New shower has grout discoloration
Paula_1997
11 years ago
Featured Answer
Sort by:Oldest
Comments (7)
MongoCT
11 years agoRelated Discussions
Grout Discoloration
Comments (6)The listello grout looks darker because I used an enhancer on it. I was very careful to only get the enhancer on the listello grout, and that was months before this dark grout joint appeared. Bill, I looked back through pictures I took during construction, and all I see is that Permabase was used behind the tile. I don't see anything different about this area of the Permabase. By the way, the dark grout hasn't "grown" any more in the past 24 hours....See MoreNew Grout Discoloration Issues
Comments (9)Hi, as a retired tiler of 25 years experience I can tell you of three grout discolour problems. Firstly however I observe that there are a number of different types of tile grout out there, and each has to be mixed, applied and cleaned up in its own way. If your tiler is an experienced tradesman he or she will know how to mix and apply the product selected. For instance, conventional portland cement based grouts can me mixed either thick or thin - from tooth paste like consistency to pourable like cream, and can be cleaned up without over concern about how much water you use or whether the clean up water is kept fresh or not. These grouts are probably the most fool proof, but will allow efflorescence to develop over time on say shower walls and floors. Grouts based on an aluminum version of cement must not be mixed too thin, rather like tooth paste, and MUST NOT be cleaned up with lots of water - the dryer the better on the sponge. Two problems I have encountered with these grouts is that if mixed too thin so as to allow troweling on rather than applying with blades and spatulas the resultant grout will be chalky and weak. I also had one job where the grout (a light grey) was patchy on drying. Consultation with the importer threw up a number of suggestions such as contaminated mix water (but why did every batch show strong variation within each batch, rather than a consistent discolouration for each batch) and inadequate mixing (definitely not as I had used the same procedure with a very great number of jobs over many years without this colour variation). Tried using store bought water - same outcome. Dud batch possibility, but the grout colour is a very popular one and the importer had had no other complaints, or so he said. Then took notice of a very stubborn waxy coating on the tiles. This was a Chinese practise to prevent the tiles being damaged in transport and handling. Tile suppliers variously reported problems getting this wax off on completion of the job, but that is another issue. The possibility was that the wax was interfering with the grout, in some way. Provided samples of the "contaminated" grout to three firms who all swore they could find out what the contaminant was, but all subsequently ran for cover and provided no analysis. In the end I cut all the old grout out (130 sq meters of it) and replaced it all with epoxy grout. Problem gone - happy customer - wiser tiler. This brings me to the third type of grout I am familiar with and that is the epoxy grouts. They are two part, need precision in mixing, and must be applied with steel blades rather like say putty. Clean up is with ample water - the more the better. Most tilers hate epoxies because they are considerably more work to apply. They have the virtues however that the colour as applied is the colour you wind up with, and they are waterproof and so will not cooperate with efflorescence and will not harbour moulds or stains. Great for bathrooms and kitchens. Ideal? Not quite. The white version of everyone's epoxy slightly yellows with age, and not uniformly. All other colours seem to be "colour fast". As to your problem I suggest you try one of the paint on epoxy grout colourants. These can work really well but you need a test area to see if it does OK over the old grout. An easy job for a home owner to do - just follow the instructions. The epoxy colourant will also help with efflorescence because it helps close up the porosity in conventional grouts. Failing this the only fix it to remove all the old grout and replace with epoxy grout. That definitely is not a home owner's job. Sorry. Hope it all works out....See MoreNew tile and grout has discoloration
Comments (3)I'm no tile expert, but my best guess is that the bucket caused that area to dry at a different rate than the other grout. How long has it been since the grout was finished? Does the grout color you chose match the dark color that is on the majority of the tile? It's pretty amazing that you actually happen to have photos of the bucket sitting there...lucky you! There is no way they can deny that! I'm sure whatever happened, it'll get fixed....See MoreGrout discolored on 6 month old shower floor
Comments (9)The oddest indicator to me is your first photo, the sliver of "whiteness" on the floor along the wall in the left part of the photo. If that is truly there and not a photo anomaly, I'd not think the problem originates with the grout itself. I'd venture it has to do with something done post-installation; the cleaning, or the sealing. So many variables, but the overall blotchniness? Could be the application and use of the product used to clean the grout shmears off of the stone. If the texture of the grout was changed during the cleaning process, the sand papery grout can hold shower residue; soap and shampoo product, etc. Same with sealer use. If the sealer pooled in some areas versus others, or if the sealer dried on the surface, it can become tacky on a micro-level. You may not feel it, but it can hold dirt off the bottom of your feet, or hold shower residue. The following two things will typically whiten grout versus causing it to go darker: Could be efflorescence, but with the linear drain I'm guessing you have a surface applied membrane under the tile. Efflorescence is more common when tiling over an improperly built mud bed or a slab. Could be latex leaching. Latex leaching can be effected by water usage during the installation, as well as an insufficient grout drying/curing time before the shower was used. Latex leaching will typically lighten a surface, but the latex can hold dirt. No solid answers from me. Just speculation....See MorePaula_1997
11 years agoPaula_1997
11 years agotwotzus
11 years agoMichele Engler_Cummings
last yearSherry Johnson
10 months ago
Related Stories
TILEEpoxy vs. Cement Grout — What's the Difference?
Grout is grout, right? Nope. Cement and epoxy versions have different appearances, durability and rules of installation
Full StoryREMODELING GUIDES9 Ways Grout–Yes, Grout–Can Add to Your Design
Choose From a Palette of Grout Colors for a Warm, Unified Look
Full StoryTILE3 Key Steps for Grouting That Looks Its Best
Get your grout right to keep your tile beautiful and for an installation that will last
Full StoryBATHROOM DESIGNConvert Your Tub Space Into a Shower — the Tiling and Grouting Phase
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
Full StoryHOUSEKEEPINGHow to Clean Grout — Stains and All
If your grout is grossing you out, this deep-cleaning method will help it look new again
Full StoryBATHROOM TILEQuick Fix: Repair Cracked Bathroom Grout
Banish an eyesore and safeguard your bathroom from water damage in 30 minutes or less with this DIY repair
Full StoryKITCHEN DESIGNSubway Tile Picks Up Gray Grout
Heading into darker territory, subway tile offers a graphic new look for kitchens, bathrooms and more
Full StoryBATHROOM DESIGNThe Case for a Curbless Shower
A Streamlined, Open Look is a First Thing to Explore When Renovating a Bath
Full StoryBATHROOM DESIGNShower Curtain or Shower Door?
Find out which option is the ideal partner for your shower-bath combo
Full StorySHOWERSYour Guide to Shower Floor Materials
Discover the pros and cons of marble, travertine, porcelain and more
Full Story
attofarad