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TB18
GROUT COLOR: WHY DOES IT LOOK DIFFERENT?
Technical Bulletin
Technical Services 800-282-8786
custombuildingproducts.com
GROUT COLOR
Color comprises a large and important portion of our
lives. The magic of color interaction is that our
perception of a color changes when the color is
viewed under different conditions. The way color
appears is affected by the environment in which the
color is seen.
Rarely do we see a single, isolated color. They are
always seen next to other colors. Hue, value and
intensity describe a color as we see it; however, these
attributes can dramatically change when the color is
placed in the context of surrounding colors and
materials of different textures. Some combinations are
naturally pleasing and some colors clash with each
other based on their position in the color spectrum.
A grout color selected in a brightly lit show room can
appear quite different after installation, depending on
the colors in the room and the interior lighting
conditions. It is frustrating (and expensive) to install a
colored grout with the perfect tone for a particular
scheme, only to discover that it appears to have a
different shade when applied between the tiles.
Changes in color perception occur whether we want
them to or not, so it is critical for project owners and
designers to understand how colors interact and to
anticipate those interactions.
CURING OF THE GROUT
Cement grouts cure by hydration of the cement in the
grout. The color of the hydrated cement is generally
lighter than that of the un-hydrated cement. If the
grout is not fully cured, it may not yet have achieved
the color that was selected from the color cards or
sample grout channels. It is important to mix grout
powder with the proper water ratio and follow
manufacturer’s directions for the installation of the
grout to obtain the correct color. Higher
performance
cement grouts like Prism® will cure quickly, and in many
cases, reach the desired color sooner than traditional
cement grout. To
assure the accuracy of the color in
your
project, and not be dependent on the cure state
of the grout, use a Single Component® grout like Fusion
Pro® or an epoxy grout like CEG-Lite™ in your tile
project. These grouts do not rely on hydration of the
cement and the differing colors of the hydration states.
The resins and pigments in these formulas will maintain
the same color throughout their curing cycle. Fusion
Pro will cure to the same color regardless of the tile
type, substrate or environmental conditions.
GROUT TEXTURE
The texture and finish of installed grout are a result of
the type of grout used and the installation and finishing
techniques used by the installer. Surface texture and
finish alter the way color is perceived. Rough, textured
areas of raised sand in a sanded grout will appear
darker in color. Smooth areas found with non-sanded
grout and over-worked sanded grout will appear
lighter in color.
Today, it is not uncommon to find different types of
grout on the floor (e.g., epoxy grout) and the wall
(e.g., cement grout) plus a silicone sealant used in the
corners and movement joints. All of these materials
have slightly different textures and can therefore
appear as different colors, even though they were
color matched to the same color standard. The source
of lighting that a tile installation is exposed to can also
accentuate surface irregularities by casting shadows
on the tile surface and grout joints and affect the
perceived color of each.
LIGHTING
Metamerism is the phenomenon of colors changing
when viewed in different light sources. The grout color
that looked great with the tile in the showroom is not
even close when installed. The problem is the light
source. You may have picked the grout color in the
showroom under fluorescent lighting but the installation
site may be in a mix of daylight and incandescent
lighting. The perceived color of the different types of
grout, printed samples, plastic channels and ceramic
tile will change as the light source changes and most
of the time the change is not in the same direction. It is
important that you view the grout and tile combination
in the lighting found on the project. Creating a test
panel and evaluating it in the location of the intended
installation is highly recommended for any tile
installation.
TB18
GROUT COLOR: WHY DOES IT LOOK DIFFERENT?
Technical Bulletin
Technical Services 800-282-8786
custombuildingproducts.com
MAINTENANCE
Unfortunately, the color of many grouts will not remain
the same over time. As the grout becomes
contaminated with spills and even cleaning agents,
the perceived color will drift. Sealing a cement grout
with Aqua Mix® Sealers Choice® Gold or installing stain
resistant grout like Fusion Pro or CEG-Lite will make it
easier to clean and maintain the original color longer.
Note that epoxy resin will yellow when exposed to the
UV from sunlight and this can result in color shifts for
epoxy grout. To keep the original, intended color as
long as possible, it is important to install as well as
maintain the grout based on the manufacturer’s
directions.
The information in this bulletin is presented in good faith, but no
warranty,
express or implied, is given nor is freedom from any
patent in as much as
any assistance furnished by CUSTOM with
reference to the safe use and disposal of its products provided
without charge. Custom Building Products assumes no obligation or
liability therefore, except to the extent that any such assistance shall
be given in good faith.
TB18 5/16R
TB20
CAUSES
Inconsistent grout color is a condition where colored grout dries
to its expected color in some areas, a darker color in other areas,
and varying shades in between. The main cause for this variation
in color is uneven drying of the Portland cement in the grout.
There are job site conditions and factors which create the
conditions for uneven drying and improper cement hydration.
Inconsistent grout color is not considered a manufacturing defect
due to the inconsistent nature of Portland cement. Portland
cement is a natural product, mined from the ground, with inherent
properties which cannot be completely controlled.
Colored grouts, like concrete, are a combination of Portland
cement and an inert aggregate. It is not uncommon for concrete
driveways or sidewalks to show discoloration and inconsistent
color. Like colored grout, this is mainly due to the uneven drying
of the cement. Unlike grout, this is an understood and accepted
fact. Because of grout’s decorative aspect, inconsistent color
creates an unacceptable look to the installation.
PREVENTATIVE CONTROL FACTORS
Evaluation of the job conditions and the materials to be used are
the primary controlling factors that determine the outcome of the
job and help minimize inconsistent grout color.
As in all cases, if proper precautions are taken before a job is
started, many problems that are within the realm of your control
may be prevented, assuring a satisfactory job. The following is a
suggested checklist to produce the best possible results when
grouting a ceramic tile installation:
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Use the same person to mix the grout and maintain the same
mixing technique throughout the job.
w
Dry mix the entire grout bag if only one bag is used. Dry mix
bags of grout together if more than one is used.
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Wait at least 24 hours before grouting a dry-set installation,
48 hours for organic (mastic), 72 hours for conventional
mortar bed.
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Maintain uniform width and depth of the grout joints.
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Remove all tile spacers and debris.
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Leave 2/3 of the joint open for grout.
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Plan grouting to not join in conspicuous areas.
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Shade tile work in hot or windy conditions to prevent
rapid drying.
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Mix grout thoroughly by hand or with a low RPM (300 rpm)
power mixer.
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Always mix the grout powder into the liquid.
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Mix grout to a stiff, creamy, paste-like consistency.
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Allow grout to rest (slake) once mixed, then remix.
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Discard grout when it becomes too stiff to work.
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Use the same procedure to grout all areas.
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Use a rubber grout float to remove grout from tile during
installation.
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Allow grout to firm in the joint before any further cleaning.
Porcelain tile will require more time. Grout is firm when it
can only slightly be indented when pressed hard with
your fingernail.
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Use as little water as possible for clean-up. Use a small pore
hydro grout sponge or cheesecloth.
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Change bucket wash water often.
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Buff the tile surface and grout with a cheesecloth or clean, dry
towel within one (1) to two (2) hours to remove all water and
grout residue from the surface of the grout.
w
Lightly mist with clean, cool water for 72 hours to ensure slow,
even curing.
If minor shade variations occur, they will disappear over time. In
most cases, shading occurs mainly on the surface of the grout,
and can be removed 7 to 10 days after grout is installed with
TileLab® Sulfamic Acid Cleaner. For specific cleaning procedures,
contact CUSTOM® Technical Services.
Colored grout is a natural and beautiful companion to any tile
installation. The result of proper application and techniques will
produce a grout installation that is stronger, harder, smoother,
denser and more uniform in color.
REFERENCE DOCUMENTS
ANSI A108.10
NTCA Reference Manual A-21
MMSA Bulletin No. 9
Technical Services 800-282-8786
custombuildingproducts.com
Technical Bulletin
MINIMIZING GROUT SHADING
©2013 6/13R
The information in this bulletin is presented in good faith, but no warranty,
express or implied, is given nor is freedom from any patent in as much as
any assistance furnished by CUSTOM® with reference to the safe use
and
disposal of its products provided without charge. Custom
®
Building Products
assumes no obligation or liability therefore, except to the extent that any such
assistance shall be given in good faith.
TB17
Portland cement grout darkens when wet. This is especially
noticeable with colored sanded grouts that remain dark while
wet in areas such as shower stalls, steam rooms, sunken
tubs, pools and spas. In shower stalls, the floor and the first
several rows on the wall areas will darken immediately after
getting wet. These areas will remain dark until the water
evaporates or drains out.
Shower areas may dry, leaving a dark or discolored look to the
shower base and stall due to contaminants that may be
present in the water. These contaminants include soap,
shampoo, conditioner, soap scum, body oils, hard water
minerals and dirt.
Improper drainage or insufficient slope may prevent proper
drying. Blocked weep holes at the shower base may allow
moisture to collect in the lower areas of the stall. Slow drains
will allow standing water to collect in the lower portion of the
stall, which can leave stains from dirty or soapy water.
Normal cleaning is usually sufficient to remove surface
accumulation. Use a neutral TileLab® cleaner with a nylon
scrub pad or brush. Installations that experience hard water
spotting or deep deposits can be cleaned with a mild solution
of TileLab® Sulfamic Acid Cleaner. Please contact CUSTOM®
Technical Services for additional corrective procedures.
Technical Services 800-282-8786
custombuildingproducts.com
Technical Bulletin
DARKENING OF GROUT JOINTS IN WET AREAS
©2013 6/13R
The information in this bulletin is presented in good faith, but no warranty,
express or implied, is given nor is freedom from any patent in as much as
any assistance furnished by CUSTOM® with reference to the safe use
and
disposal of its products provided without charge. Custom
®
Building Products
assumes no obligation or liability therefore, except to the extent that any such
assistance shall be given in good faith.
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