Dear All

I have a serious case of efflorescence in my newly laid black grout. I have a couple of options but am struggling with which is the right one so if anyone can help that would be fantastic:

Option 1
Use AQUA MIX EFF-EX to clean the grout then use Aqua Mix Enrich & Seal to seal it?

Option 2
Use Aqua mix Grout Colourant Pre-Treat Cleaner then Aqua mix Grout Colourant?
(although I am a bit worried that the grout colourant will leave shiny grout - can anyone confirm)???The other slight issue I have is purchasing such a big bottle of any of the above at quite a considerable cost when it is a relatively small area I have to fix. Is there anywhere online you can either buy smaller bottles or alternatively sell left over products?Many Thanks

Stephen.

Hi Stephen and welcome...

Is it deffo efflorescence...? have you white salt deposits on the grout surface or just lightening of the grout..?

What make of grout is it..?

probably bal!

try diatech they stock it for about £12 a bottle

Also stephen.. have a read of this>> http://www.globalsafe.com.au/What%20...lorescence.pdf

There are other ways to combat before using colourants.

I am not sure if it is efflorescence or lightening. I got the idea of efflorescence by reading through this forum and tried the olive oil trick. The grout looks good when it's wet but when it dries out it has these whiteish patches.
Is there any good way to tell beyond that olive oil trick?


Yes, it was BAL grout, i didn't know any better as this is the first time i've used black grout. It may well also be the last!!

Thanks for the link, i'll have a read and let you know how i get on.

Many thanks,

Stephen.

What substrate are the tiles onto...?

Hi Dave

Wooden Floorboards with hardboard on top.

Hi stephen...This is IMO purely down to the grout..it could be..

1: incorrect mixing.

2: Washing off too soon

3: Over wetting of the grout whilst washing off and this draws polymers to the surface.


If you can rule out those factors then you need to call BAL for a tech visit....


Also enrich and seal has been known to improve the colour of the grout by darkening it and grout colourants will work as well.... Mapei do grout colourants and you can get these from Tile giant.

Thanks for your honesty

The mix was ok, as i followed the instructions and i've done some grouting before without this problem. I don't think that i washed it off too soon, but i expect that i used too much water as the black proved hard to shift, so i guess i overwashed it. I didnt' realise that this would effect the colour, but i guess that i learn from my mistakes!

I think a BAL tech visit is perhaps a bit much as i am not a professional tiler!
First time using black grout and it's like playing with soot in water, awful. Is there anything that I can do? Your advice is much appreciated.

Stephen.

black grout is messy ain't it.....

You can try Fugafresca from mapei..Tile giant sell it...or the aqua mix grout colourant...

Fuga Fresca is a polymer paint for bringing back the colour of cementitious grouted joints in floors and decorated surfaces.
Applications:
Fuga Fresca may also be used to eliminate irregularities in the colour of joints caused, for example, by incorrect application of the mortar, or to eliminate unsightly stains caused during use.
Fuga Fresca helps to obtain joints with a uniform colour, which absorb less water and which are easier to clean.
Technical data:
Colours: 26.
Application: by brush or directly from the canister.
Consumption
according to the size of the tiles and joints.
Packaging
1 kg drums and 160 g dispenser.

Originally Posted by euridium

Thanks for your honesty

The mix was ok, as i followed the instructions and i've done some grouting before without this problem. I don't think that i washed it off too soon, but i expect that i used too much water as the black proved hard to shift, so i guess i overwashed it. I didnt' realise that this would effect the colour, but i guess that i learn from my mistakes!

I think a BAL tech visit is perhaps a bit much as i am not a professional tiler!
First time using black grout and it's like playing with soot in water, awful. Is there anything that I can do? Your advice is much appreciated.

Stephen.

You probably don't need Aqua Mix Eff Ex. Brush a small test area of the white efflorescence with a stiff dry brush. Then try some olive oil on it. If it works bite the bullet and spend the £30 odd quid on a bottle of Aqua Mix Enrich N Seal off E Bay and it will sort it. You will spend a lot less time applying the Enrich N Seal than you will messing around with
Grout Colourant and Fuga Fresca

tel

Black grout...any dark grout...grrrr! If it looks good wet, they any enhancer sealer should help too.

Olive oil? You guys taking a tea beak or something?