Author: Michael Barela

Self Improvement Podcasts

Self Improvement Podcasts

Michael Barela

Best Self Improvement Podcasts For Young Adults are a great way to learn new skills and stay motivated. You can listen to these podcasts during chores or a long commute.Self Improvement Podcasts

This podcast features interviews with experts like psychologists, financial planners, and fitness trainers. The episodes are short and cover a wide range of topics.

The School of Greatness features inspiring interviews with today’s most influential minds and leaders. From health and money to relationships and self-help, NYT bestselling author Lewis Howes elicits engaging and actionable steps from his guests to teach listeners new skills and inspire them with incredible stories of everyday success.

Lewis is a successful entrepreneur, 2x All-American athlete and keynote speaker who created the podcast and academy of the same name with the goal of helping people reach their full potential. His guests range from Olympic gold medalist Shawn Johnson to Pencils of Promise CEO Adam Braun. The interviews are casual and often feel like conversations among friends. This makes it easy to connect with the guests and their message.

Whether you’re looking to improve your business or just want to be more successful in life, The School of Greatness is a great place to start. It provides all the tools, knowledge and actionable resources of the book in a concise format that is easy to digest. It will help you to create a happier, more fulfilling and meaningful life. It will also show you how to overcome adversity and find your passion. You’ll learn how to create a life that gets you excited about jumping out of bed each morning. The School of Greatness is a must-listen for anyone who wants to be their best.

We Can Do Hard Things

As the name suggests, this podcast is devoted to empowering listeners to tackle hard things. Glennon Doyle, a bestselling author and memoirist, hosts the show with her sister Amanda Flaherty Doyle (aka “Sister”) and her wife Abby Wambach. Their yin-and-yang banter and distinct life perspectives lend a depth to each episode that is hard to beat.

The trio discusses their own hard things, including the challenges of parenting and their ongoing struggles with eating disorders. They also invite their pod squad to call in with voicemail confessions and laugh-out-loud stories that have helped them overcome hard things. In addition to the hard stuff, the show features episodes that explore the hosts’ relationship, which provides a refreshing look at the complex facets of a committed partnership.

Each episode ends with the “next right thing,” a takeaway that helps listeners tackle life’s hardest challenges. Previous guests have included Vice President Kamala Harris, former First Lady Michelle Obama, Tracee Ellis Ross, Oprah Winfrey, Jane Fonda, Tarana Burke, Gloria Steinem, Dr. Brene Brown, Sonya Renee Taylor, Suzanne Stabile, Ocean Vuong, and more. In fact, the show’s popularity has led to a multiyear extension with its parent company, Audacy.

The Tim Ferriss Show

The Tim Ferris Show podcast dives deep into the minds of world-class performers, from successful entrepreneurs to renowned athletes and artists. Host Tim Ferriss interviews each guest and deconstructs their tools, tactics, and habits to find out what really works. Each episode offers valuable insights and practices for personal and professional growth.

Tim Ferriss is a self-experimenter, entrepreneur, and author of several bestsellers including The 4-Hour Workweek, The 4-Hour Body, and Tools of Titans. He is also a popular speaker who has addressed the likes of Google, Nike, and the Central Intelligence Agency. He is renowned for his ability to master the art of productivity and work-life balance. Newsweek once referred to him as “the world’s best human guinea pig,” which he takes as a compliment.

The Tim Ferriss Show is not only entertaining and informative, but it can also help you reach your goals faster by offering a wide variety of guest experts. For example, he recently spoke with Dr. Michael Gervais, one of the world’s leading high-performance psychologists, about how to extinguish phobias and rein in anxiety. He also interviewed renowned actor Hugh Jackman about his meditation practice and how he maintains energy for his live performances. You can also learn about new innovations in finance with the show’s interview with bestselling financial writer Morgan Housel. Tim also shares his favorite websites and gives tips on how to save money.

Rich Roll

Rich Roll is a world-renowned vegan ultra-endurance athlete, wellness advocate, best-selling author, husband, and father of four. His story is a fascinating tale of recovery and transformation, with his personal journey serving as an inspiring model for healthy living.

In his podcast, Roll interviews a diverse range of guests on wellness, veganism, fitness, and spirituality. He delves deep into these subjects with forward-thinking individuals, whose perspectives challenge the status quo and inspire listeners to transform their lives.

Featured interviews discuss topics such as entrepreneurship and creativity, self-improvement, and resilience. The show also explores spiritual practices and philosophies, as well as the role of social justice in achieving positive change. Moreover, the show often addresses broader issues such as environmental degradation and global poverty.

The episode features author Chris Hauth, who Roll credits with changing the course of his life. Hauth’s training method, which involves high volume at low intensity, complemented Roll’s PlantPower diet, which the athlete credits with helping him to achieve his remarkable two-step midlife turnaround from alcoholic Stanford swimmer to ultradistance triathlete and marathon runner. When Roll implemented Hauth’s approach, he found that his diet was not as restrictive as he previously thought, but that it was actually more sustainable. He explains how, by promising to stick with his new diet for 30 days, he was able to build a new habit and stop relying on willpower.

The Chris Duffy Show

Featuring research and interviews with neuroscientists, couples counselors, psychologists, and a year’s worth of interview footage of real relationships, comedian Chris Duffy takes you on a journey to understand how love works. The show is part documentary, part guided conversation and is the first show produced by WBUR iLab.

In each episode, a TEDTalk speaker shares their sharp insights and clear takeaways on how to be a better human. From work to home and head to heart, the show covers a variety of topics to help you improve and show up for yourself.

Chris is a NYC-based comedian who performs across the country. He has written for television shows on HBO and National Geographic, and his writing has appeared in the Boston Globe, Makeshift Magazine, and Wag’s Revue. He is also the creator and host of You’re the Expert, a live show and podcast where three comedians try to guess what scientists study all day, which was produced in partnership with LabX at the National Academy of Sciences.

During each episode, Duffy’s guests endorse things they love. These items—from candy bars to kitchen appliances, nose flutes to gaff tape—are then given away to audience members at Caveat. The show is like if Oprah’s Favorite Things were hosted by comedians and science lovers. It’s weird and it’s fun, and you should check it out. The show is available on iTunes.

Pulling the Thread with Elise Loehnen

Pulling the Thread is a weekly podcast hosted by Elise Loehnen, whose interviews with cultural luminaries explore many of life’s big questions. She also features conversations with experts in various fields to help listeners become more aware of their own beliefs and behaviors.

Gretchen Rubin, author of The Happiness Project and Better Than Before, brings her practical advice about happiness and good habits to this popular podcast. The show is part of the Cadence13 network. The show covers a wide range of topics, from personal growth to improving your health.

If you enjoy this podcast, try listening to other shows by the same host or producer. You can use the Rephonic app to find similar podcasts using its 3D interactive graph. It uses the data displayed in the “Listeners Also Subscribed To” section of Apple Podcasts to identify related shows.

Johnny and AJ, founders of The Art of Charm, share their coaching experience with listeners on their podcast. The duo is dedicated to helping their audience cultivate a positive mindset and achieve success in all areas of their lives. Their podcast offers daily guidance on achieving mindfulness and a healthy lifestyle. They discuss how to master human dynamics and relationships, build confidence and self-esteem, and be their best selves.

Roof Repair

What You Need to Know About Roof Repair

Michael Barela

Roof Repair NJ is a necessary part of homeownership. Every day you let a storm-damaged roof sit is another opportunity for water to leak into your home, causing rot and other significant problems.Roof Repair

The key is to inspect your roof regularly. Keep an eye out for dents on outdoor HVAC units and downspouts, tiny holes in shingles, and other indicators of potential damage.

Shingles provide a vital barrier between your home and the elements. They protect against rain, snow, wind, and ice, adding to your home’s aesthetic appeal. Depending on the type of shingle, they can also add insulation and enhance your home’s energy efficiency. However, shingles don’t last forever, and they may need repair or replacement over time.

One of the first clues that your roof needs attention are a few missing or damaged shingles. Other signs include a wet spot on the ceiling of one of your rooms or a pile of asphalt shingle granules collecting in your downspout. If left unchecked, a single leak can lead to expensive damage within your home.

When you start a roof repair project, it’s important to use the proper safety equipment and take steps to prevent falling or getting injured. This includes a sturdy ladder, safety harness, gloves, and goggles. You’ll also need a pry bar, hammer, and utility knife. Once you’ve equipped yourself with the right tools, it’s time to tackle your roof.

Before removing any existing shingles, look for a crack or split. If the damage is slight, you may be able to fix it without removing any of the surrounding shingles. If the existing shingles are brittle or dry, you should remove them and replace them with new shingles.

If you find a shingle that is damaged, carefully lift it and examine the underside. It may be nailed to the roof deck with nails that penetrate the shingle above it, and these nails need to be removed before placing the new shingle in place. To do this, slide a pry bar underneath the target shingle and break the sealant bond at the nails with the flat end of the pry bar.

Once the nails are removed, fold the tabs back and nail the shingle in place with galvanized roofing nails, hammering against the pry bar placed on top of the shingle above (hitting the pry bar with the hammer so you don’t puncture or tear the new shingle). Spread a thin bead of roof sealant along the base of the new shingle to make sure it will hold up against future weather conditions.

Flashing

Roof flashing is a thin strip of water-resistant material that prevents water from entering a home at a seam or joint. It is commonly installed around roof intersections and projections, such as chimneys, vent pipes, skylights, dormers, and wall penetrations. It is also used to cover the seams of roof valleys, where two downward slopes meet. It is made of various materials, but galvanized steel is most popular because it is affordable and durable. Flashing is more resistant to weather and temperature changes than shingles, but this doesn’t mean it never needs to be repaired or replaced.

If your roof is leaking, the flashing could be to blame. You may notice that the shingles in the area of the leak are damaged or lifted, which is a sign that the flashing is no longer doing its job and allowing water to seep in. Other signs of flashing failure include rust spots, corroded areas, and bent or pried flashing. This is usually caused by natural wear and tear, but it can also be the result of a storm.

When it comes to flashing repair, you should always enlist the services of an experienced roofing professional. They will be able to identify the issue and recommend the appropriate repair method. They will also ensure the flashing is properly sealed, which is essential to preventing leaks and other damage.

Flashing is normally made of a rust-resistant metal, such as aluminum or galvanized steel. It is often coated with rubber or a special waterproof sealant. Flashing is typically installed between the underlayment and shingles on shingle roofs, and between the panels on metal roofs. It is a sheet of metal bent into a L-shape, with the base nailed to the roof and the top secured to the gutter system or other protrusion on the roof. The roofer will also add a layer of protective membrane to the flashing to prevent it from leaking.

The flashing is most likely to need repair or replacement if it was installed incorrectly, which is a common problem with DIY roof repairs. It is also more likely to require attention if it is older and has been exposed to the elements for a long time.

Gutters

Gutters are the unsung heroes of roof health maintenance. They help protect your home from water damage and soil erosion, while also reducing pest infestations. They are an essential part of your home’s drainage system and keep rainwater away from the foundation, basement, or crawl space.

Typically made from aluminum or galvanized steel, gutters are attached to your home’s fascia board and run perpendicular to the roof. They are designed to catch any rainwater that falls on your roof and then channel it into downspouts and away from the house. Downspouts prevent flooding in landscaping and garden areas, reduce soil erosion around the foundation of your home, and stop leaks in basements and crawl spaces.

Like any other part of your home, your gutters need routine upkeep and inspection to ensure they are working properly. If they aren’t maintained, they can clog and overflow. In addition to causing water damage, blocked gutters can lead to mold and rot. In addition to preventing moisture in your home, properly functioning gutters can also save you money on energy costs.

While some homeowners may choose to skip gutter cleaning and inspection, doing so is a recipe for disaster. Without gutters, excess rainfall will cause soil erosion and wash away the mulch around your home’s foundation. If this isn’t repaired, it can lead to expensive basement or foundation repairs.

When it comes to gutter cleaning, you can do the work yourself or hire a professional to do it for you. The best time to clean your gutters is after a few days of dry weather. You’ll need a ladder, a bucket, a hosepipe and work gloves.

Before starting, you’ll need to remove any large debris from the gutter such as leaves or twigs. Start at the top of the gutter and work your way down, checking each downspout along the way. If you’re unsure whether a downspout is plugged, simply spray water into it to see if it drains. If the downspout doesn’t drain, you’ll need to remove it and flush out the pipe with a hose.

Soffit

While the roofing materials get most of the attention when it comes to roof repair, the soffit and fascia play just as critical a role. These pieces of trim may seem insignificant, but they protect your home from moisture damage and pests. They also help to keep your attic well-ventilated, improving air flow and reducing humidity. In addition, they offer a finished look to the eaves and protect rafters from water.

Soffits are the flat boards that cover the underside of a house’s eaves and direct rainwater away from the roof boards and rafters. These boards may be made of wood, aluminum, vinyl or composite. Choosing the right material is important because each type has its own set of benefits and drawbacks. For instance, wood is cost-effective and easy to work with, but it is prone to rotting and insects. Aluminum is more expensive but it is durable and resists rot and insect infestation. Vinyl is an alternative to wood and aluminum, but it can be prone to cracking and peeling.

Regular inspection of your soffit is essential to make sure it’s properly sealing the attic and keeping rainwater away from your rafters and roof boards. A visual inspection will also allow you to identify issues like mildew, mold and rot. If you see any of these issues, it’s time to call a professional roofer for a soffit repair.

It’s also important to inspect your soffit for bee, hornet or wasp nests. These pests like to nest in narrow, dark spaces and can enter your home through the soffit or fascia boards. A simple visual inspection will allow you to identify these nests and remove them before they become a major problem.

When you’re looking for a professional roofer to handle your soffit and fascia repairs, it’s important to choose one who has experience with this specific task. Ask for proof of insurance and certifications to ensure that the person you hire has the proper skills and training to perform the job correctly. This will also ensure that they prioritize safety standards and quality workmanship.

painters

Repainting Your Home

Michael Barela

If your home’s exterior paint looks dull and faded, it’s time for a fresh coat. Repainting is one of the most cost-effective and long-lasting home improvement projects you can do.

Select a neutral color that will appeal to most buyers. Test color swatches on your house in the sun and shade to see how they look at different times of day. 

painters

A fresh coat of paint boosts curb appeal to anyone who walks, drives, or cycles by your home. It’s a sign that you take pride in your property and are up to date on your maintenance tasks. It also adds warmth and welcome to your guests or passersby.

Bland or dull exterior paint is a turnoff for potential buyers and detracts from the overall appearance of your home. A well-groomed, well-maintained yard with brightly colored flowers and a clean exterior paint job is sure to stand out among the competition.

Curb appeal also refers to a few other small details, like overgrown bushes that should be trimmed and old gutters removed. Those items may seem insignificant to homeowners, but they can hurt the overall value of your home when it comes time to sell.

Many real estate agents emphasize the importance of maintaining a high level of curb appeal when selling properties. It’s a great way to make the sale process faster and easier, resulting in higher valuations upon appraisal.

Repainting your home is relatively inexpensive and can significantly increase your curb appeal. It is especially important to update the front door and shutters, as they are often the first thing a prospective buyer sees. If you’re on a tight budget, painting just the trim around doors or windows can make your home look fresh and up-to-date.

When deciding whether to DIY or hire a professional, it’s important to consider your skill set and the complexity of the task. Hiring a local professional is an excellent option if you’re uncomfortable or have the time to complete a painting project. It will save you valuable time and ensure the job is done properly to the highest standards.

Having your house painted by a professional can improve your curb appeal and help it stand out, so don’t hesitate to call us for a quote! Our team would love to help you get your home looking its best.

When homeowners decide to repaint, they should keep energy efficiency in mind. Traditional paint colors absorb many of the sun’s rays, which can cause your home to heat up and require your air conditioning to work harder. On the other hand, choosing lighter paint colors will allow sunlight to reflect off your walls, keeping your house cooler and reducing your energy bills.

When choosing an exterior color, look for a high light reflectance value on the paint that can be labeled or swatched. This indicates that the paint will reflect sunlight better and reduce energy bills. Additionally, if you’re interested in a more environmentally friendly option, many professional painting contractors can provide low or no VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) paint. These paints contain few or no chemicals, which can cause respiratory and other health problems.

As with curb appeal, regularly repainting your home’s exterior will help protect the wood and other materials from damage and weathering. It will also prevent rot and other structural issues that shorten your home’s lifespan. In addition, a fresh coat of paint will seal out moisture, keeping your home and its walls dry and healthy.

In addition to protecting your home from damage, a fresh coat of paint can increase its value and make it more attractive to potential buyers. Choosing a quality contractor is important to ensure that your project is completed correctly and with minimal disruption to your life. Ask your friends, neighbors, and local real estate agents for recommendations, and check online reviews and ratings on websites.

Home improvements that provide a high return on investment are usually worth the extra time and expense, and repainting your home’s exterior is no exception. Besides improving its aesthetics and adding to its resale value, it will protect your home from weather damage and save you money on energy bills. A professional home painter will have the expertise to provide you with a high-quality job lasting for years.

Repainting your home’s interior is one of the most affordable and effective ways to make it a more comfortable place to live. New paint removes stains and marks that children’s pets may have caused or worn and torn over time. It also protects walls from moisture that can lead to mold and other health problems. With so much of our lives spent indoors, the quality and comfort of your home are important to your mental and physical well-being.

A fresh coat of paint can also change a room’s mood; the right color can boost your energy levels or help you relax. According to the science of color psychology, certain hues can influence emotions and feelings. A professional painter can help you select the best shades for your space and goals.

To prepare for a successful painting project, you will want to remove all hardware and cover floors with drop cloths or a plastic tarp (depending on the scope of the job). You may also need to remove any chipped or flaking paint and sand the area to smooth it before applying a fresh layer.

If you paint over a dark color, lightening it with white or gray primer is a good idea. This will make it appear brighter and help the paint last longer. It would be best to use a high-quality latex paint with an eggshell finish.

Lastly, if you plan to sell your home shortly, choose neutral colors that appeal to most buyers. This will give you the best chance of recouping your investment when it is time to move on.

When choosing a contractor for a repainting job, ask for references from past clients. Get contact information and a list of projects completed. It is also good to check online reviews on sites. A professional painting company will be able to provide you with a free estimate before the work begins.

If you’re considering selling your home, a fresh coat of paint may help you get top dollar. Prospective buyers often look for a move-in ready home that requires few repairs or upgrades. A new paint job is one of the easiest and most affordable ways to make your house look like it’s been cared for.

Choose colors that appeal to most people if your house needs a repaint. While interior colors are highly personal, choosing neutral shades and avoiding trendy hues can increase your resale value. Exterior painting is also a great way to add curb appeal. A home with peeling or chipped paint can give passersby the impression that problems are lurking behind closed doors.

A fresh coat of paint helps hide scuffs and marks, which can detract from your home’s overall look. While it’s not a good idea to cover up major damage, small dents and scuffs don’t affect the structural integrity of your home and can be easily covered by paint.

Your home’s curb appeal is essential today when prospective buyers will likely see your listing online before scheduling an in-person visit. A fresh coat of paint can make your house look more attractive in a photo, leading to more in-person visits and potentially higher offers.

While it’s impossible to predict how much a new coat of paint will boost your home’s value, many factors influence home value, including location, upgrades, and curb appeal. A bidding war is a seller’s dream, but it only happens when the stars align correctly — and a new paint job can be a huge part of that alignment.

Repainting your house is a relatively inexpensive and easy upgrade with a high ROI. It’s a simple way to improve the look and feel of your home while improving your energy efficiency and enhancing comfort. If you need a new paint job, contact our team of experienced painters!

bathroom tile installation

How To Properly Prepare Your Bathroom Tile Installation

Michael Barela

If your bathroom is looking a little outdated or you just need a decor refresh, putting down new tile can make a big difference. But it’s not an easy job.

Porous tiles absorb water, which means they must be resealed regularly. Slate and limestone are common examples of porous tile materials. Getting a professional service from Milwaukee Bathroom Remodeling can save you time and money.   

bathroom tile installationLaying The Tiles

As with any remodeling project, thorough preparation is critical to a good result. Depending on the state of your existing tile (or other surface you’re tiling over), this may mean patching or removing sections of damaged wall, repairing or replacing drywall, and filling in dents, voids, or valleys. Attempting to retile over loose or uneven existing tiles can cause them to shift or break. It can also prevent the new tile from adhering properly, leading to cracking or peeling.

Once the walls are prepped, it’s time to start laying your new tile. Aim to create a layout that maximizes the number of whole tiles and minimizes any size cuts you’ll need to make later on. You can do this by making a dry-fit, or mock-up, of your tile layout before you commit to applying the adhesive.

To do this, measure the height of one wall and divide it by two to create a center point (call it A). Mark this location along the wall with a pencil or chalk line, then repeat the process with the other perpendicular wall (call it B). Now mark a point where the intersection of these lines crosses on your floor—this will be your starting point for laying tile.

Before you begin tiling, apply a thin coat of thin-set with the notched side of your trowel. Spread the thin set evenly in broad curved strokes. Combing the thin set will create furrows that allow air to escape as the mortar sets, ensuring optimal adhesion.

After the thin-set has set, use a sponge to remove any excess that’s left on the tiles. This will prevent it from drying to a hard, unattractive film that can be difficult or impossible to remove later.

When you’re done, check the surface of each tile for bumps or dents and gently tap them with a mallet to level them. If you find any that aren’t perfectly flat, lightly press on them with a 2 x 4 to even out the surface before grouting. After grouting, wipe away any smears as they occur before they set with a damp sponge.

Preparing The Surface

It’s important to properly prepare the surface of the wall before beginning a new tile installation. If the wall is a new construction, this means removing any existing tiles and plastering the area. It’s also a good idea to lay a backer board on walls that will be covered with tile as this makes them thicker and stronger. If the wall is older, you will need to sand it to make it smooth enough for adhesive to bond with. This can be done with either a sanding block or a grinding disc, but you should act with caution as old tiles may contain hollow spaces. These areas are easy to spot by knocking on the wall and listening for a hollow sound. If you don’t spot these and install a new tile over them, they will likely collapse in the future.

It is never a good idea to tile over wallpaper as the finish is too smooth and shiny for adhesion to take hold. If you have existing wallpaper, remove it using the strip and sand method before applying an acrylic primer which will act as a seal on gypsum plasters and screeds before adding cement-based adhesives. It is also important to make sure that the substrate you are tiling is suitable for tiles, so always test them on a small area before beginning your tiling project.

Before you begin tiling, mark a line halfway between the floor and the top of the wall using a bubble level. This helps keep your first row of tiles straight and simplifies the rest of your tiling job. Once you’ve finished marking the area, use a tape measure to find the center of the room and dry-fit your tiles (with spacers) to check that they look straight.

A rubber grout flat is a handy tool to have as it allows you to fill in any gaps and divots between your tiles. It can also be used to clean up any excess mortar and help spread the tile adhesive evenly. Lastly, don’t forget to wear safety goggles and gloves when working with the abrasive materials involved in this type of project.

Adhesive

Using the right tile adhesive is vital for a wall-tile project. There are several different types to choose from, but all have similar characteristics. They are generally mildew-proof and formulated for use in areas where moisture is a factor.

One of the most common is the standard thin-set. It is made from a mix of cement, sand, and water retention agents. It is a good choice for walls because it locks out moisture, and it has the added benefit of being able to patch up minor surface problems such as cracks or holes. However, it is not as flexible or durable as epoxy mortar and is best suited for projects that will not involve much movement.

A modified version of the standard thin-set is available that contains liquid latex polymers, which improves its strength and flexibility and makes it suitable for areas where moisture is a factor. The latex additive also helps to extend the life of the tiles. It is important to note that if you are planning on installing a latex-modified thinset, it will need to be mixed with the standard version of the product for the best results.

Once the thin set is mixed, it is ready to be applied to the wall. The recommended method is to work in a small area to start with (beginners should stick to an area no bigger than a meter squared). Once the first area is covered, apply the tiles and ensure they are all fully adhered to.

Continue to work in small sections until the whole area is completed. It is advisable to leave any tiles that need trimming or cutting until the end of the job so you can do them with ease without having to lift and re-position other tiles.

As you complete each section, use a plastic spacer to maintain uniform spacing between tiles. It is also a good idea to install only full-width tiles, rather than trimmed ones, as this will make the final grout lines look more professional and neat.

Before applying the grout, it is a good idea to give the tiles a quick wipe with a damp cloth to remove any residual debris. This will help the grout to stick and prevent it from discoloring over time.

Grouting

Grout is the mixture that fills in the gaps between your tiles after they’re set. It helps keep dirt and debris from getting in between the tiles, and it adds rigidity and strength to the finished surface. There are many different types of grout available, and it’s important to choose the right one for your project. Grouts come in powdered form and are mixed with water to create a thick paste. They can be non-sanded (which is usually recommended for joints less than 1/8” wide) or sanded. Grouts also come in a variety of colors, which can either match or contrast with your chosen tile.

When you’re ready to begin grouting, remove all the tile spacers from your wall or floor. Mix your grout and scoop a trowel full onto the surface. Start at the outside edge of your wall and work toward the center. This will help ensure that you’ll have complete rows of tiles when you’re done. Continue to spread the grout over a 5- to 10-square-foot area, using the float held at a 45-degree angle to force the grout into the joints.

As you go, make sure to rinse the float often in a bucket of clean water. If the float becomes dirty, it can cause uneven grout coverage and it may be difficult to remove from your tiles. When the first section of grout is fully pressed into the gaps, use your sponge to wipe off any excess. Rinse and reload your sponge frequently, as well.

Once you’ve wiped off the excess, let the grout sit for about 15 minutes or until it starts to harden slightly. Once it has, use your sponge again to smooth out the joints, ensuring that there’s an even and consistent depth between each tile. Continue to swipe the tile surface, rinsing and changing your sponge as needed to avoid creating a clog.

Allow the grout to dry for 24 hours before you apply a sealer to prevent discoloration or to protect the surface from moisture damage. When you’re satisfied that the grout is sufficiently hard, apply a layer of sealer with a clean sponge.