Going from BAL to Mapei

[DHTiling]

Do you guys manage to use Mapei products without the use of scales (I can't be bothered to weight stuff out)? I've only used a Mapei grout once, and found it very hard to get the right consistency.. Very unforgiving, and worse than Bal for effloressence if you get it wrong. Like i said though, i've only used it once, so maybe just need a few more outings with it!?!

Do you know how to recognise efflorescence..?

 

[beanz]

In dark grouts, isn't it where it turns white? Not sure how it would look in white grout, i imagine it would look patchy!?!

 

[DHTiling]

It is mainly the migration of salts....this builds up on th surface...the main cause of whitening or patchy grouts is user error...this ranges from too much wetting of the grout when washing off or incorrect mixing of the grout but saying that some grouts are more prone to patching than others even with the slightest over over wetting etc.

The amount of water at the mixing stage is crucial with grouts and getting this wrong can contribute...

So it can't always to put down to efflorescence..


A useful read for members wondering what efflorescence is.. What is Efflorescence.pdf (application/pdf Object)

 

[beanz]

Interesting read Dave, cheers. 😉

I'm aware that the amount of water at the mixing stage is crucial, which is why i asked if you guys actually weigh/measure it out? Like i said, i've found the Mapei grout to be less forgiving, as i've mixed it to the same consistency that i use with Granfix grouts with no problems, and it's looked patchy/discoloured. I've heard similar things said about the BAL Anti-bacterial grout (can't remember the exact name), but haven't used that yet.
A friend of mine, who's been tiling for 20 odd years, said he's noticed it a lot lately with the new grouts.

 

[DHTiling]

Mapei ultra colour needs between 1 ltr and 1.3 ltrs of water to a 5kg bag...

If you have a look in the adhesive/grout forum,,there is a sticky thread with the exact mixing instructions and method for cleaning off for it..

I use it a lot now and never have probs....but must be mixed correctly.

 

[DHTiling]

Anybody else made the switch..?

 

[The D]

try this instead of the fast flex. S2quick is the dogs.

 

[The D]

also for a tubed adhesive i believe that this is the best you can get and makes white star look Grey http://www.mapei.com/public/GB/products/2703_ultramasticIIIsuperwhite_gb.pdf