Installation Guide

• The application of a grout release over certain types
of porcelain or textured surface tiles or stone may be
advantageous where a fine surface porosity might trap
fine cement particles or color pigments. Seek the advice
of the tile or stone manufacturer and site-test (mock
up) on separate samples before grouting.
• Caution: Some types of glazed ceramic tiles, marble,
granite and marble agglomerates can be permanently
stained, scratched, dulled or damaged when grouted
with pigmented grout or sanded grout formulas.
Generally, white grout is best suited for grouting white
or light-colored marble or granite. Take all the necessary
precautions to ensure that the marble, granite or tiles are
compatible with colored grouts. Check the tile or marble
manufacturer’s literature and test grout on a separate
sample area before grouting to determine the suitability
of the product with colored and/or sanded grouts.
• Before grouting, make sure the tiles or stones are firmly
set and the adhesive or mortar is completely dry.
• Remove all spacers, pegs, ropes and strings.
• Grout joints must be clean and free of standing water,
dust, dirt and foreign matter. Remove excess adhesive
or mortar from the joint area so that 2/3 of the depth
of the tile is left available for grouting.
• Clean the tile or stone surface thoroughly to remove
dust, dirt and other contaminants that may cause grout
discoloration.
See MAPEI’s “Surface Preparation Requirements” document
in the Reference & Installation Guides section of the Tile &
Stone Installations Systems page on MAPEI’s Website.
MIXING
Choose all appropriate safety equipment before use. Refer
to the Safety Data Sheet for details.
1. For best results, have the same person mix all of the
grout. Consistent mixing techniques will promote more
uniform results.
2. Before mixing the grout with water, dry-blend the
product so that the finished grout does not show color
variations, which may arise due to pigment settling
during shipment. If two or more bags are to be used,
dry-blend all of the contents together.
3. Mix Keracolor S Sanded Grout with cool, clean water or
an approved MAPEI additive. Mix by using the following
water-to-grout proportions:
Water Keracolor S Sanded Grout powder
2.5 U.S. oz. (74 mL)................................... 1 lb. (0,45 kg)
13 U.S. oz. (384 mL) ............................... 5 lbs. (2,27 kg)
26 U.S. oz. (769 mL) ............................. 10 lbs. (4,54 kg)
2 U.S. qts. (1,89 L) .................................25 lbs. (11,3 kg)
1 U.S. gal. (3,79 L) ................................ 50 lbs. (22,7 kg)
4. Pour the required amount of clean, cool water into a
clean mixing container. Gradually add the proportionate
amount of Keracolor S Sanded Grout while slowly
mixing. To avoid shade variation in the finished grout
joints, always add the powder to the water while being
consistent in the mixing process and with the quantity
of water used from batch to batch.
5. Mix thoroughly with a low-speed mixer (at about 350
rpm) for about 3 to 5 minutes, or until obtaining a smooth,
creamy, homogenous paste consistency and a uniform
shading of the colored grout.
6. Avoid prolonged mixing, which could trap air and shorten
the pot life.
7. Allow the grout to sit (“slake”) in the container for about
5 minutes.
8. Remix for about 1 to 2 minutes without adding more
liquid or powder.
9. Wash hands and mixing tools with water immediately
after mixing.
PRODUCT APPLICATION
Read all installation instructions thoroughly before installation.
1. Use only at temperatures between 50°F and 100°F
(10°C and 38°C).
2. Using consistent application and cleaning procedures
will produce consistent results.
3. To aid in spreading the grout, slightly moisten the tile or
stone surface with a damp sponge just before application.
Do not flood the tiles or allow water to stand in the
ungrouted joint areas.
4. Force Keracolor S Sanded Grout into the joints with
a rubber grout float. Make sure all joints are well-
compacted and free of voids and gaps.
5. Remove excess grout from the tile surface, moving the
grout float diagonally to the joints while the Keracolor S
Sanded Grout is still fresh.
6. The grout surface should be flush with the tile edge.
7. Some stiffening may occur before all material is used
(usually within about 1 hour at room temperature).
If this occurs, simply remix but do not add any liquid.
8. Provide for expansion and control joints as specified
per TCNA Handbook method EJ171 or TTMAC
Specification Guide 09300, Detail 301EJ.
9. Allow the Keracolor S Sanded Grout to firm up in the joints
sufficiently to avoid damaging the grout surface, usually
in 15 to 30 minutes depending upon the temperature,
humidity and absorption rate of the tile or stone.
10. Use two buckets of cleaning water: one for rinsing the
majority of the grout residue from the grout sponge,
and one for moistening the sponge in clean water.
11. Dip the sponge in a bucket of water and wring out the
excess, so that the sponge does not drip water. Using
Sand
ed Grout
Sand
ed Grout
Keracolo
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®
S
Keracolor
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S