grouting nightmare

[mnemonix]

Two test areas so far, same runny grout in both and both very light. The difference was that I over sponged the first one while it was wet, which I thought might be why it went so light. The next one I bought some grout residue remover so I could leave it messy and avoid over sponging it, then clean up the next day. It may be slightly darker than the first, but there's not much in it, and it's had a day less to dry out too.

If over wet grout causes it to dry too light then that would explain both patches, but as I said, I did follow the instructions on the bag. Both times.

Kendo, point taken, but it's not humid this time of year, and definitely not in my house - very average conditions, which wouldn't explain why the consistency should be so far out using the suggested amounts.

 

[kendo1]

A teaspoon of water can make a huge difference.

 

[mnemonix]

I went out for a bit of advice too. Topps said "ignore the instructions, they're never right, just mix it thicker" (BAL don't know their own product?). Tile Giant said "sounds odd to us and it should still be setting up after a couple of hours even if it's too wet" I told them my kitchen was about 10 degrees C and they said, it'll slow it down slightly, but not by that much.

So I've mixed it by feel, much thicker - like mortar for bricklaying, and put some down. An hour later and it hasn't set, it still smears with the sponge and I have no hope it'll dry any darker once it's set by tomorrow.

I'm sure BAL has a great reputation, but nothing else I've tackled in the last 3 months building work has behaved so differently from all expectations, advice and guidance on the packet - and no disresepct, this isn't rocket science as others have already pointed out. All I can do at this point is try another brand because I'm just banging my head against the wall here now.

 

[Rich]

It might be a little to late fir this but it might be worth a read through, its a link to a thread i put up a while ago about grouting.

Grouting...

 

[mnemonix]

Thanks Rich, but trust me, I read it many times before I started the job in preparation. There's nothing there I'm doing wrong.

 

[kendo1]

Like you said, try another brand. Maybe it's a bad batch and you're the unlucky recipient.

Good luck, let us know.

 

[mnemonix]

Cheers, will do. I'll post a pic of the floor when it gets done. I hate reading threads where the OP disappears without reporting the outcome!

 

[doug boardley]

what ratio are you mixing the grout? and are you mixing the ratio's by weight or volume?

 

[mnemonix]

By weight (using a scale + or - 1g) 1:5 water:grout. Like it says on the bag!

 

[Stef]

We have used Superflex for years & never ever have had a problem.

I dont mix it to the ratio stated on the bag, i know by look & feel if its right or not, i cant even guess the ratio i use.

I prefer using Bal for this reason as you need to be bang on with using say a Mapei grout.

As already stated, mix it so it doesnt fall off your float, When sponging just wipe once (twice most) & leave it or you will add too much water to the grout & it will shrink in the joint.

 

[pete f]

Toooo much water

 

[Mike]

i've used the superflex grey and it does dry light, almost as light as cement probably. sometimes the grout in the joint takes a while to go off due to absorbancies in the tile and substrate but goes off quick on the surface of the tile and this can be hard to clean off. a washboy makes this easier

 

[mnemonix]

Thanks Mike, that's helpful.
Porcelain tiles, which I'd applied a stain protector to would be very non-absorbent causing the joints to set slowly while the thin smear on the surface would still go off. And maybe the grey is just lighter than I'd prefer. I wish they'd make a proper mid-grey then as there's nothing between that and the charcoal/ebony end of the scale which is all but black. Maybe that dries lighter too though?

Still a bit miffed by the runny consistency at recommended ratios but at least I know now.

 

[kendo1]

You can mix a darker grout into the grey, the trouble is consitency in shade. Measuring accurate ratios should not be difficult though.
You'll notice a colour change over time anyway. Darker shades tend to get lighter, and lighter colours tend to get darker.
Other manufacturers have more shades available.

 

[Mike]

as robson i never measure the water to grout ratios either and never have any problems. if you want a darker grout go for charcoal or anthracite but i wouldn't add any dark grout to your grey to darken as it will be very difficult to keep to the same shade and you'd probably have different shades with every mix of grout