Patchy Mapei grout... any ideas?

[richardbell81]

Thanks very much for the link! Hopefully it won't come to that but good to know I've got that option if I need it!

 

[White Room]

I have had similar problems in the past with this grout (Jasmine) and have read a few similar posts reporting the same problem. I had to recolour the grout to solve the issue. I will never use this grout again as I really don't rate it, it's far too sensitive and not user friendly (this is my own opinion).

What grout do you use now Bri..

 

[Ian]

What grout do you use now Bri..

BAL Micromax, super flex and microflex, basically BAL. I have always used BAL and on the few occasions I've used ultra colour I've had issues, either setting too quickly, drying patchy etc, I also don't like the fact that it needs to be mixed a whole 5kg bag to exactly 1 litre of water, to me that suggests that it's too sensitive. I've read too many posts on here with it going wrong from DIY and pro's. I know a lot of folks on here love it so it must be a decent product, but not for me.

 

[bugs183]

Just shows how each individual differs when it comes to products. I was always a Bal user, but find i'm less impressed with them after using Mapei! Especially anything with microban.
Did you use a washboy or a sponge to clean the tiles, i'm just wondering if there is process that is stripping the dyes out of the grout regardless of the manufacturer. I've racked my brains, but have no real answer to this problem that seems to happen every now and again to everyone regardless of the make of grout.

 

[richardbell81]

Just shows how each individual differs when it comes to products. I was always a Bal user, but find i'm less impressed with them after using Mapei! Especially anything with microban.
Did you use a washboy or a sponge to clean the tiles, i'm just wondering if there is process that is stripping the dyes out of the grout regardless of the manufacturer. I've racked my brains, but have no real answer to this problem that seems to happen every now and again to everyone regardless of the make of grout.

I did use a sponge to clean the tiles but it's the fact that its drying darker in patches, not lighter... I.e it cant be that it's removing pigment. If that makes sense.

 

[bugs183]

I know it doesn't make sense at all, i'm just throwing ideas out there. Nothing worse than having to go back to a job and re do it due to product failure.

 

[richardbell81]

I know, is it worth contacting mapei?

I ordered the grout online as I couldn't find it in that colour in any local shops... When it arrived, the bag did have a hole in although it was delivered in a box. I obviously didn't use any of the powder that had come out of the bag... But I'm wondering if that had anything to do with it. Can't see why as others seem to have had the same problem. I'm just struggling for answers!

 

[Muse2k8]

It may just be excess moisture in the grout. What temp is the room at and is the room prone to humidity? What appliances and utilities do you have in this room or have used in the week or two prior to grouting? Are there windows or a door? Any pets? Anything (even a kettle).

Slightly off topic but a mate recommended PCI grouts. Anybody tried these?

 

[Muse2k8]

I said kettle I meant shower lol. Don't ask... I was making a hot choc lol.

 

[jay]

Can you give us a detailed description on how you mixed the grout thanks