grouting nightmare

[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