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View or download the LATICRETE Cement Grout Troubleshooting Guide A-484
General Questions about Grouting
What should I do to when grouting very porous or rough textured tiles?
The use of a grout release or sealer will aid in the clean-up process and aid in preventing the tiles from being stained. Conduct a test area to verify results.
How long do I wait after I grout to seal my tile and grout?
LATICRETE SpectraLOCK Pro Grout never requires sealing.
LATAPOXY SP-100 Stainless Grout for Floors and Walls never requires sealing, but we do recommend sealing with our cement
based (Tri-Poly Fortified Sanded Grout (1500 Series), Tri-Poly Fortified Unsanded Grout (1600 Series) grouts.
LATICRETE Portland Cement Based Grouts can generally be sealed after a 72 - hour cure period at 70 degrees F (21 degrees C).Consult the grout sealer manufacturer for specific instructions.
Where would flexible sealants be used in place of grout?
Over all movement joints, control joints, cold joints, changes of plane, changes of surface type, corners, coves, etc.. Refer To Tile Council of America Expansion Joint Detail EJ171- Current Year
Questions about Grouting with Portland Cement Based Grout
Can I use LATICRETE 1776 Grout Admix Plus with LATICRETE Tri-Poly Fortified Sanded Grout (1500 Series) or Unsanded Grout (1600 Series) ?
Yes. Adding LATICRETE 1776 Grout Admix Plus will enhance all the physical properties of the grout as well as guard against mold and mildew growth. Adding 1776 will intensify color - test a small area first to determine acceptability.
Related Documents:
LATICRETE Tri-Poly Fortified Sanded Grout (1500 Series) DS 256.0
LATICRETE Tri-Poly Fortified Non-Sanded Grout (1600 Series), DS 258.0
LATICRETE 1776 Grout Admix Plus, DS 265.0
Should I use a sanded or unsanded grout on Marble?
Sanded grouts can sometimes scratch some marbles and soft glazed tiles. Use LATICRETE Tri-Poly Fortified Unsanded Grout (1600 Series) mixed with LATICRETE 1776 Grout Admix Plus for marble and soft glazed ceramic tiles where grout joint width doesn't exceed 1/8" (3mm).
Related Documents:
LATICRETE Tri-Poly Fortified Unsanded Grout (1600 Series) DS 258.0
LATICRETE 1776 Grout Admix Plus, DS 265.0
How much mixing liquid do I add to the Portland Cement Grouts?
1500 Series - 2 quarts (2 liters) of water or LATICRETE 1776 Grout Admix Plus per 25lbs. ( 11.3 kg)
1600 Series - 5 quarts (4.7 liters) of water or LATICRETE 1776 Grout Admix Plus per 25 lbs. (11.3 kg)
Related Documents:
LATICRETE Tri-Poly Fortified Sanded Grout (1500 Series) DS 256.0
LATICRETE Tri-Poly Fortified Non-Sanded Grout (1600 Series), DS 258.0
LATICRETE 1776 Grout Admix Plus, DS 265.0
When do I use a Sanded Grout or an Unsanded Grout?
Use unsanded grouts for polished marble or soft glazed tiles.
Use Sanded Grouts for all other types of tiles.
For grout joint widths 1/16" (1mm) or greater, use Sanded Grout.
For grout joint widths 1/8" (3mm) or less, use Unsanded Grout
What tips should I keep in mind when grouting with portland cement based grouts?
Make sure when using multiple bags or cartons of grout, that all the batch numbers match. Slight shade variations can occur from batch to batch. If you are using grout from multiple batches, dry mix all of the grout powder prior to adding the gauging liquid.
Use the same grouting technique over the entire installation to insure a consistent finish.
Final grout color is dependent on many job site conditions, including temperature, porosity of the tile, humidity and technique used.
Verify grout color appearance with test area and allow to dry, prior to grouting the entire installation.
Grout color swatches are to be used as approximate guides only.
Mix the grout as stiff as possible without losing workability. Use a sharp rubber grout float to spread and compact the grout into the joints. Allow the grout to firm in the joints approximately 15 to 30 minutes at 70 degrees F (21 degrees C) . This time can vary depending on job site conditions (e.g. porosity of tile, temperature, humidity, etc.) Use a damp sponge to clean up the grout. DO NOT USE EXCESS WATER IN THE CLEAN UP. The use of excess water can wash out the pigments in the grout and a lighter shade can result.
Related Documents:
LATICRETE Grout Troubleshooting Guide TDS 201
How can I clean up stubborn portland cement grout haze?
Try using a neutral pH detergent and water with a scrub pad first. Conduct a test area to verify results. Use caution when scrubbing soft glaze ceramic tiles and polished natural stones. If the haze is persistent, you may have to try a more aggressive cleaner (e.g. The Miracle Company - GCFR 800 - 350-1901 , Aqua Mix Heavy Duty Tile & Grout Cleaner 800 - 266 - 6877, Dominion Restoration - Cera Haze 800 - 835-4456, etc. ) Follow the directions from the manufacturer, including dilution percentage and neutralization information. Rinse the cleaner with clean water after use.
I am mixing only a small amount of grout - How much mixing liquid do I use?
Stir in only enough mixing liquid with the grout powder to produce a stiff yet workable paste. The consistency of the grout should be like cake frosting or toothpaste.
When should I start washing the tiles after spreading the grout?
Allow the grout to firm in the joints approximately 15 to 30 minutes at 70 degrees F (21 degrees C) . This time can vary depending on job site conditions (e.g. porosity of tile, temperature, humidity, etc.) Use a damp sponge to clean up the grout. DO NOT USE EXCESS WATER IN THE CLEAN UP. The use of excess water can wash out the pigments in the grout and a lighter shade can result.
Can I mix LATICRETE Tri-Poly Fortified Grouts with LATICRETE 1776 Grout Admix Plus?
Yes. The LATICRETE 1776 Grout Admix Plus will improve all the physical characteristics of the LATICRETE Tri-Poly Fortified Grouts and guard against mold and mildew growth.
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