Installation Guide

very little pressure, pull the sponge diagonally across
the grout joints to remove the excess grout from the tile
surface. Also use the sponge to smooth the surface of
the grout joint. Turn the sponge over and make another
pass in an adjacent area. After using both sides, rinse
the sponge in one bucket and wring out the excess water.
Dip the sponge in the second bucket of water, wringing
out the excess and continuing the process.
12. Change the water in the buckets frequently to help limit
the amount of haze that forms on the tile or stone surface.
13. To prevent efflorescence, discoloration and soft/
powdery joints, avoid cleaning with excessive water.
14. To control color variations and minimize efflorescence,
buff the grouted surface with cheesecloth or a clean,
dry cotton cloth when a haze is visible on the tile surface,
usually one to two hours after grouting. This should
remove any remaining surface water or grout residue.
15. Clean hands and tools with clean, soapy water while
the grout is fresh.
16. Never use acid for cleaning marble, glazed tile or
pigmented grout surfaces. If a persistent haze remains
after normal cleaning, see the Technical Bulletins
at www.mapei.com or consult MAPEI’s Technical
Services Department.
PROTECTION
• Provide for dry, heated storage on site and deliver materials
at least 24 hours before tilework begins.
• For residential showers and tub surrounds, restrict use
for 24 to 48 hours after grouting. For steam showers,
restrict use for 14 days after grouting.
• For at least 21 days after grouting, protect the installation
from freezing and water immersion (see the TDS of the
adhesive or setting system for details).
• Floors: Keep the grout installation free from heavy traffic
for at least 72 hours after grouting.
• Walls: Protect the grout installation from impact, vibration
and hammering on adjacent and opposite walls for 14 days
after tile installation (see the TDS of the adhesive or setting
system for details).
• Because temperature and humidity (during and after
installation of tile) affect the final curing time of all
cement-based materials, allow for extended periods
of cure and protection when temperatures drop below
60°F (16°C) and/or when the relative humidity is
higher than 70%.
MAINTENANCE
• Sealing is not required. However, a high-performance
penetrating grout sealer may still be applied from
MAPEI’s UltraCare
™
family of sealers, which includes
Penetrating Plus Stone, Tile & Grout Sealer; and
Penetrating Plus SB Stone & Porcelain Tile Sealer.
Follow the directions provided in the UltraCare
Maintenance Guide.
• Grout must be fully cured for 21 days before regular
cleaning.
• MAPEI grout products are produced to the highest
standard of quality. To maintain a clean tile surface,
use a neutral-pH cleaner for maintaining the floor,
followed by a clean-water rinse.
• Do not use harsh chemical cleaners to maintain the
tile surface. Before proceeding with cleaning, consult
the cleaner’s manufacturer for compatibility, use and
application instructions. Remove or rinse fatty acid
residue from the grout surface to avoid potential grout
deterioration caused by prolonged exposure.
Sand
ed Grout
Sand
ed Grout
Keracolo
r
®
S
Keracolor
®
S