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Flooring Remodeling Design Dilemma

How do I fix uneven grout color and low grout joints?

3 years ago

last modified: 3 years ago

Just had a contractor install 8x48 wood look tile. He apparently had never used Mapei Ultracolor Plus FE grout that is supposed to not need sealed & is quick set because he admitted he just mixed it up & then had a hard lesson of getting the excess grout up because it set up very quickly. He obviously didn't read instructions and some areas are lighter than others. I am assuming from too much water or wiping too much. Overall, the color is lighter than it should have been. There are also some low areas of grout where you can slightly see the edge of tile (probably wiped some away). Not sure it is something we want ripped up & redone as it is 350 sq. ft. & not super bad. Just some areas. Will a grout sealer darken the grout some? What about a grout refresher? Mapei makes one in the color the grout was supposed to be. What about the low joints? Will a colorant also cover the slight tile edges that show? Or can more grout be added on top. It has been close to 48 hrs now. If I do a sealer or refresher how long should I wait?

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Comments (6)

PRO
Patricia Colwell Consulting
3 years ago
My crystal ball is out for service post pictures and you might get some help.
PRO
Filipe Custom Woodwork
3 years ago
I would call Mapei direct to see what they advice since it is their product.

Here is the info.

http://www.mapei.com/US-EN/document.asp?IDCartella=2336
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Jill Garman
Original Author
3 years ago
I can't really get a pic of the slight variations in color but here is the low grout I am talking about. You can see the white edges of the tile in areas.
PRO
Skippack Tile & Stone
3 years ago
From the photos it doesn't look like it's a rectified tile; which may account for some of the low spots. You can use the grout refresh which is a colorant to go over the joints. But, it won't darken the tile edges.
Jill Garman
Original Author
3 years ago
It says on the box it is a rectified tile. Did he not put enough grout in? What can we do about that?
John S
2 years ago
Hi all - does this grout look too low? It’s tough on my feet in both of my newly renovated bathrooms. Seems like tiles are uneven in some spots. Grout is level with one tile then low on the one next to it. Any recommendations on how to fix?

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