Preparing the joints
Grouting may take place when the adhesive is completely set. Make sure that the waiting times indicated in the technical data sheets are followed. The joints must be clean, free of dust and empty down to at least 2/3 of the thickness of the tiles. Any adhesive or mortar which has seeped into the joints while laying the tiles must be removed while still fresh. With very absorbent tiles, high temperatures or windy conditions, dampen the joints with clean water.
Mixing
Before mixing the grout with water, dry-blend the product to avoid color variations in the finished grout, which may arise from pigment settling during transport. If two or more bags are to be used, all of the contents should be dry-blended together. While stirring, pour Ultracolor Plus into a clean, rust-free container containing 20-26% by weight of clean water. Mix the grout with a low-speed mixer to avoid air entrainment, until a smooth paste is obtained. Let the mix stand for 2-3 minutes and stir again briefly before use. Use the mix within 20-25 minutes of its preparation.
Applying the grout
Fill the joints with the Ultracolor Plus mix using a special MAPEI grout float or rubber squeegee, without leaving any gaps or steps. Remove any excess of Ultracolor Plus from the surface, by moving the float or the rubber squeegee diagonally to the joints while the mix is still fresh.
Finishing
When the mix loses its plasticity and becomes opaque, which usually takes place after 15-30 minutes, clean off the excess Ultracolor Plus with a hard cellulose, damp sponge (e.g. a MAPEI sponge), working in a diagonal direction to the joints. Rinse the sponge frequently, using two different containers of water: one to remove the excess mix from the sponge, and the other, containing clean water, to rinse the sponge. This operation may also be carried out with a machine with a ponge belt. It is possible to finish the surface also when the mix is partially set, after 50-60 minutes, with a damp Scotch-Brite® sponge: pass it over the joints to even out the surface. This operation may be also carried out with a single disk rotary machine with special Scotch-Brit® type felt disk. If the cleaning operation is carried out too soon (the mix is still too plastic), some of the mix may be removed from the joints, which may change their colour. If grouting is carried out in extremely hot, dry or windy weather, we recommend that the joints filled with Ultracolor Plus are dampened after a few hours. Damp curing of Ultracolor Plus improves its final characteristics in all cases. Final cleaning of the powdery film of Ultracolor Plus from the surface may be carried out with a clean, dry cloth. After the final cleaning operation, if the surface still has traces of Ultracolor Plus due to incorrect application, it may be cleaned down with an acidic cleaner (FILA DETERDEK), by following the relevant instructions, at least 24 hours after grouting the joints. Use DETERDEK only on acid-resistant surfaces and never on marble or limestone materials.
Set to light foot traffic
Floors are set to light foot traffic after approximately 3 hours.
Ready for use
Surfaces grouted with Ultracolor Plus may be put into service after 24 hours. Basins and swimming pools may be filled up 48 hours after grouting.
Consumption
(A+B) / (AxB) x C x D x 1.6 = kg/m²
A = length of tile (mm), B = width of the tile (mm), C = thickness of the tile (mm), D = width of the joint (mm).
Coverage of Keracolor FF varies depending on the width of the joints, the size and thickness of the tiles.
