Hi all, been reading through posts about mapei grout going off too quickly and giving a few guys problems. I am a bal lover through and through but over the past few years have been using mapei grout. At first like many, i had the same probs with the grout going off really quick. There is a solution to this and it is simply to follow the manufacturers instructions. One five kg bag to exactly 1 litre of water, dont trust the pre marked buckets, get a measuring jug. Mix the grout, leave for two to three mins and mix again. Apply in areas you are confident you can wash off in time, roughly 4 to 5 m2, when you do this you are emulsifying the grout, strike each joint with sponge to create drop effect but dont constantly rub the joint as this can encourage polymers to surface and cause shade variation. This grout is designed to go off quickly in joint which it does, keep an eye on rest of mix and simply whip it up again to make it workable. I was a sceptic like many but after attending a demonstration of the product, i am now sold on it. Hope this helps!

I only use Mapei grout. I prefer the Kerracolour FF to the others but this is because its a finer grout and suits natural Stone better IMO. This is due to the fact that when I regrout and reach the polishing stage marble and granite polishes better because of the grout being finer and if per chance a little bit pulls out on the emulsifying pad it is less likely to scratch the polished surface.

I agree wholeheartedly with the post above regarding the mixing and quite often I mix it again twice after a rest period to ensure it is absolutely thoroughly mixed.

However, I think the same applies to all good quality grouts and they should be mixed exactly according to the manufacturers instructions to get the best performance
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Kev

I only use mapei grouts, I have only experienced it going off quickly on one occassion, and what a b*&ch it was to get off, may have been a bad batch..as stated above follow instructions as on bag....or work faster !!!

Thanks Trevortine !

Will Mapei be having any more demonstrations in the near future ?

Maybe worth dropping them an email and asking sir ramic! They have been around a few retailers up here in scotland recently. Very worthwhile going, guy was full of knowledge and demonstration very simple to follow!

For all you northerners........

Mapei will be at CTD darlington along with rubi on tuesday the 4th november...

Address for darlington branch if you need it is...

Ceramic Tile Distributors
Unit F
North Road Industrial Estate
Darlington
DL3 0QR

T:01325 483 414
F:01325 463 030

Finished the grout job with Beige 2000. Followed the advice on this thread to a T and although the result was better than previously, there is still some patchyness.

Good post Trevortine, as with everything in life you need to read, and follow the instructions to get the best performance.
If grout, or adhesive is going off too quickly, then you are not using it properly.
Try smaller areas, or like Devonmark says, WORK FASTER........