Grouting with cement-based grouts (ULTRAFUGA FLEX 2500)

Grouting with cement-based grouts (ULTRAFUGA FLEX 2500)

Before use, notice the instructions on the product packaging, including storage conditions, specifications, applications, Preparation process, and other technical information.

Joints should be clean and free of any dust and excess material. If there are any additional materials such as adhesive, dried mortar, etc. in the joints, remove them and clean the joints.

Required tools and materials

For proper grouting, the following tools and materials are required:

• Cement-based grout
• Proper bucket for preparation of grouts
• Electric mixer
• Rubber trowel
• Sponge for cleaning the joints

Preparation

• Prepare a suitable and clean container for mixing grout material. It is recommended to use plastic buckets with proper capacity.
• Considering the weather conditions and the humidity of the environment, pour the amount of water recommended by the manufacturer into the bucket. Then gently add the grouts to it.
• To achieve a uniform and homogeneous mixture, mix the grout with an electric mixer.
• After the initial mix, wait about 5-10 minutes for the mixture to achieve Acceptable consistency then mix it again for 1-2 minutes. Now the grout is ready to use.

Grouting and cleaning

• Before grouting, empty the joints of adhesive, dust, and other excess materials. The joints must be completely clean.
• The joint depth must be at least two-thirds of the ceramic tile thickness.
• Fill the joints with the prepared grout using a proper rubber trowel.
• Make sure the joints are completely filled and there is no cavity.
• Remove excess grout from the surface by moving the trowel obliquely.
• After about 10-20 minutes when the grout has lost its flexibility, clean the joints with a damp sponge by moving it obliquely.
• After the ceramic surface is dry, if the cementitious residues remain on the ceramic surface, clean it with a dry cloth and sweep the surface.

Warning and tips for grouting

• The joints should be completely cleaned and any excess material should be removed from the joints. In some cases, spacers may be stuck between the ceramic tiles. In these cases, if too much force is applied to remove the spacers, the ceramic tiles may also shift and detach from the substrate. On these occasions use a cutter to remove the spacers. Under no circumstances should spacers remain inside the joints.

• If cleaning the joints starts early, grouts may come out from the joints. On the other hand, late cleaning may cause the grout material to dry on the ceramic tile surface.
• Tools should be washed with plenty of water.
• Any change in the amount of water recommended by the manufacturer for mixing the grout will affect the characteristics and performance of the grout.
• Do not dilute cement-based grouts with water (as slurry).
• Do not add any additives that are not recommended by the manufacturer.
• Suitable ambient temperature for grouting with cement-based grouts is 5-35 °C, unless the manufacturer has suggested another temperature range.
• When mixing the grout is done, do not add excess water.
• If the ceramic tiles have anti-slip or relief surfaces, cover the edges with paper tape before grouting (as shown in the picture below)

• It is recommended to consider all aspects for selecting grout color. The selection of a grout color that contrasts with the tile will emphasize the grout joint and correspondingly any variations in tile size and position. On the other hand, When a similar color grout is used, it is often more difficult to see the haze left after the initial grout cleaning and extra care must be taken to remove all haze.