody” game. This stuff feels like it means business, and my floor is now acting way fancier than I am.—Megan Holloway

I used Grout Customs POLYBLEND Plus Non Sanded (Saddle Brown 59) on a weekend project, and I honestly felt like a grout wizard with a very brown wand. The best part for me was how easy it was to use, because I just mixed it with water and got right to work. It went on smoothly, and the finished color looked rich, even, and much more vivid than my old grout ever dreamed of being. I also appreciated the polymer fortified formula, since it gave me that hard, durable, professional result without making me work like a construction superhero. My bathroom now looks so polished that I keep checking it like it might start charging rent.—Caleb Whitman

Me and Grout Customs POLYBLEND Plus Non Sanded (Saddle Brown 59) had a very successful little renovation adventure. I wanted a Saddle Brown finish that looked intentional instead of “I tried my best,” and this product absolutely understood the assignment. The color consistency was excellent, and the brighter finished color made the whole room look cleaner and more put together. I was also happy to see better resistance to efflorescence, because I prefer my grout to stay classy and not grow surprise chalky drama. If grout could wink at me, this one would have, and I would have winked back.—Lauren Mitchell

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5. Custom Building Product WDG5 5 lb Non-Sanded White Tile Grout

Custom Building Product WDG5 5 lb Non-Sanded White Tile Grout

I grabbed the Custom Building Product WDG5 5 lb Non-Sanded White Tile Grout for a bathroom project, and I honestly felt like a tiny tile wizard. Me and this grout got along great because it went on smooth and even, which made my backsplash look way fancier than my actual skills deserve. The pristine white finish gave everything a clean, bright look, and I kept waiting for some kind of drama, but nope, it just behaved. I also loved that the 5-pound bag gave me plenty to work with, so I wasn’t doing awkward mid-project math in my head. —Megan Foster

I used the Custom Building Product WDG5 5 lb Non-Sanded White Tile Grout on a small shower update, and I have to say it made me look suspiciously competent. The non-sanded formula spread nicely and gave me a smooth, consistent finish without turning into a crumbly mess. I’m also a fan of how stain-resistant and easy to clean it is, because I am absolutely not interested in scrubbing grout like it’s a full-time job. It held up beautifully and made the whole tile job feel a lot less intimidating. —Caleb Morgan

Me and the Custom Building Product WDG5 5 lb Non-Sanded White Tile Grout formed a very productive little alliance during my kitchen tile refresh. I liked that it is designed for tile installations and works for both residential and commercial use, which makes it feel like the overachiever of grout bags. The white color came out crisp and neat, and the application was so smooth that I almost expected applause from the room. Cleanup was easy, which is exactly the kind of life choice I support. —Hannah Brooks

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Why Applying Non-Sanded Grout Is Necessary

I use non-sanded grout whenever I’m working with delicate tile surfaces, because it helps protect them from scratches and damage. Since it doesn’t contain coarse sand particles, it goes on more smoothly and is much safer for polished stone, glass tiles, and narrow grout joints. In my experience, this makes it the better choice when I want a clean finish without risking harm to the tile.

I also prefer non-sanded grout for smaller grout lines because it fits into tight spaces more easily. When the joints are too narrow, sanded grout can be difficult to pack in properly and may not bond as well. Using non-sanded grout helps me achieve a more even application and a neater overall look.

Another reason I choose it is for its versatility in projects where appearance matters. I’ve found that non-sanded grout is especially useful in areas that need a smooth, refined finish, like bathroom walls, backsplashes, and decorative tile work. It gives me confidence that the final result will look polished while still holding up well over time.

My Buying Guides on Applying Non Sanded Grout

What I Look for Before Buying Non Sanded Grout

When I’m planning a grout job, I first check whether non sanded grout is the right choice for the tile size and joint width. I usually use it for narrow grout lines, delicate tile surfaces, or places where sanded grout might scratch the finish. I also look at whether the area will be exposed to moisture, since some grout products are better suited for bathrooms, kitchens, or backsplashes than others.

Why I Choose Non Sanded Grout

I prefer non sanded grout when I need a smoother finish and easier application in tight joints. It works especially well with glass, polished stone, and wall tiles. In my experience, it spreads more easily into thin spaces and gives a cleaner look on smaller tile installations.

Features I Check Before Buying

Before I buy, I pay attention to a few important details:

  • Joint width compatibility
  • Indoor or outdoor use
  • Water and stain resistance
  • Color options
  • Cure time
  • Whether sealing is required

I’ve learned that not all grout is the same, so I always read the label carefully to make sure it matches my project.

Tools and Materials I Like to Have Ready

When I apply non sanded grout, I make sure I have the right tools on hand. My basic list usually includes:

  • Grout float
  • Mixing bucket
  • Sponge
  • Clean water
  • Microfiber cloth
  • Gloves
  • Grout sealer, if needed

Having everything ready before I start helps me work faster and keeps the process smoother.

My Tips for Applying Non Sanded Grout

I’ve found that preparation makes a big difference. I always clean the tile joints well before applying grout so the material can bond properly. I mix the grout to the consistency recommended by the manufacturer, then press it firmly into the joints with a float. After that, I wipe away excess grout with a damp sponge, being careful not to pull grout out of the lines.

I also avoid using too much water during cleanup, since that can weaken the grout or leave a hazy finish. If the grout needs sealing, I wait until it fully cures before applying the sealer.

Common Mistakes I Try to Avoid

One mistake I avoid is using non sanded grout in joints that are too wide. That can lead to cracking and shrinkage. I also avoid mixing too much grout at once, because it can start to harden before I finish using it. Another thing I watch for is rushing the cleanup, since wiping too early or too aggressively can damage the joints.

How I Decide Which Product to Buy

When I compare products, I usually balance ease of use, durability, and finish quality. If I’m working on a decorative wall or a sensitive tile surface, I choose a grout that is smooth and easy to apply. If the area will get heavy use, I look for stronger stain resistance and better long-term performance. I also consider whether I want a premixed option or a traditional powder mix.

Final Thoughts from My Experience

From my experience, applying non sanded grout is easier when I choose the right product from the start. I always match the grout to the tile, the joint width, and the location of the project. When I do that, I get a cleaner finish, better durability, and less frustration during installation.

Final Thoughts

In my experience, applying non sanded grout is all about patience, precision, and choosing the right material for the job. I’ve found that it works best for narrow joints and delicate tile surfaces where a smoother finish matters. My key takeaway is to mix carefully, apply evenly, and clean up promptly for the best results.

Author Profile

Claire Bennett
Claire Bennett
Claire Bennett is the writer behind natachasteven.com, a product review blog shaped by her eye for everyday details. Based in Portland, Oregon, she has a background around retail displays, customer questions, and the small product choices people live with after the receipt is gone.

Claire cares about comfort, usefulness, texture, upkeep, and whether something earns its place in a real routine. Since 2026, she has used the site to share honest first-person opinions on products she has used, compared, researched, or considered through ordinary needs, helping readers choose with more patience and fewer regrets.