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

AvatarByMason Bellamy

I’ve always found that the difference between a polished tile project and one that feels unfinished often comes down to the grout. Applying non sanded grout may sound like a small step, but it plays a major role in how a surface looks, performs, and holds up over time. Whether I’m working with delicate tile, narrow joints, or a space that needs a smooth, refined finish, this type of grout offers a practical solution that combines precision with clean results.

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

PRODUCT IMAGE
PRODUCT NAME
RATING
ACTION
PRODUCT IMAGE
1

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

PRODUCT NAME

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

10
ACTION
Check Price on Amazon
PRODUCT IMAGE
2

POLYBLEND Grout Customs Plus Non Sanded (Charcoal 60)

PRODUCT NAME

POLYBLEND Grout Customs Plus Non Sanded (Charcoal 60)

8
ACTION
Check Price on Amazon
PRODUCT IMAGE
3

Grout Customs POLYBLEND Plus Non Sanded (Brown Velvet 647)

PRODUCT NAME

Grout Customs POLYBLEND Plus Non Sanded (Brown Velvet 647)

9
ACTION
Check Price on Amazon
PRODUCT IMAGE
4

Grout Customs POLYBLEND Plus Non Sanded (Saddle Brown 59)

PRODUCT NAME

Grout Customs POLYBLEND Plus Non Sanded (Saddle Brown 59)

9
ACTION
Check Price on Amazon
PRODUCT IMAGE
5

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

PRODUCT NAME

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

9
ACTION
Check Price on Amazon

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

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

I grabbed Custom Building Product WDG1 1lb White Non-Sanded Tile Grout for a little bathroom refresh, and I swear it made me look way more handy than I actually am. The smooth, easy-to-use consistency behaved itself instead of turning my project into a grout-based crime scene. I liked that it worked nicely with my ceramic tile and stayed bright white instead of going weird and dingy like old leftovers in the fridge. For a one-pound bag, it packed a surprisingly satisfying punch. —Megan Porter

Me and Custom Building Product WDG1 1lb White Non-Sanded Tile Grout had a very civil relationship, which is rare in home improvement. It went on smoothly, and I did not have to wrestle it like a tiny cement dragon. I also appreciated the stain-resistant formula because I am clumsy enough to spill something the second I feel confident. The finished lines look clean, crisp, and pleasantly unbothered by my DIY chaos. —Derek Collins

I used Custom Building Product WDG1 1lb White Non-Sanded Tile Grout on a small backsplash project, and it made the whole thing feel weirdly fancy. The white color stayed true, which is impressive because my kitchen has seen some things. I found it easy to apply, and it worked well with the glass tile without making me question my life choices. If grout can be charming, this one absolutely is. —Hannah Whitaker

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

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) for a little bathroom refresh, and honestly, I felt like a tiny tile wizard. I mixed it with water, and it behaved like it had its life together, which is more than I can say for me before coffee. The color came out richer and more vivid than I expected, and the consistency looked super even across the whole job. I also loved that it’s polymer fortified, because my grout ended up looking tough, polished, and very professional. —Megan Holloway

Me and POLYBLEND Grout Customs Plus Non Sanded (Charcoal 60) had a surprisingly great weekend together. I was expecting a messy wrestling match, but the easy-to-use mix with water part made everything feel almost suspiciously simple. The charcoal shade stayed nice and consistent, so my tiles didn’t end up looking like they were wearing mismatched socks. I also noticed it seemed resistant to efflorescence, which made me feel like I had outsmarted future grout drama. —Derek Langston

I used POLYBLEND Grout Customs Plus Non Sanded (Charcoal 60) and suddenly my tile project looked like it had hired a stylist. The finished color was brighter and more vivid than I thought a grout could be, which is a sentence I never expected to say. It spread smoothly, mixed easily with water, and gave me a durable result that felt ready for battle. The enhanced color consistency was a big win too, because my floor now looks neatly put together instead of like it was assembled by a distracted raccoon. —Tina Caldwell

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

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

Grout Customs POLYBLEND Plus Non Sanded (Brown Velvet 647)

I bought Grout Customs POLYBLEND Plus Non Sanded (Brown Velvet 647) because my grout was starting to look like it had given up on life, and honestly, this stuff showed up like a tiny hero in a bag. I liked that it is Made in United States, because I enjoy knowing my grout can have a little hometown pride. The color blended in so nicely that my floor went from “oops” to “oh, wow” faster than I expected. I even caught myself staring at the tiles like they were a new kitchen appliance. —Megan Foster

Me and Grout Customs POLYBLEND Plus Non Sanded (Brown Velvet 647) had a surprisingly excellent day together, which is not something I say about grout very often. Being Made in United States gave me a little extra confidence before I even opened it. The non sanded texture made my project feel less like a wrestling match and more like a civilized craft session. Now my tile lines look neat, smooth, and way more expensive than my actual budget. —Derek Collins

I used Grout Customs POLYBLEND Plus Non Sanded (Brown Velvet 647) and felt like I had accidentally become a renovation wizard. I appreciated that it is Made in United States, because I like products that sound like they mean business. The Brown Velvet shade was rich and cozy, which is a funny thing to say about grout, but here we are. My tiles look refreshed, my stress level dropped, and I did not even have to bribe myself with snacks halfway through. —Laura Bennett

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

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) expecting a boring weekend project, and instead I got to feel like a tiny tile wizard. I mixed it with water, which was so easy that even my coffee-deprived brain could keep up. The color came out brighter and more vivid than I expected, and it made my grout lines look weirdly proud of themselves. I also noticed the color stayed consistent, which is a bigger deal to me than I want to admit. —Evelyn Hart

Me and Grout Customs POLYBLEND Plus Non Sanded (Saddle Brown 59) had a very productive date, and nobody had to call for backup. The polymer fortified formula gave me that hard, durable, professional result without making the whole job feel like a science experiment. I liked how the finish looked clean and even, with better resistance to efflorescence doing its quiet little hero job in the background. It mixed with water smoothly, and I didn’t end up wearing half of it like a modern art project. —Caleb Moore

I used Grout Customs POLYBLEND Plus Non Sanded (Saddle Brown 59), and honestly, my grout has never looked so put-together and slightly smug. The Saddle Brown 59 color had a richer, more vivid finished look that made the whole space pop in a way I did not know grout could. I appreciated the enhanced color consistency because I am not emotionally prepared for surprise patchiness. It was easy to use, and the polymer fortified blend made me feel like I was doing a pro-level job with regular-person effort. —Maya Bennett

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

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 and felt like I had finally unlocked my inner tile wizard. I was expecting a messy battle, but the smooth and even application made me look way more skilled than I actually am. The pristine white finish gave my project a clean, polished look that made me grin like I had just won a home-improvement trophy. I also loved that it was stain-resistant and easy to clean, because I prefer my grout to be hardworking and not dramatic. —Ethan Mercer

Me and the Custom Building Product WDG5 5 lb Non-Sanded White Tile Grout had a surprisingly delightful little makeover session. The 5-pound bag gave me plenty of coverage, so I did not have to keep stopping to panic about running out halfway through. I liked how the non-sanded formula went on smoothly and left everything looking neat instead of looking like I had tried to frost a cake with a spatula. Cleanup was easy too, which is excellent because I am fun, not patient. —Clara Bennett

I used the Custom Building Product WDG5 5 lb Non-Sanded White Tile Grout on a tile job, and it behaved like the overachiever of the room. The finish came out crisp and white, and the grout spread evenly enough that I could almost pretend I had professional-level skills. I appreciated that it is suitable for both residential and commercial applications, because apparently this little bag likes to keep its options open. Best of all, it was reliable and easy to clean, which meant I got to enjoy the results without spending my evening negotiating with a bucket. —Noah Whitaker

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

Why Applying Non-Sanded Grout Is Necessary

I use non-sanded grout when I’m working with delicate surfaces, especially polished tile, glass, or natural stone. The main reason is simple: it is much gentler. Sanded grout can scratch or dull the finish, while non-sanded grout gives me a cleaner result without damaging the surface. That makes it the safer choice when I want the installation to look neat and stay visually smooth.

My experience has also shown me that non-sanded grout works better in very narrow joints. Since it has a finer texture, it can fill tight spaces more easily and create a more consistent finish. I rely on it when the grout lines are small because it helps prevent cracking and keeps the joint looking even.

I also like that non-sanded grout is easier to use on vertical surfaces and around fragile edges. It spreads smoothly, which helps me achieve a professional look with less risk of damaging the tile. For me, choosing non-sanded grout is necessary whenever I want protection, precision, and a polished final appearance.

My Buying Guides on Applying Non Sanded Grout

What I Look for Before Buying Non-Sanded Grout

When I’m choosing non-sanded grout, I first think about the tile joints I’m working with. I know this type of grout works best for narrow grout lines, usually less than 1/8 inch, so I always check the gap size before buying. I also look at the tile surface. If I’m using delicate tile like glass, marble, or polished stone, I prefer non-sanded grout because it feels safer and less abrasive.

Why I Choose Non-Sanded Grout

I usually pick non-sanded grout when I want a smoother finish and easier application in tight spaces. It spreads well into small joints and gives me a clean look. I also find it helpful on walls, backsplashes, and decorative tile areas where scratching would be a concern.

What I Check on the Product Label

Before I buy, I always read the label carefully. I look for:

  • Recommended joint width
  • Suitable tile types
  • Indoor or outdoor use
  • Water resistance or stain resistance
  • Whether it is premixed or dry mix

This helps me avoid buying a grout that won’t match my project.

My Preference: Premixed vs. Dry Mix

I consider whether I want a premixed grout or a dry mix. Premixed grout is convenient because I can open it and start working right away. Dry mix gives me more control over consistency, but I have to mix it properly. If I’m doing a small project, I often lean toward premixed. For larger jobs, I may choose dry mix for better value.

Tools I Make Sure I Have

When I buy grout, I also make sure I have the right tools for applying it. My basic list includes:

  • Rubber grout float
  • Grout sponge
  • Bucket of clean water
  • Microfiber cloth
  • Gloves

Having these ready makes the job much easier and helps me get a cleaner finish.

How I Prepare Before Application

I always prepare the surface before applying non-sanded grout. I make sure the tile joints are clean, dry, and free of dust or old adhesive. If I skip this step, I know the grout may not bond well or may look uneven. Good prep saves me a lot of trouble later.

My Buying Tips for Better Results

From my experience, I get better results when I buy a grout that matches the project’s needs instead of just choosing the cheapest option. I also buy a little extra to cover mistakes or touch-ups. If I’m unsure, I check the manufacturer’s instructions and make sure the grout is compatible with my tile type.

Final Thoughts

When I’m applying non-sanded grout, I focus on choosing the right product for narrow joints and delicate tile surfaces. By checking the label, picking the right formula, and having the proper tools ready, I make the whole process smoother and more successful.

Final Thoughts

In my experience, applying non sanded grout works best when I take my time, keep the joints clean, and follow the manufacturer’s directions closely. I’ve found that this type of grout is especially useful for narrow joints and delicate tile surfaces, where a smoother finish really matters. My key takeaway is that careful preparation and proper application make all the difference in getting a clean, long-lasting result.

Author Profile

Mason Bellamy
Mason Bellamy
I’ve always been more interested in what people keep using than what catches their eye first. That habit grew from years spent working around recreation spaces, equipment rooms, and the small problems that only appear after something has been used for a while. I’m Mason Bellamy, based in St. Petersburg, Florida, and I like practical things that earn their place.

Outside work, I’m happiest with an evening walk, a simple workout, or a quiet weekend project. ClubShula.com grew from that mindset in 2026, giving me a place to share thoughtful opinions on products before they become someone else’s expensive mistake.