Hi fellas,

I mixed up some Bal microflex grout this evening exactly to the instructions:

4 parts powder to 1 part water, to make it easier I followed the example of 250ml water to 1kg of powder.

I mixed using a whisk on a drill at the slowest speed but I could tell that this was no way going to be usable, the final mix was an extremely stiff paste, very very dry so I ended up throwing it away.

Where did I go wrong?

Should have just added a bit more water till it was right consistency...

I like mixing the grout by hand tool so get a more of a feel for it

How thick should it feel guys? Thicker than adhesive?

Should it fall off the grout float slowly?

It should have body to it but like you mention just slide off the mixing tool. Each grout tends to have it's own characteristics for that manufacturer, If all else fails read the instructions

Originally Posted by whitebeam

If all else fails read the instructions

Which is exactly what i did but it went wrong!

250ml of water to 1kg of powder seems like a rather strange ratio to me, even by reading it I knew it was going to be very dry

As has been said, add just a touch of water at a time until it's the right consistency, I also mix mine by hand and depending on what and where adjust it to suit, this only takes a matter of spoonful's between stiff and loose, once grout has been mixed and it has reached it's maximum water absorption it doesn't take much water at all to turn it to slop, so be careful, as said, a few drops at a time so to speak.

Spoke to BAL technical this morning and they advised me to return it back to Topps so it can be collected and tested.

Topps gave me a replacement bag which i've mixed in exactly the same way and the consistency was perfect.

Strange...

I always hand mix, cant be bothered to get the drill out, get the paddle out, mix up then clean.

Just use a bucket trowell, always keep some grout back in the bag becuase its easy to add slightly too much water, if you put all the powder in first your a bit stuck if you keep a bit back and add too much water then you have some powder to save the situation.

I mix to a mr whippy ice cream consistency, not too keen on the taste though

I mix with my hand.

I can feel the texture properly that way. Just make sure you wear a glove.

By glove i mean a thin rubber one that doctors use so u can still feel things.

Yes i do have a big stock pile of them...yes it is only for grouting...honest.

Originally Posted by wivers

Yes i do have a big stock pile of them...yes it is only for grouting...honest.

Dr Wivs

You need an internal Oli?? I may be getting one sooner than i think if my court hearing goes pete tong

Originally Posted by jrm

Spoke to BAL technical this morning and they advised me to return it back to Topps so it can be collected and tested.

Topps gave me a replacement bag which i've mixed in exactly the same way and the consistency was perfect.

Anyone want to bet on what BALs comments will be ?

Efflorecence!!!!!!!?????? Thats what they normally put everything down to.

"yes the grouts cracking" ...Efflorescence!

"the black grouts dried pink?" Efflorescence!!

"the tiles all fell off the wall, broke the bath and killed the dog" EFFLORESCENCE!

Originally Posted by wivers

Efflorecence!!!!!!!?????? Thats what they normally put everything down to.

"yes the grouts cracking" ...Efflorescence!

"the black grouts dried pink?" Efflorescence!!

"the tiles all fell off the wall, broke the bath and killed the dog" EFFLORESCENCE!

Jeez sounds like that Efflorescence is vicious,what exactly is it.? can you explain it to me like i am a 6 year old.???

I dont want to catch it.

Mapei ultracolour plus states that is should be mechanically mixed.

Is it still ok to mix by hand.?

Gary

I aint got any tax on my van... Efflorescence

I have to go to court because i aint got any tax....Efflorescence

I have to go to jail because of the tax.... Efflorescence

I'm in a cell with mr Verynice guy.... Efflorescence

He has a thing for ginger men....Efflorescence

He makes me pick his soap up in the showers..... Efflorescence

TJ is round my house looking after my wife.... Efflorescence

Dear Wivers, your dumped! Love Wifey.... Efflorescence

I'm hanging by a rope in my cell.... Efflorescence

Hear lies Gary Wivers.....Efflorescence

TJ has all my work... Efflorescence

you div

you love it son... lol

TJ


Angry little Wivers

What the hell is efflorescence?

Or is it one of them technical excusses that no one but the manufacturer understands?