Grouting

[Peter L]

Hi All,

I desperately need help!

We have just had a walk-in shower tiled with 200x200mm satin finish Johnson's Prismatic tiles, and professionally grouted with Kerakoll Fugabella Eco Porcelana 0-5 white grout. To our horror, the grout and tile edges discolour within 3 minutes of showering (presumably due to water ingress), and by a couple of minutes later the discolouration has spread right across many of the tiles. It looks awful, and presumably isn't doing the tiles or sub-wall any good whatsoever.

I see that the grout packaging calls it water-repellant (not waterproof); is this the issue? Topps have suggested using a sealer, but I need to know if this is the correct advice, whether it will also soak into the tiles and leave staining forever, whether this is just a 'sticking plaster' solution, etc.

Worried that I'l need to remove ALL the grout and start again. Any advice will be much appreciated.

Thanks...

 

[Gazzer]

I haven't used the fugabella grout but I have used the tiles on many occasion and never heard of this issue.

 

[Peter L]

Thanks. Interestingly, I've stood some loose tiles in a tray of water and they immediately soak up water through the back and sides, which causes the discolouration behind the glaze. This seems like an extraordinary thing, for shower wall tiles to be SO porous...

 

[Gazzer]

Do you get the same issue with water just on the face of the tile ?

 

[Peter L]

No - at least not with loose tiles rested horizontally. Difficult to test with the fixed tiles as they're vertical. I can't think it's much good for wall-tiles to get wet at all!
Previously for DIY jobs I've always used a combined fix and grout; no problems at all - perfectly white, fine enough finish, no discolouration, etc. I'm very miserable that the first time I've had a job done professionally, it's come out so problematic...

 

[prceramics]

you could try this have used it in the non aerosol formula on floor grout with great results Seal-Guard Grout & Tile Sealer, Tile Cleaning & Maintenance, Walls, Floors - Mosaic Tile Shop

 

[Brian the Tile]

ask your tiler to nip back and give you his opinion

 

[Peter L]

ask your tiler to nip back and give you his opinion

I don't think he'll be too keen to admit that he used the wrong grout, but he is due to review the problem.

 

[ythan]

Don't do anything to the tiling yourself - eg don't apply sealer.

Your professional tiler is fully responsible for his work and material supply, and should propose a solution acceptable to you.

Johnston's say their prismatic tiles are suitable for wet rooms - are you sure they are Johnston's?
Your test on the tiles suggests that the tiles are faulty, as well as maybe the grouting.

 

[Gazzer]

Are the joints full ? It all sounds a bit odd to me. The grout is suitable and I can only think that the joints are not full enough and let moisture through.

 

[Peter L]

Are the joints full ? It all sounds a bit odd to me. The grout is suitable and I can only think that the joints are not full enough and let moisture through.

Thanks everyone for all the advice. I'll try a few test pokes to see if this is indeed the problem...