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TB18

GROUT COLOR: WHY DOES IT LOOK DIFFERENT?

Technical Bulletin

Technical Services 800-282-8786

custombuildingproducts.com

GROUT COLOR

Color comprises a large and important portion of our

lives. The magic of color interaction is that our

perception of a color changes when the color is

viewed under different conditions. The way color

appears is affected by the environment in which the

color is seen.

Rarely do we see a single, isolated color. They are

always seen next to other colors. Hue, value and

intensity describe a color as we see it; however, these

attributes can dramatically change when the color is

placed in the context of surrounding colors and

materials of different textures. Some combinations are

naturally pleasing and some colors clash with each

other based on their position in the color spectrum.

A grout color selected in a brightly lit show room can

appear quite different after installation, depending on

the colors in the room and the interior lighting

conditions. It is frustrating (and expensive) to install a

colored grout with the perfect tone for a particular

scheme, only to discover that it appears to have a

different shade when applied between the tiles.

Changes in color perception occur whether we want

them to or not, so it is critical for project owners and

designers to understand how colors interact and to

anticipate those interactions.

CURING OF THE GROUT

Cement grouts cure by hydration of the cement in the

grout. The color of the hydrated cement is generally

lighter than that of the un-hydrated cement. If the

grout is not fully cured, it may not yet have achieved

the color that was selected from the color cards or

sample grout channels. It is important to mix grout

powder with the proper water ratio and follow

manufacturer’s directions for the installation of the

grout to obtain the correct color. Higher

performance

cement grouts like Prism

will cure quickly, and in many

cases, reach the desired color sooner than traditional

cement grout. To

assure the accuracy of the color in

your

project, and not be dependent on the cure state

of the grout, use a Single Component

grout like Fusion

Pro

or an epoxy grout like CEG-Lite

™

in your tile

project. These grouts do not rely on hydration of the

cement and the differing colors of the hydration states.

The resins and pigments in these formulas will maintain

the same color throughout their curing cycle. Fusion

Pro will cure to the same color regardless of the tile

type, substrate or environmental conditions.

GROUT TEXTURE

The texture and finish of installed grout are a result of

the type of grout used and the installation and finishing

techniques used by the installer. Surface texture and

finish alter the way color is perceived. Rough, textured

areas of raised sand in a sanded grout will appear

darker in color. Smooth areas found with non-sanded

grout and over-worked sanded grout will appear

lighter in color.

Today, it is not uncommon to find different types of

grout on the floor (e.g., epoxy grout) and the wall

(e.g., cement grout) plus a silicone sealant used in the

corners and movement joints. All of these materials

have slightly different textures and can therefore

appear as different colors, even though they were

color matched to the same color standard. The source

of lighting that a tile installation is exposed to can also

accentuate surface irregularities by casting shadows

on the tile surface and grout joints and affect the

perceived color of each.

LIGHTING

Metamerism is the phenomenon of colors changing

when viewed in different light sources. The grout color

that looked great with the tile in the showroom is not

even close when installed. The problem is the light

source. You may have picked the grout color in the

showroom under fluorescent lighting but the installation

site may be in a mix of daylight and incandescent

lighting. The perceived color of the different types of

grout, printed samples, plastic channels and ceramic

tile will change as the light source changes and most

of the time the change is not in the same direction. It is

important that you view the grout and tile combination

in the lighting found on the project. Creating a test

panel and evaluating it in the location of the intended

installation is highly recommended for any tile

installation.

Summary of content (5 pages)

PAGE 1
TB18 GROUT COLOR: WHY DOES IT LOOK DIFFERENT? GROUT COLOR Color comprises a large and important portion of our lives. The magic of color interaction is that our perception of a color changes when the color is viewed under different conditions. The way color appears is affected by the environment in which the color is seen. cement and the differing colors of the hydration states. The resins and pigments in these formulas will maintain the same color throughout their curing cycle.
PAGE 2
TB18 GROUT COLOR: WHY DOES IT LOOK DIFFERENT? MAINTENANCE Unfortunately, the color of many grouts will not remain the same over time. As the grout becomes contaminated with spills and even cleaning agents, the perceived color will drift. Sealing a cement grout with Aqua Mix® Sealers Choice® Gold or installing stain resistant grout like Fusion Pro or CEG-Lite will make it easier to clean and maintain the original color longer.
PAGE 3
TB87 GROUT JOINT WIDTH: WHAT IS THE RIGHT SIZE? All ceramic and natural stone tiles are installed with a gap or space between each tile in the assembly. This is generally referred to as the grout joint. However, the required width of a grout joint is not always understood. ANSI defines the requirement for grout joints in ceramic and natural stone tile installations in A108.02 Section 4.3.8. This section states that under no circumstances should the grout joint be less than 1/16" (1.6 mm).
PAGE 4
TB21 EFFLORESCENCE ON GROUT This technical bulletin addresses concerns and questions about the causes, prevention and treatment of efflorescence and mineral film discoloration on Portland cement grout. Efflorescence can form shortly after grouting, resulting in a brand-new installation that may look splotched or completely covered with a white crust or film, to the dismay of the owner and the installer. Efflorescence is a mineral deposit that sometimes leaches or migrates to the surface of the grout.
PAGE 5
TB32 REMOVING GROUT OR MORTAR RESIDUE AND MINERAL DEPOSITS Custom’s specially formulated cleaners are an effective first step for removing grout or mortar residue, as well as some mineral deposits. They are also effective for removing grease, dirt and other contaminants. They can be used on grout, tile and stone without harming the surface, and there are no harsh, toxic fumes. Use according to directions.