hi folks just finished grouting large floor area and it took ages mostly down to me going over it repeatedly to try and get rid of little holes in grout lines.i think it is down to air pockets in grout and was wondering if there was something i could do to help this

This is mainly when a grout is mixed to wet...air pockets form whilst mixing....try using less water..or even better mix to the ratio on the packet.

If its mapei grout too make sure you let it stand for 3 mins or so and remix,also when grouting try to work diagonally which stops air getting trapped in the joints too

yes to wet

Wet, and mixed tooo fast on the mixer drill

To wet but I mix by hand

as all above, as a retrofix, I suppose you might mix more grout and overgrout, filling the airholes

Originally Posted by CJ

Wet, and mixed tooo fast on the mixer drill

You use a mixer drill? I find it puts waaay too much air in the grout and its best to mix by hand.

Is it just me?

Some grouts recommend a paddle type mixer for thier grouts..mapei do....i use a variable speed...

Originally Posted by Dave

Some grouts recommend a paddle type mixer for thier grouts..mapei do....i use a variable speed...

URMM YOU DOES

Originally Posted by strummerman

URMM YOU DOES

Yea.. a black and decker cheapo...but it works...

Originally Posted by dave

yea.. A black and decker cheapo...but it works...

is that wot you call little david now

well.. he mixes the grout then....

Originally Posted by hillhead

If its mapei grout too make sure you let it stand for 3 mins or so and remix,also when grouting try to work diagonally which stops air getting trapped in the joints too

Better still, avoid Mapei grout. Absolutely hateful to work with

Best way to stop pinholes is to mix the grout to a creamy consistancy and leave to stand until it begins to cake inside the joint. Doing big circles with the sponge helps smooth out grout before giving it a clean diagonal swipe.

Originally Posted by Wingn

Better still, avoid Mapei grout. Absolutely hateful to work with

Best way to stop pinholes is to mix the grout to a creamy consistancy and leave to stand until it begins to cake inside the joint. Doing big circles with the sponge helps smooth out grout before giving it a clean diagonal swipe.

Just because you hate it doesn't mean anybody else has to avoid it...

I use it all the time..no probs here...

Second time you've been caught out on that Dave!

Remember this thread Review: New Rubi Duplex paddle mixer.

That is BAL single part flex white...adhesive..not grout..lol....

Plus i said i use it..that was what the builder was using..lol..

Plus what i use now isn't what i used 12 month ago..

It was more about your claims about mixing gear yourself, which we all know isn't true!

I do I doooooooo...sometimes...

Good advise above, i always like to mix me grout by hand too and make sure you pack it in well and leve it a while

Originally Posted by Wingn

Better still, avoid Mapei grout. Absolutely hateful to work with

Best way to stop pinholes is to mix the grout to a creamy consistancy and leave to stand until it begins to cake inside the joint. Doing big circles with the sponge helps smooth out grout before giving it a clean diagonal swipe.

Which one - UltraColor - KeraColor FS, FF, GG - or Kerapoxy or the new Kerapoxy Designer? they are all Mapei grouts and used correctly the are as good as any & better than most on the market today but if you are unfamiliar with them you might get a bit tangled at first !
One of the tricks to mixing grout or adhesive up with a power mixer is to use the correct speed 350-500rpm ( thats the difference between drills & mixers ) any more and you will whip it to cream mate ! - p.s. direction are on the back of the bags lol.