Ardex Problem with Ardex Grout FS Innocent Black

[jasper]

Guess I'm clutching at straws. Was wondering if mixing and cleaning up with bottled / distilled / de-ionised water would help, or if we dried the grout joints with a hair drier. Just can't understand how this 'reaction' can happen overnight. And Ardex were not in the least bit surprised. It was like it is quite normal, what do you expect and don't worry, Bob at lithofin will sort it.

 

[Balloo]

 

[Balloo]

Just tiled this and same problem

 

[jobdone]

Stopped using all Ardex grout except white as even the lighter colours were getting patchy and streaks after the bathrooms were being used.
Shame really as I liked the application and finish of the grout.

 

[J Sid]

I always us Ardex grout.
have had similar problems with dark grouts, but believe it's due to water laying in joint after the wash.

 

[Flintstone]

These issues aren't exclusive to ardex, BAL grout is renowned for it as are others, something needs to change

 

[jasper]

I always us Ardex grout.
have had similar problems with dark grouts, but believe it's due to water laying in joint after the wash.

we were so careful and can honestly say there was no excess water anywhere near the grout joint.

 

[jasper]

These issues aren't exclusive to ardex, BAL grout is renowned for it as are others, something needs to change

You're right - however I spoke to Topps to ask if they were having any complaints about their grout and they said they used, but none for a while and that their new Bal grout boasts 'efflorescence free'. Not sure if this is correct as I have no experience of using Bal except on a sample board. Wow, their black is very black!
I can understand issues with grout if the prep work is poor or if too much water is used or site conditions are poor, or mixing instructions aren't followed ( Mapei Jasmine used to cause people all sorts of problems if they didn't do the 2nd stir) I have used Mapei 114 anthracite and 120 black so many times and never had a problem.

 

[jasper]

I always us Ardex grout.
have had similar problems with dark grouts, but believe it's due to water laying in joint after the wash.

Just another thought. I have just come back from hols and as you do, stood there looking at the tiling in the rest rooms to see an entire wall of black grout, gone white. Must have been 30m of it. Wasn't a cheap set up.

 

[jasper]

I always us Ardex grout.
have had similar problems with dark grouts, but believe it's due to water laying in joint after the wash.

Julian - do you mix it drier than what Ardex recommends? I know a lot of tilers just mix the amount of water that feels right. Just curious to know if you mix the Ardex recommended amounts of water or what is in your experience the correct amount.