discoloured satin tiles

[Neil Booth]

Hi I've just retiled our existing shower cubicle with British Ceramic Tiles "Satin White" tiles. The guy advised Mapei products so I've used Keraquick and Ultracolour white grout, all onto Hardibacker board primed with Primer G.
After just six weeks or so the tiles appear to be turning grey in patches at their edges ruining the appearance. This is presumably due to water getting under the grout despite my being extra careful to ensure I did it properly.
Admittedly the new shower is pretty powerful (Mira Excel) but even so I wouldn't expect this sort of problem.
Where have I gone wrong?

 

[jay]

its called picture framing the glaze hasent covered the edge of tiles (cheap tiles norm) if your grout joints are as full as possible you may have to seal grout ,grout will always let some moisture in did you use a membraine or waterproofing :8:

 

[Neil Booth]

Hi Jay thanks for quick response.. I tiled directly on to Hardibacker primed with Primer G... What sort of waterproofing do you mean? On to the tiles before applying? No I didnt... What would you suggest?

 

[jay]

hi waterproofing goes on hardibacker to protect walls from moisture as for a sealer i have different products over here someone will recomend a sealer soon :8:

 

[DHTiling]

It is as Jay has mentioned....it's water getting into the tile bisuit, it will dry out but as you use the shower regulary then it will always be like that...

Are the joints full to tile face..? if so then a grout sealer might help to repell the water...it's nothing yo u have done, it's a common fault with some tiles as the glaze does not cover the edges properly.

 

[Neil Booth]

Thanks Dave, I've come to the same conclusion... Retailer suggests digging out grout and replacing with epoxy grout.. Never used epoxy grout so I'm not sure wether this is the way forward...Got to do something though as the whole shower cubicle just looks crap now..

 

[jay]

hi neil it might help not an easy job id be more inclined to let it dry out and seal with a waterproof sealer iv used a grout sealer called sure seal you can get it in a spray can spray the grout and its sealed try a bit on paper towl and run it under water it beads on sprayed section not sure if its aval over there but it might be worth a shot hope this helps :8:

 

[jimbob]

I've heard good things about Seal Guard which is available in UK. Used for sealing grouts as above

 

[Neil Booth]

Thanks for the tip guys...I'll try and get hold of some Seal Guard.. Seems easier!

 

[DHTiling]

Thanks for the tip guys...I'll try and get hold of some Seal Guard.. Seems easier!

Here you go... TradeTiler.Ltd Seal-Guard®

 

[Neil Booth]

Thanks.. Sorted!