Mapei ultracolor plus love it or hate.

[Ian]

Hi Brian, I hope your well pal. Just noticed your comment on Grout 3000, 20 minutes is far too quick, the idea is a minimum of 30 minutes pot life. What colour was it please that you were using and if you have any left over a batch number would be ideal?

It is always difficult in these conditions are you fixers know but please son't stop using the product, let the manufacturers know of these issues, its our job to put this right!

It was jasmine Mark, one of the sample bags you gave me at EMC a few weeks ago. It was very strange, it had gone solid in the bucket but, was still soft in the joints on the walls I'd done so far, I think I've still got a chunk of it actually, any thoughts on why this may have happened? The grey I used didn't react like that, the only real difference that I can think of is the temperature, but it wasn't a vast difference.

 

[Mark@Tilemaster]

It goes off quicker in the bucket because there is a larger quantity in there and as a result when mixed it can generate heat which just adds to the quicker set in a similar way to the Mapei grout. It does take a touch longer in the joint, however it will be solid in 3 hours.

Difference between Mid Grey and Jasmine, there shouldn't be. Same base formulation, same cements etc just different pigments. The Mid Grey could have contained a touch more retarder in the full batch perhaps but it would have been a minimal difference.

 

[Ian]

Possibly need to make smaller mixes then, I mixed the whole 5kg in one go, that may have been my error! I still like the grout though I just got caught out

 

[White Room]

Used some Mapei Beige today and mixed the whole 5kg bag in a conservatory and it was fine but looking at the instructions it states that certain colours may need more water than others ???

 

[Mark@Tilemaster]

I'm not trying to defend the grout Brian, you should absolutely be able to mix a full bag with no issues. You've done nothing wrong, we have to produce a user friendly grout that is a good all rounder for all users. Your comments have been passed onto the Chemists this morning as a reminder to them also.

 

[DHTiling]

Also do not forget that water temp can speed up the grout setting time in the pot... clean cold water and a clean bucket.

 

[Ian]

Also do not forget that water temp can speed up the grout setting time in the pot... clean cold water and a clean bucket.

That's something I've always been very wary of since my UCP jasmine incident a couple of years ago! I always check the water and even have a different bucket for different grout colours, maybe a bit OTT but, better to be safe than sorry.

 

[afright]

Reading all the pro's and con's about ucp it just seem's to much like hard work so me for one will not be using this grout you cannot beat Bal.

 

[steve187]

never have liked mapei grouts, have used kellakoll grouts recently. The fugalite eco -liquid ceramic is a bit like epoxy but easier to use, takes a bit of getting used to.
The fugabella porcellana eco 0-5, comes in 32 colours ( avoid the coffee its twice the price of all the others) its so easy to use and a whole 50 metre floor can be done and have time for a tea break before washing off.is also good foe the metal mosaic no scratching.