FAQs
Yes, it is possible to mix less than a full bag of grout.
Yes, you can add color or apply a stain to your repair mortar. It is important that you do your own mockups to make sure that you obtain the desired results.
No. The surface must be thoroughly cleaned of any substance that could interfere with the bond of the installation material, including dirt, paint, tar, asphalt, wax, oil, grease, latex compounds, form-release agents, laitance, loose toppings, foreign substances and any other residues.
Yes, if the existing substrate is in good condition, clean the surface with a degreaser such as our UltraCare Heavy-Duty Stone, Tile & Grout Cleaner, rinse and allow to dry. Then, prime the surface with ECO Prim Grip before applying the mortar.
No, all paints must be mechanically removed.
Direct application of tile mortars over oriented strand board (OSB) panels is not recommended; first, an uncoupling membrane such as Mapeguard UM is needed as a substrate for proper adhesion of the mortar.
It is recommended to prime the surface of gypsum-based substrates with Primer T diluted at 2:1 (two parts water, one part primer) or ECO Prim Grip primer.
It can be removed if heated with an industrial dryer (heat gun). Epoxy grout is heat-resistant up to 100°C (212°F). Heated past this temperature, it softens and can be removed with a knife or trowel.
3 days minimum
It is the trowel used that will determine how much mortar is needed. On average, a 1/4" x 1/4" x 1/4" (6 x 6 x 6 mm) square trowel covers 80-100 sq. ft. (7.43 - 9.29 m²) per per 50 lb. (22.7 kg) bag. A 1/4" x 3/8" x 1/4" (6 x 10 x 6 mm) square trowel covers 60 to 80 sq. ft. (5.57 - 7.43 m²) per 50 lb. (22.7 kg) bag. A 1/2" x 1/2" x 1/2" (12 x 12 x 12 mm) square trowel covers 40 to 50 sq. ft. (3.72 - 4.64 m²) per bag. The amount may vary from one mortar to another.
No, a cement-based grout needs 2/3 the thickness of the tile for proper placement. Scrape it away and re-grout any grout joints with this condition.
A thin layer of residue, or grout haze, left on the tile surface can usually be removed with a dry cloth. If it is more stubborn to remove, use the appropriate UltraCare product recommended in our technical document: “Removing Grout Haze.”
PH-neutral UltraCare cleaners are available for this purpose.
We recommend using UltraCare Penetrating SB Stone, Tile & Grout Sealer on all cement-based grouts, porous natural stone, clay tile, cement-based tile, quarry tile, brick and polished porcelain tile. This sealer leaves the surface unchanged in appearance, is breathable, and doesn’t peel, flake or darken the tile or grout. Once fully cured, it helps protect against the absorption of both water and oil-based contaminants, making the surface easier to clean and maintain.
The size of the tile determines the choice of trowel. Large format tiles (where any side is larger than 15" [38.1 cm]) require a square-notch trowel with deeper notches like 1/2" x 1/2" x 1/2" (12 x 12 x 12 mm). Smaller sizes can be installed with a 1/4" x 1/4" x 1/4" (6 x 6 x 6 mm), or 1/4" x 3/8" x 1/4" (6 x 10 x 6 mm), square-notch trowel.
There are several recommended surfaces such as: plywood, concrete, gypsum and cement backer units (CBUs). All require different preparation.
PH-neutral UltraCare cleaners are available for this purpose.
It used to be said that solvent-based products were more durable and longer lasting than water-based products. In today’s world, we have water-based technology that is equal to, or better than, solvent-based products. Because of its unique molecular construction, UltraCare Penetrating SB Stone, Tile & Grout Sealer is formulated for use on both porous and dense surfaces.
Possible causes are:
- Washed with excessive amounts of water.
- Too much water was mixed-in with the grout.
- Grouted before mortar was fully dry, with moisture from the mortar trapped under the tile.
- Wall tiles may be inherently over-absorbent.
Other
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