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Grout Advice for Polished Marble Tile - Pre-Mixed Ok?

7 years ago

Hi All! I have a question - we've installed Polished Carrara Marble Subway tile backsplash in the kitchen. The joints are 1/16" and I know that an unsanded grout should technically be used. After researching a lot, it seems that there can be some color inconsistencies in the grout, if the unsanded grout is not mixed perfectly. My preference would be to use a pre-mixed grout like the Flexcolor cq, Tec powerGrout 550, or Plasma; however, I'm VERY concerned that it might scratch the polished marble tiles. I will definitely be doing a test area; BUT, I don't want to have to buy all 3 grouts to see which one doesn't scratch. I'm wondering if anyone has used any of those 3 pre-mixed ones on polished marble with great results (no scratching, no picture framing stains etc). Any advice would be greatly appreciated! I've been putting off buying the grout for these reasons and we need to get it done.

Oh, and If its not recommended to use a pre-mixed grout for marble tile, can anyone recommend a great unsanded grout to use that will not have color consistency issues? Cost isn't a factor - I want to buy the best and only the best as this project has cost us a lot of money already, it looks beautiful and I don't want it ruined with the wrong grout choice. My first thought was to use Tec Accucolor; but, not sure if it has color inconsistencies if mixed incorrectly, or too much water is used on wipe off? Thanks so much!

Featured Answer

Anthony

5 years ago

Hi, switched to the mapei kericolor unsanded and used the additive instead of water and it came out flawless, no scratches , went on and in easily . Seems to be a better product for the polished tile.

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Comments (6)

Mike Gifford
7 years ago
I've only used the pre-mixed grout a few times, not a big fan.

The instructions for cement grout warn about color variation but, in 20+ years of installing tile, I never had an issue. You can get color variation if you add more water to the grout after it's started to set up. The bigger concern there is that it will weaken the grout.

Another cause of color variation is using different bags. If the job calls for more than one bag of grout, you're supposed to "box" them (mix them together).

A kitchen backsplash is unlikely to need more than one bag (probably only a quarter of a bag.)

My advice would be to use un-sanded cement grout. For 1/16th joints, add water and mix it until it's about the consistency of peanut butter or just a bit wetter. Let it set for about 5 minutes to "slake" then mix it up again.

As for the brand: PolyBlend by Custom, Laticrete, and SGM are a few I've had good luck with. I've heard but never saw first-hand that Mapei had color variation issues.

If you have to use the pre-mixed stuff, it won't scratch your marble. Pre-mixed grout typically contains sand (silica) which won't scratch the marble but will be difficult to get into 1/16th joints so you will probably end up with several unsightly holes in the grout that will need to be touched up.
tlhorne thanked Mike Gifford
PRO
Avanti Tile & Stone / Stonetech
7 years ago
The Fusion Pro is my "go to" grout. It will NOT scratch your tile.....
tlhorne thanked Avanti Tile & Stone / Stonetech
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Be sure to use a quality sealer BEFORE grouting. Let the sealer fully cure before proceeding. Good sealer will cost $40 a quart or more. Ultrasolve is a personal favorite, Bulletproof, and AM sealers choice gold are all excellent.
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I just used the Mapei flexcolor cq, avalanch on polished Carrara venally marble tile. Yes it did scratch a bit, and yes I sealed it. It went into the 1/16 joints perfectly, but in bright daylight I can see light scratches.
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