Grout Problems

[glynd]

I seem to have constant problems when trying to grout wall tiles. I have used various makes of powdered grouts, have mixed to the correct consistancy (like toothpaste) and have not used too much water when cleaning excess grout. However in all cases the grout never seems to harden to what I think it should do. Even after a week I am still able to make an impression in the grout with my finger nail.
Any experts out there who could give some advice?

 

[Deleted member 9966]

Hi Glynd

How much grout are you mixing up at any one time when you're grouting?

GRR

 

[Rob Z]

Hi ,

this doesn't sound right...unless the cement in the grout was "dead", even poorly mixed and installed grout (I'm not saying that you did this )should harden within a day and not be soft enough to press your fingernail into it.

Maybe you could post the brands that you have used and one of the UK pros might recognize something that is an issue with the grout that you have used and had problems with recently??

 

[diamondtiling]

Never come across that problem before, are you giving the grout enough time after you use it before cleaning it off? If you are using a washboy then the first clean is to remove all the excess grout, give it another 10 minutes before the 2nd clean and use the slightly damp sponge in a diagonal fashion, ie pull across the grout lines not down them to prevent too much grout being washed out. You really should be able to polish a grouted area with a towel after about an hour or so.
hope this helps

 

[glynd]

girlracerred,

I am mixing small amounts at a time, just about enough to cover 1-2 sq meters.

RobZ,

I live in France so the makes may not be too familier. The first lot si Weber.Joint Deco from Weber and the second lot I have used is from ParexLanko, both large professional companies.

The temperatures are quite high here at the moment. WOuld that cause a problem?

 

[Rob Z]

Hi,

If the temp in the room is high and especially if the sun is shining on the floor, the grout would set up quickly and become hard to work. It would not be as strong as it could have been if it cured properly, but I don't think even in that situation it would explain grout that is that soft.

Is there any chance that this grout is a grout that requires a specific additive, and you didn't use that additive? Grasping for straws here...

Speaking of France, my daughter just finished her first year of French and got an "A+" (the highest grade possible). She is very happy.

 

[DHTiling]

Some times when the moisture is drawn from the grout to quickly , either via the tiles biscuit or air temp it can weaken the strength as the grout looses moisture before full hydration of the cement...like when we used to wet tile joints before grouting, A modified grout is usually better imo..

Try covering the wall with cling film for a few hrs after washing off and see if this helps retain some moisture during hydration.....Not a problem we get here as temps rarely get that high and the use of fast setting grouts help as well...hydration is quicker.

 

[glynd]

Dave,

Would it be worth moistening the joints before apllying the grout?

 

[DHTiling]

Dave,

Would it be worth moistening the joints before apllying the grout?

Are they ceramic tiles did you say..?...it can be worth a try but not definate as we cannot see what you have....I think a fast setting modified grout is your best option..

 

[glynd]

Dave,

Can you give the names of some fast setting modified grouts?

 

[grumpygrouter]

Dave,

Can you give the names of some fast setting modified grouts?

Mapei Ultracolor Plus.

 

[doug boardley]

Mapei Ultracolour Plus, as above

 

[DHTiling]

You can get Mapei in france as well..

Here are some contact details , give them a call or email and see who your local stockist is..

[email protected]

Zone Industrielle du Terroir - 29, Avenue Léon Jouhaux
31140 Saint-Alban - France

(0033) 5.61.35.73.05



And mapei france techincal..

0033) 5 61 35 48 59

[email protected]

 

[hillhead]

The mapei grouts are superb.:hurray:

 

[Time's Ran Out]

Dave = The weather was hot today!

That's another use for cling film. I'am learning something every month on this Forum.

Mapei grout for me!

John.