skip to main content

floor tile grout has turned white-ish color! help Bill V.

15 years ago

Dh and I are having a house built and the floor tile went in a couple weeks ago. It is a porcelain tile with a dark gray grout. The guy that did the job brought to our attention that there seems to be a kind of haze or white color on some of the grout( it is solid gray in places). He said he wasn't sure why because he did everything the way he normally does. The only thing that was different was the sealer he used which he said is fairly new (maybe just to him). It is a spray that dries quickly; I just happened to see the top of the can and it was priced about $24 !! Anyway, the builder looked at it today and said he thought it would "even out" by itself. Any idea what caused this or what it could be? I will try and get a picture, maybe that would help.

TIA

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (4)

bill_vincent
15 years ago
I don't know what the sealer recommends for drying time before using it on the grout, but 9 times out of 10, when the sealer turns white, it's because there was moisture in the grout, and you're going to have a bi*ch of a time getting rid of it. I won't even go into the aversion I have to aerosol sealers to start with.
evilbunnie
15 years ago
More to Bill's point I've heard that the dark grout colors can develop a whiter layer if there's too much water used in the mixing or in the cleanup, but apparently the white "scum" can be scrubbed off -- but maybe not after sealing.
Related Discussions
Tec Grout? Anyone familiar with colors? Bill V?
Q
Comments (10)
My 1 inch honed marble hex is going in today! I got it online at Builders Direct Depot for $10.95sf and have to say it is excellent quality. I saw it on Wild Ink blog and dreamed about it for a while!! Obviously we have not done the grout yet, I have narrowed it down toTec Deloreon Gray or Mist. I was worried the DG would be too dark. The mist is a tad lighter. My tile guy is going to do a sample of each so I can see. This bath will be used by the whole family so I want the grout to hide things! For the Subways I am going to go with Silverado, a very light gray. Do you think Deloreon Gray will be too dark? The pictures make the hex seem busier than it is. I am putting in a gray vanity painted amazing gray by sherwin williams. Thanks for the input! Grout is a tough decision! From Bathroom Renovation From Bathroom Renovation From Bathroom Renovation
...See More
Bill V. Question- Please Help w/Grout Problem in New Shower
Q
Comments (2)
I agree with his fix, although I'd be using siliconized latex caulk from the same company that made the grout. In fact, it shouldn't be "the fix". It should've been done that way in the first place. I would have him score out the rest of the grout in that joint around the shower and caulk the entire thing, because the rest of it WILL come out, sooner or later.
...See More
Please help pick a grout color ASAP!!! Bill V and everyone else!
Q
Comments (8)
Bill thanks, I am going to try to put pictures after he tiles. If you think there is another company that you like better please let me know, as I am going to Philadelphia Saturday to my sons, there are many tile places there. It's funny the samples I have home that they thought matched the best are straw from the one tile place and mushroom from the other. They both seem to blend or a little drker than the tile. Do you know of these 2 which comes out lighter when up. I want to stay lighter if I can.. Those paper samples are so deceiving. Thanks so much for your help.
...See More
Bill V or other Tile Experts - QuartzLock Grout Staining!
Q
Comments (7)
Epoxies don't come close... they got their pants on the ground! Ummmmm...... I HAVE used the QL2. It's not bad, but you might want to check out my reply in another thread in here comparing the QL2 to Spectralock. You just might see a difference of opinion! :-) One other thing-- Come on over to John Bridge's pro's forum. Alot of people in there would like to talk to you. Just as a Prod-- Henry Rothberg's takes the time, as do many of his reps!! LOL Below is the link-- I hope to see you over there! Here is a link that might be useful: John Bridge's Pros Hangout
...See More
bill_vincent
15 years ago
That white will show up immediately after drying, though. If it didn't show until after sealing, moisture in the grout while sealing is usually the culprit.
evilbunnie
15 years ago
I am learning so much.

Related Stories

TILE 5 Head-Turning Tile Styles for Backsplashes and More

By Karen Egly-Thompson

If plain subway tile would derail your bold decorating vision, these dashing tiles can help you arrive at a brilliant solution

TILE Epoxy vs. Cement Grout — What's the Difference?

By By Any Design Ltd.

Grout is grout, right? Nope. Cement and epoxy versions have different appearances, durability and rules of installation

TILE 3 Key Steps for Grouting That Looks Its Best

By By Any Design Ltd.

Get your grout right to keep your tile beautiful and for an installation that will last

LIFE Turn Off the Video Games and Turn On Your Kid's Creativity

By Alison Hodgson

Going nuts planning summer activities? Kids overdosing on screen time? It may be time to foster more self-directed play

HOUSEKEEPING How to Clean Grout — Stains and All

If your grout is grossing you out, this deep-cleaning method will help it look new again

BATHROOM DESIGN Convert Your Tub Space Into a Shower — the Tiling and Grouting Phase

By By Any Design Ltd.

Step 3 in swapping your tub for a sleek new shower: Pick the right tile and test it out, then choose your grout color and type

SHOWERS Turn Your Shower Niche Into a Design Star

By Becky Harris

Clear glass surrounds have raised the design bar for details such as shampoo and soap shelves. Here are 4 standouts

WOOD Knotty and Nice: Highly Textured Wood Has a Modern Revival

By Mary Jo Bowling

Whether it's cedar, fir or pine, if a wood has a knot, it's hot

HOUZZ TOURS My Houzz: A Circle of Friends Turns a Dallas House Into a Home

By Sarah Greenman

Homeowners enlist help from friends to remodel, build an addition and decorate their home

SELLING YOUR HOUSE 10 Tricks to Help Your Bathroom Sell Your House

By Mink Home Staging

As with the kitchen, the bathroom is always a high priority for home buyers. Here’s how to showcase your bathroom so it looks its best

Sponsored

More Discussions

Minimum space between backlit led mirror and wall

1

Should a gasket be used top shower wall bracket and sturdiness of wal

3

What are these countertop spots?

16

Powder Room design

0

remodeling basement bathroom.

0