Bad grout or bad technique?

Beachcomber · Post by **Beachcomber** » Fri Nov 13, 2009 10:31 pm

Been tiling lately and have noticed that as the grout dries it forms a crease down the length of the join - as if the grout has shrunk a little leaving a line.

I've used Wickes all purpose waterproof adhesive / grout.

Is this because of rubbish grout or rubbish technique?

wine~o · Post by **wine~o** » Sat Nov 14, 2009 2:59 pm

I had the same problem with a different brand, Can't remember which, but found that using a rubber float (bit like a squeegee, only thicker) solved the problem. No idea why this worked though.

tictic · Post by **tictic** » Sat Nov 14, 2009 4:09 pm

honest mate..its not the best of stuff you have used,"the all in one."
i dont think it will be ur tech...
i would only ever use a good branded bagged grout,bal,mapie,etc..
9/10 water damage is usually done to grout failure.

Beachcomber · Post by **Beachcomber** » Sun Nov 15, 2009 10:20 am

tictic wrote:honest mate..its not the best of stuff you have used,"the all in one."
i dont think it will be ur tech...
i would only ever use a good branded bagged grout,bal,mapie,etc..
9/10 water damage is usually done to grout failure.

I did wonder about the adhesive / grout.
Used it as it is just so handy not having to mix up from bags.

Might give the Bal stuff a go as I was really impressed with their primer.

Razor · Post by **Razor** » Sun Nov 15, 2009 6:37 pm

Never ever use adhesive and grout all in one, doesn't stick, doesn't grout and leaves grainy white stains all over the tiles.

Only time it's suitable is when you're doing maintenance and have to cut out and replace one or two tiles.

Horrible horrible stuff and expensive!

If a customer supplies it I always refuse to use it or just refuse the job.

Ps I really don't like it

lamntile · Post by **lamntile** » Mon Nov 16, 2009 10:51 pm

Put it this way if i went to a customer and they provided me with that and for whatever reason couldnt get the right stuff i would go and buy it for them. The tile n grout yuk just isnt fine enough for giving you a decent grout finish

Beachcomber · Post by **Beachcomber** » Tue Nov 17, 2009 8:03 pm

lamntile wrote:The tile n grout yuk just isnt fine enough for giving you a decent grout finish

It is very grainy - takes a bit of fiddling to get it to look good.

I'll have to have a play with some decent Bal stuff in the utility room.

Mozzy Jones · Post by **Mozzy Jones** » Tue Nov 17, 2009 8:42 pm

Agree, T&G is 5hite. You are getting the crease because you are making it too wet when cleaning, the moisture is entering the grout line and sinking to centre. Or/and you have not made certain each line is compacted properly.

Mike