BAL tilemaster 3000 grout - bal micromax - TilersForums.com

[Knifey_Spoony]

Tilemaster 3000 is probably the worst grout i have used.We are using it on site and it is fine for floors but on the walls it just doesn't dry.I grout up 4 bathrooms before i go to wash it off and the joints are still as wet as when i put it on.Then after washing the water runs down the joints and gives it a rubbish finish.The mid grey can dry very patchy as well.Never had it with any other grout.

 

[hmtiling]

3000 is too slow to firm in joints with anything but ceramic. Ucp and mm2 are too fast fast for my liking. Ultra flex joint is the happy medium I find.

 

[One Day]

You guys who don't like 3000 because it's slow - are you working site or commercial? Reason I ask is because on domestic jobs I think it's the business. I admit it's slow though.

 

[One Day]

I think Ardex FS is better for site conditions where you need a fast set.

 

[hmtiling]

You guys who don't like 3000 because it's slow - are you working site or commercial? Reason I ask is because on domestic jobs I think it's the business. I admit it's slow though.

All commercial/domestic for me. I've had a couple of problems with very minute hairlines in it too on solid floors. Also, it sets a little soft compared to others. Having said that i've use it a fair bit without issue and it is very user friendly. I just prefer something a bit faster for 2nd washing and polishing.

 

[One Day]

It's interesting to chat about materials though. I've only ever had problems with BAL Superflex/ Micromax, and UCP. Had technical come out twice from BAL and twice from Mapei. Resolved each time thankfuly.
Yet to have any problems with 3000.... (watch this space I guess!)

As for slow soft grouts, what about Microflex?! Best white grout ever though.

 

[hmtiling]

I've had ucp 113 go patchy and no issues with mm2 apart from being caught out on a warm day. Mapei didn't want to know according to the tile shop and said it was user error. Fuga fresca sorted that one.
Micromax white smells funny though! Not that I purposely inhale a great deal.
The worst grout hands down is Weber pro joint! Horrendous tackle

 

[Knifey_Spoony]

You guys who don't like 3000 because it's slow - are you working site or commercial? Reason I ask is because on domestic jobs I think it's the business. I admit it's slow though.

Site work mate.No way would i want to use it on a domestic job.On site i tile Mon-Thurs then do all my grouting on Friday.That way,at the end of the day i give the grout a final go over before i go home.

If i was on a domestic job and only had 1 bathroom to grout am i going to have to hang around all day just to wait for it to dry?

 

[Qwerty]

If i was on a domestic job and only had 1 bathroom to grout am i going to have to hang around all day just to wait for it to dry?

Of course not. I get paid and have the rest of the day to do as I please. Domestic only work has it's perks!!!

 

[Rookery]

Everyone has their favourites and I think a lot of that is what you get used to. Mapei UCP all day for me, (I've never had an issue with it being patchy), except the white isn't white enough in my opinion. If I need a bright white for white tiles I use BAL Microflex. That's the only BAL grout I will use. I don't like Weber, Ardex FS is ok but only OK.