Installation Guide

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 more 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 Ultracolor Plus FA 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.
Nonvitreous wall tile that absorbs water quickly requires less time for
grout to firm up – only 5 to 10 minutes after installation.
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 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 continue 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 discoloration and soft/powdery joints, avoid cleaning with
excessive water.
14. To control color variations, buff the grouted surface with cheesecloth
or a clean, dry cotton cloth when a haze is visible on the tile surface,
usually 30 to 60 minutes after grouting. This should remove any
remaining surface water or grout residue.
15. Wash tools immediately with fresh water.
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 at least 72 hours after completion, protect from rain and freezing,
and do not immerse the installation in water.
• Floors: Keep the installation free from foot traffic for at least 3 hours
after grouting.
• Walls: Protect the 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 curing and protection when temperatures drop below 60°F
(16°C) and/or when the relative humidity is higher than 70%.
MAINTENANCE
• Grout must be cured for at least 24 hours before regular cleaning.
• MAPEI grout products are produced to the highest quality of standards.
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.
• 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.