Grouting colour not white argghhhhhhhh

[Crumbs]

hi, done some grouting today and upon drying - sections look greyish (meant to be white!!)- up close its hard to notice it but it is definently grey from a distance. I used powdered mapei grout, though i think my mixture likely had a little to much water in it maybe as i've noticed some cracking.

Any ideas what may cause the colour to be greyish? I am thinking of raking it out and going with a tubbed version like this Mapei Waterproof Fix & Grout White 1.5kg - http://www.screwfix.com/p/mapei-waterproof-fix-grout-white-1-5kg/64982

Would that be okay to use just for the grouting? Thanks lads 😀😎

 

[Qwerty]

Too much water, washing off too soon, wrong mix, dirty tiles... any of these things could have led to your issue.

What type of Mapei grout did use?

Try a cement residue wash first as it could be efflouresence. Do not use a tubbed grout!

 

[Crumbs]

Ive attached a pic. I think its properly to much water then as its more grey at the start then goes white which is likely when i added more powder.

I left it 15 mins before i washed it, problem im finding is the time scales - as a novice i cant get it all up quickly and find where i start is drying before ive finshed and it still needs to dry at the end - then confusing how to do the sponging. Thats what i was thinking using tubbed as i have time more on my hand and not having to worry about the mixture drying up to much.

What are the reasons to not using tubbed grout? Appreciated it cheers

 

[Matt Bott]

If you had to much water in mapei UCP you wouldn't get it on your float you would have to use a water pistol, if you follow instructions on the bag and do small bits at a time take your time you will be fine as the residue on the tile face dries that's a good indicator to start washing of but beware you have not picked the easiest brand to use it can go off rather fast sometimes 🙂

 

[Crumbs]

nice one thanks Matt - unfortunately i made the mistake of mixing up to no measurements in a pot without a stirrer (watched to many youtubers doing this) - never imagined it would effect colour etc. Will use a stirrer next time.

Can anyone tell me why tubbed grout is bad vs powdered?
Any products i could go with that has a extended open time, thanks alot 🙂

 

[Time's Ran Out]

Ready mixed grout shrinks as it dries out, leaving cracked uneven joints. Can take a few days to dry and if on an impervious surface may not fully cure.

 

[Mark Frost]

Get some fine white Grout by Ultra. Its in a purple bag. Its alot easier to use and doesnt go off on the surface of the tiles as quick. Its powder grout as well.

 

[macten]

Yeah you need the fine stuff if you want brilliant white. Regular white ultra colour against white tiles looks off white grey.

 

[Crumbs]

Thanks chaps