Pin holes after grouting

juandan · Post by **juandan** » Mon Jan 26, 2009 5:37 pm

I tiled my bathroom, today I started grouting the tiles I had a 2.5 space between the tiles I was using Unibond waterproof grout, everything seemed to go ok, after about 2 hours I went back into the bathroom to admire my work, but to my surprise I noticed a few pin holes between the tiles and little cracks, I've gone over the cracks and pin holes with more grout, have I done something wrong for the grout to crack and for pin holes to appear

marc1106 · Post by **marc1106** » Mon Jan 26, 2009 5:55 pm

unibond addy/grout is infamous for shrinking back!

did you use the little plastic speader they give you or a grout float? you can hit it again with a grout float and press hard into the joint and it should be ok after a second hit! (but might need 3rd)

jozeffo · Post by **jozeffo** » Mon Jan 26, 2009 6:28 pm

Did you mix with too much water?

I prefer Mapei grout to unibond as it has more plasticisers in it which make it stronger. Screwfix and several tile shops sell it and the instructions on the packet are very precise about the amount of water to use. I also use a proper grout float and work the grout in thoroughly to ensure that it goes the full depth.

juandan · Post by **juandan** » Mon Jan 26, 2009 6:46 pm

I didn't mix any water with it, you buy it ready mixed, I used a grout float, do I have wait for it to dry before giving it another coat

Post by **ultimatehandyman** » Mon Jan 26, 2009 7:02 pm

Ready mixed grout is never a good idea. I remember trying that stuff years ago and it was crap!

jozeffo · Post by **jozeffo** » Mon Jan 26, 2009 7:11 pm

Annoying that the products which often look like they will be easiest to use and therefore appeal to the DIY market are often absolute rubbish. Adhesive and grout, readymix plaster, readymix filler etc. Are the manufacturers trying to put people off DIY?

marc1106 · Post by **marc1106** » Mon Jan 26, 2009 7:13 pm

jozeffo wrote:Annoying that the products which often look like they will be easiest to use and therefore appeal to the DIY market are often absolute rubbish. Adhesive and grout, readymix plaster, readymix filler etc. Are the manufacturers trying to put people off DIY?

I HOPE SO

marc1106 · Post by **marc1106** » Mon Jan 26, 2009 7:15 pm

i WOULD wait for it to dry RAKE a little out then hit it again! really work it in well and you should be ok this time!

Post by **ultimatehandyman** » Mon Jan 26, 2009 7:18 pm

jozeffo wrote:Annoying that the products which often look like they will be easiest to use and therefore appeal to the DIY market are often absolute rubbish. Adhesive and grout, readymix plaster, readymix filler etc. Are the manufacturers trying to put people off DIY?

A lot of these products are absolute pants. The combined adhesive and grout is total crap and it should be illegal to sell it!

marc1106 · Post by **marc1106** » Mon Jan 26, 2009 7:34 pm

ultimatehandyman wrote:
jozeffo wrote:Annoying that the products which often look like they will be easiest to use and therefore appeal to the DIY market are often absolute rubbish. Adhesive and grout, readymix plaster, readymix filler etc. Are the manufacturers trying to put people off DIY?

A lot of these products are absolute pants. The combined adhesive and grout is total crap and it should be illegal to sell it!

totally agree with you, but seeing as OP has already started with it he may aswell persiveer, BUT next time get a PROPER addy and sperate (powdered) grout!

marc1106 · Post by **marc1106** » Mon Jan 26, 2009 7:35 pm

oo er what happened there