efflorescence problem on black grout - Grout Cleaner/Grout Colourant

[Simon benn Leeds]

Probably my ignorance but I wasn't aware that bal did a black grout, people often mistake charcoal and anthracite for black.

Only 'black' grout I'm aware of is mapei 130 negro.

 

[CMD]

My point was not about colour. I do not think that this forum is about nit picking about who makes what colour; pleeeeeeeeeease! Clearly this forum is probably not for owners of homes but more for professionals who like to chat with one another. If anyone is out there who is experiencing furry grout then start chipping away at it and replace with new grout that promises to be efflorescence grout. In future, only buy the grout yourself and have the tiler use what you insist on using, in my opinion and experience.
From my experience in 2011... ‘Micromax by BAL’; 'Efforescence-free' with MICROBAN

Jason at Topp Tiles explained to me in detail that the problem I have with my black grout ( literally disintegrating into sand) is due to the fact that we did not use an EFFORESCENCE-free grout, which has been developed to ‘eliminate risk of patchy discolouration’ due to salts in the water reacting to the grout.

If only they would put up posters to explain this in their showroom!

In addition to their regular grout, which he agreed with me should simply not be sold in hard-water areas(!!), they have a special grout from BAL, called ‘Micromax by BAL’, which has MICROBAN in it, which is anti-microbal protection. The bag also notes on the front that it is Efforescence-free.

Think of all the useless grouting taking place on a daily basis....

 

[Andy Allen]

Imo bal micromax is over priced rubbish.....
If you want a great grout.....tile master grout 3000
Only started using it a month ago after using bal for 30 years and have to say it's a great product. ..

 

[Simon benn Leeds]

My point was not about colour. I do not think that this forum is about nit picking about who makes what colour; pleeeeeeeeeease! Clearly this forum is probably not for owners of homes but more for professionals who like to chat with one another. If anyone is out there who is experiencing furry grout then start chipping away at it and replace with new grout that promises to be efflorescence grout. In future, only buy the grout yourself and have the tiler use what you insist on using, in my opinion and experience.
From my experience in 2011... ‘Micromax by BAL’; 'Efforescence-free' with MICROBAN

Jason at Topp Tiles explained to me in detail that the problem I have with my black grout ( literally disintegrating into sand) is due to the fact that we did not use an EFFORESCENCE-free grout, which has been developed to ‘eliminate risk of patchy discolouration’ due to salts in the water reacting to the grout.

If only they would put up posters to explain this in their showroom!

In addition to their regular grout, which he agreed with me should simply not be sold in hard-water areas(!!), they have a special grout from BAL, called ‘Micromax by BAL’, which has MICROBAN in it, which is anti-microbal protection. The bag also notes on the front that it is Efforescence-free.

Think of all the useless grouting taking place on a daily basis....

Well it's not really being 'nit picky over colour' I have had people ask me before now (in my 20years of tiling) why the charcoal grout is not black and looks paler, is its discoloured due to efflorescence? (Cheers Google).
Actually luv, it's not black because you didn't buy black!. You bought charcoal!. We do try to cover every base on this forum, even if the question may sound stupid, but when you say black but mean charcoal, I have to doubt you question.
Clearly Jason has a wealth of knowledge and I'm sure he won't just sell you the products they sell in topps tiles!.
In addition thanks for the advise, I will certainly stop supplying materials to my clients, as they will be better experienced in selecting the correct products.
(And sorry to dissapoint you but yes we do talk about who makes what colour grout as it is a professional tilers forum and not a customer service advisor forum!.
And by the way, I have wealth of knowledge regarding efflorescence (spelt with an L) on this occasion I think I'll keep to my self.
Good luck, hope you find a solution.
Oh and just ask Jason when the last time he grouted a floor was!.