Grout not seeming to dry out - TilersForums.com

[Mart1n1i]

Hi guys,

I've had a bit of an issue on a job I've been doing recently. We finished tiling on Friday using a new adhesive (python rapid and standard adhesive) and also a new grout that I've not used before (Validus)

Basically I came in to grout on Saturday midday, so majority of the adhesive had been given 24 hours to go off (one section was a bit less but I've never had a problem before) grouted everything up and went in on Sunday to dry wipe tiles and hopefully silicone. But I noticed majority of the grout hadn't dried and was the same colour as when I first applied it (it's light grey grout looks like standard grey/anthracite) and also there was droplets of water on lots of the grout joints.

I put a fan heater in there to help it dry out more with the window open to let moisture out but come back today and about 40% of it is still the same! The window wall which we tiled last is the worst offender with the shower side not being quite as bad. I figured maybe we didn't leave the tile adhesive long enough to dry out but even on areas where we used the rapid adhesive it's the same so I wouldn't have thought that's the issue.

What do you guys think is it just a case of leaving it longer to dry out or should I cut out all the old grout, let it dry longer and regroup again (really hope I don't have to do that, will put me in the mire 😅)

Also just to add its ceramic tiles

Thanks for reading

 

[Tile Marble Granite]

Interesting, was it powder grout?

 

[Mart1n1i]

Interesting, was it powder grout?

It was yes 👍 mixed it up as per the usual, dry mix the powder, then after mixing leave it to stand and mix again. With it being grey grout I didn't wanna take any chances with it going patchy 😅 I did notice when applying it there were some specks of black what I can only assume dye but they came out okay in the cleaning phase 🤷🏻

 

[Tile Marble Granite]

That black is the grout pigment. That tells you did not mix the grout well enough before applying.

 

[Mart1n1i]

That black is the grout pigment. That tells you did not mix the grout well enough before applying.

Ah I see, damnit I should have realised that then. How long do you usually mix it for then? I must have mixed it for about 3-4 minutes with a mini paddle mixer attachment and then a further minute or so after leaving it to settle.

Also would that be the cause of my problem with the grout not drying out do you think? Or is that a separate issue.

 

[Tile Marble Granite]

Always mix the grout longer than specified on the box to make sure the pigments are well mixed. With a Stanley blade try to scrape of the grout surface, it should change color to a dry look.

 

[Mart1n1i]

Always mix the grout longer than specified on the box to make sure the pigments are well mixed. With a Stanley blade try to scrape of the grout surface, it should change color to a dry look.

I don't remember it specifying how long to mix the grout for but I'll keep that in mind for next time, thank you. Just tried that and yes it does change colour like you said 👍 is that a good thing?

 

[Tile Marble Granite]

Yes it is a good thing. You can seal the grout now following the manufacturing instruction!

 

[Mart1n1i]

Yes it is a good thing. You can seal the grout now following the manufacturing instruction!

Ah that's a relief then 😁 thank you very much for your advice I appreciate it.