Once the tiles were finally set, it was time for the grout. This should have gone quickly, but of course I didn't want to use standard grout! Everything I've researched says grout is the weak link - it is porous enough to stay wet and provide a home for mold and mildew growth (unless you wipe down the shower with a squeegee or towel every time you use it and that is so not happening). So there are epoxy based grouts which are better and don't require sealing, but they are supposedly very difficult to install on walls. And then there are a couple of urethane based grouts. They have the same qualities as epoxy and are slightly easier to install on vertical surfaces. They also have the best color consistency, and they are the most expensive of course! So guess what I used - Urethane. Specifically QuartzLock 2.
Grouting the walls was SLOW! This stuff dries super fast so you have to clean as you go or it leaves a shiny film on the tile plus well adhered sand where you don't want it. Fortunately I discovered acetone is my friend for clean up in the places I was really concerned about the film. Now it's finally done and the grout does look nice. All I have left is caulking the corners and installing the shower fixtures.
and some closeups...
The drain still has a protective film on it - it will be brushed stainless when it's removed.
and lastly, I've started on the corner. It will have the shower tile, slate on two surfaces, and Travertine marble on the flat shelf. This sucker is tricky, but I have a plan now so it should move along quickly.
