Rising Polymers In Grout - TilersForums.co.uk | Tile Forums

Argyll Eagle · 27-09-2007

I've discovered that what I thought was an efflorescence problem is in fact a common problem that grout manufacturers are faceing with their flexible grouts. The water in the grout tends to make the white polymers (added to make the grout flexible) rise to the surface which results in a whitening of the grout. I have discovered that any additional water, either in mix or when cleaning grout off tiles really increases this problem. Has anyone found a good method of minimising this problem or for restoring the grout to its proper colour?

**guy1976** · 27-09-2007

think its called efflorescence have had it before with granfix grout and other cheap grouts the reason the grout company give you is that you didnt mix the grout properly before applying never had it with bal though

poppyniks · 27-09-2007

Granfix is a b&^*&6876 for this just dome 45m2 same problem with the stuff and yes it was mixed correctly will be using BAL flexi from now on

Argyll Eagle · 28-09-2007

Even the dearer flexible grouts have these polymers in them. My problem was with Bal limestone flexible grout. A very experienced technical guy tells me that all flexible grouts are prone to this problem. The packaging should carry a warning. What's the point of spending thousands of pounds on expensive floor tiles only to have them spoiled with this whitening of the grout?

Bixley Tiling · 28-09-2007

I've had the same problem with grey Bal flexi grout in one area near a back door recently.

Used a very fine sandpaper lightly on it and it took the mottled look away but i wasn't totally happy so re-did the whole area. It was a lot cooler when i re-grouted and it has dried up fine this time.

Does it happen more often if the grout dries too quickly??

Mark.

**devonmark** · 28-09-2007

I generally use an admix (flexmaster) with normal grout when I want flexi...never had a problem with colouring or cracking and most of the grouts I use are granfix...Mark.

Goss Marble

GazTech · 28-09-2007

Always better to use flexi polymers in wide joint grout .Grouts with flexi properties built in can be problematic.....Gaz