Grout sinking?

[Jeff the tiler]

Hey all, Just thought I would start a thread to see how you guys are overcoming having to grout some floors twice to get the grout flush with the tile surface.
I have tried many ways and different grouts but is seems that more and more floors I am having to go over again to get a finish that is right.

Currently I have found the best way is to have quite a strong mix, grout up and leave for circa 15 minutes or so then wash over with a wash boy which seems to smooth the joints flush. leave a while so the water dries out then do the final clean off. It not 100 percent but its the best way I have found but open to new ways to try.

 

[DHTiling]

It is the best way , grout has to set up before clean down. Also do not mix it wet.

 

[Martyn Leeds]

Does anyone use warm water??
either for the grout mixing or the cleaning down?

 

[AMtek]

I sometimes use warm water if its a small area and I don't want to hand around, I have never had a problem (how many times have we heard this!) doing this but would be interested to hear if doing this can cause any problems? Are there any other ways to get adhesive to go off quicker? I sometimes use a bit of dirty water in plaster if I want it to get going, is there anything similar?

 

[afright]

I always use warm water when I can, it softens the sponge a bit which I think helps clean the grout off when using flex grout it works better than cold water.

 

[DHTiling]

Warm water .. don't give me crap it softens the sponge etc etc ... it is to keep ya hands warm :lol:... go on admit it.. 🙂

 

[beanz]

I occasionally use warm water to wash down (yes dave, to keep my hands warm lol!), but never for mixing. Always wondered if it made any difference, as it always states using cold water in the grout instructions!?! I have to say though, i never really aim to get the grout flat with the tile surface!?! I've always profiled with the sponge, and the grout finds its own depth. I've never even given it any thought, to be honest!?!

 

[Tony73]

I occasionally use warm water to wash down (yes dave, to keep my hands warm lol!), but never for mixing. Always wondered if it made any difference, as it always states using cold water in the grout instructions!?! I have to say though, i never really aim to get the grout flat with the tile surface!?! I've always profiled with the sponge, and the grout finds its own depth. I've never even given it any thought, to be honest!?!

Same here
, cold water for mixing and warm for washing

 

[DHTiling]

Soft gits :lol:

 

[beanz]

Well, we are southerners lol