How to grout, Step by step. Stain resistant grouts, Mapei Ultracolor plus FA or similar

[@devduguay2814]

This guy is the best tiling expert on KZbin, much respect

[@SalDiBlasi]

Thanks for watching my video.

[@LeroyJenkins-nn5go]

Mapei must have updated their installation instructions, my bag of 5077 Frost UltraColor Plus FA says mix for 4-5 minutes at 350 RPM then spread immediately, no slake. I had my wife help with the cleanup while I grouted our bedroom floor tile no problems. I used the tips from your videos to spread self leveling cement, lay the tile and grout, all Mapei products, and had no problems at all. The only thing I did wrong was that I didn't remove the leveling clips and finish cleaning the grout lines the day after I set the tile which led to the thinset hardening up all the way making it a PITA to remove, Overall it was a very successful DIY project, much thanks Sal!

[@SalDiBlasi]

Yes, manufacturers are always tweaking products. Glad you had great results.

[@damfriedchicken9159]

Im 19 years old and im a tile apprentice with my dad and lately we’ve been doing some crappy grout jobs! Lots of air bubbles and discoloration learned that we’re using too much water and not mixing the grout according to the instructions! Im learning alot from your videos and want to say thanks for taking the time to do these it really does help ! -Greetings from Arizona

[@SalDiBlasi]

Greetings from Boston. Sometimes little things can make a big difference.

[@Dggb2345]

Amen brother!

[@SikDigitz]

Get premixed

[@Titantitan001]

@@SikDigitz no that stuff is garbage. Just mix the grout properly with a slow speed drill. Make sure you aren’t leaving any water on top of the joints.

[@aoclive6710]

This is a brutal labor intensive trade. I am doing Reno’s to my kitchen and washroom and removing the grout has been hell. Make sure you gents are well paid for your time

[@laurenharper1510]

I’m a lady tiler and home remodeler. I’ve been following you for years. I’m so very grateful. Thank you dear Sir for helping people!

[@SalDiBlasi]

You are very welcome

[@singncarpenter6270]

I've got to thank you again Sal. I just finished tiling my bathroom floor and tomorrow I'm doing the grout. I've watched a lot of your videos preparing for different stages of my projects as I remodel my house. I'm in my mid sixties and it's hard work. I've got to hand it to you for doing this for a living. It's back breaking work and you make it look easy. It's not easy.

[@SalDiBlasi]

Thanks for watching my video.

[@BrooklynTony1]

27:11 was the smallest big question I had. Thank you so much Uncle Sal 😎❤️

[@andraea_346]

Good point out with the low angle vs high angle. I haven’t heard it explained that way but makes sense

[@jmacintyre2039]

Advance to 5:00 there is some important info, then again to 9:30 and watch from there, will save you some chat. All in all, good video and informative. Really appreciate the pros like this fella doing these videos to help out us green weenies!

[@jenniferw8963]

Sal, thank you so much for this wonderful video tutorial! My boyfriend and I both watched this video carefully a couple times. We started using this Mapei Ultracolor Plus FA (biscuit cover on ceramic travertine colored tiles in pinwheel pattern). It turned out so wonderful! Since we are a bit slow we only mixed like 5 lbs of grout powder with the 2 cups of water, as the grout in the bucket started drying out pretty fast. We did everything you said and it turned out so beautiful. This whole job looks professional! It would of cost $7000 to have someone do all we did in this kitchen, yet we spent under $1500 for it all. Thanks again! This Mapei Ultracolor Plus FA isn't all that bad at all as logn as you do it in sections and do everything on time.. so easy really! This is the first time either of us have ever laid down any grout!

[@amykelly1608]

Followed your step by step guide and, as a first time grouter, it turned out perfectly. Thanks for sharing. 👏🏼👍🏼💪🏻

[@SalDiBlasi]

Wonderful!

[@xavierblauvelt7595]

Thank you for the great video! I tried to make a video doing some stuff and it really takes up a lot of time and slows you down tremendously, so i gave up. It's people like you that make DIY'ers greater. Thank you again!

[@SalDiBlasi]

Glad it was helpful!

[@yibuseato]

Your videos are so incredibly helpful, Sal. I can’t thank you enough for sharing your expertise with us. 👍

[@SalDiBlasi]

Glad you like them!

[@steveperreira5850]

Sal is the saint of tile! Thank you so much Sal!

[@doc-holiday]

The best grouting video i seen by far. You answered a few question for me. Thank you Sir

[@subarutime5089]

How do you stay clean i look like a baker when im done .

[@buckeye44wbg]

Thanks for the step by step, Sal.

[@AB-bo9rp]

BRILLIANT video ! Thanks for sharing Your vital trove of knowledge! Love the Boston accent! CHEERS !

[@SalDiBlasi]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@AB-bo9rp]

@@SalDiBlasi A pleasure Mr DiBlasi ! ;-)

[@billycarson3408]

Sal everyone has seen your videos, your a legend. Good video sir

[@SalDiBlasi]

😊👍

[@bradyoung1052]

I really appreciate the details in your videos. Your experience shows.

[@SalDiBlasi]

😊👍

[@4315chris]

It's all in the details! I've been cleaning grout the wrong way for years and can't believe how much easier it is when done the way you explain. I appreciate your years of experience and tile wisdom!

[@SalDiBlasi]

Glad to help!

[@RockyMTHirvi]

Thanks Sal. I followed your demonstration instructions on how to grout with this Mapei Ultracolor plus FA for my first grouting of ceramic tile. It went well and my wife even says, " looks great!" So, thank you sir!

[@SalDiBlasi]

Glad it was helpful!

[@stephanbill8966]

Went through this video a few times and read all the comments about the short working time of Mapei Ultracolor Plus FA. Everything worked out well. Luckily it was a cool day. I made a small one pound batch to start with and then a two pound batch. That worked well. Using a paint mixing paddle to mix the grout worked very well. The instructions on my bag are slightly different from what you showed. It says to mix 4-5 minutes and to apply immediately, No slake and remixing. Anyways that's what I did and it worked fine. Thanks for your videos. I appreciate to see an expert at work. Sometimes it seems so easy when someone else is doing it. Another side note: I have a problem keeping my work clean. I always get mortar on my fingers that then goes to the tiles and I am constantly wiping and cleaning. I guess this comes with practice. Again thanks a lot.

[@SalDiBlasi]

Yes the mixing directions have changed a bit since this video was made, that is why you always check to see if something has been updated or modified in some way, by reading the directions.

[@ksard4142]

I used this to do a 7x5 bathroom and linen closet. I chilled the water in the fridge and had plenty of time to do the whole floor. Great video. It really helped me feel confident on my first tile job.

[@SalDiBlasi]

Thanks, glad it helped

[@terrim.602]

I'm getting ready to regrout the entire bottom floor in our new house. There is a lot chipping and peices of grout falling out in all rooms including bathrooms upstairs. I'm using Prism brand. Thank you for helping with technique and mixing advice!

[@josephmockbee]

Sal, you make it look easy. Thanks for your channel

[@SalDiBlasi]

Thanks for watching

[@lisavizzini9416]

Sal you are the best. Thank you ! Watched this video 4x today while grouting.

[@SalDiBlasi]

Thanks, glad it helped

[@lisavizzini9416]

Sal DiBlasi we found out on one section to pay close attention to the “tip of the finger “ test for ready to clean. The day was heating up and we had an “oh s$&t” moment followed by a 1/2 hour of intense clean with the realization that we are amateurs. Let me know if I can post a photo and tag you on Instagram. You are a generous talented person. Thank you

[@SalDiBlasi]

saldiblasi1

[@TobiasRaphael1]

Beautiful job Sal. You are one hard working guy! Thanks for all the tips too!

[@SalDiBlasi]

👍😊

[@ScottyLo]

Another great tutorial. As always thanks for sharing your knowledge.

[@SalDiBlasi]

😊👍

[@JM-ct7yz]

I just want to thank you for your videos, Sal i really appreciate it!

[@SalDiBlasi]

👍😊

[@davidgrenda5783]

great video. Before watching your video I was about to take the grout back and get the old cement grout. Got afraid of all the comments about it hardening too quickly. Thanks for calming my nerves. Seems like all I need to do is sponge quickly but the pot life should be OK. Thanks

[@davidgrenda5783]

Just an update. At 65 degrees and using cold water, the pot life was well over 2 hours. Took about 45-60 minutes before I could sponge. Under those conditions, there was no problem doing 75 sq ft of 12" tile. Very easy for a first time DIY install under these conditions.

[@thomasnorthcastle4130]

I had absolute HELL to pay the first time I used Mapei FA. My clients cold water had some warm water infiltration due to a incorrectly installed tankless hot water heater. This caused RAPID setting. You are 100% correct about following the mixing instructions. I originally thought that there was to much water in my first mix and so I reduced the water in the second. YUGE mistake!!! After using old school grouts, the open working time is far greater than it is with Mapei FA. After grouting the back wall, I went back to wipe down and to my surprise, it had already set to the point of steel. It took me almost a week of painstakingly scraping the tile with razor blades to remove the surface grout and overage in the joints. It was one of my most embarrassing client jobs but I was able to get it corrected. I suggest using ice cold water to mix in the future.

[@SalDiBlasi]

The type of tile and substrate will also affect the time it takes to set, that is why I always check the grout as i apply it to see how quick it fires off. Once you get the feel for it, it becomes very easy to judge how long to let it sit. I suggest, grout a small section of wall tile, test the grout to see how it is going. if not ready for cleaning, do the same amount and test again, and so on. This will tell you if it is setting up fast or needs more time. By the time you get to the next wall, you will know how much you can spread before it goes off and needs to be cleaned. Same for floors.

[@thomasnorthcastle4130]

Sal DiBlasi thanks. I have never made that same mistake again.

[@ibrahimwehbe1153]

I just did my bathroom according to your instructions Same grout It came out perfect 🙏🙏🙏

[@stephaniestrobel3331]

This is great. Like having a very patient expert friend to explain and demonstrate. Gives me courage to give it it try. Thank you!

[@SalDiBlasi]

Thanks for watching my video.

[@stephaniestrobel3331]

I went ahead and did it. It turned out great!😃

[@healthballnut]

Thank you Sal, I just finished my shower using this product. Thankfully I watched this video. It is a wonderful product and I am very pleased with how it turned out but you really need to understand how fast it can set up. I have been doing tile work for 40 years but always with cement grout, mostly sanded grout. I think I will be using this product from now on, no expensive sealer to deal with and this grout is fairly reasonable in cost, 21.00 CAD for a 10 pound bag, I used a high gloss 8x12 ceramic tile, and the house was 73 F and 48 % humidity. I followed the instructions to the letter and I went and bought the same mixer you used. The consistency turned out the same as the cement mixed grout I have always mixed just by experience. This was the first time I measured water for tile grout in over 20 years. I did the large wall of my shower in 10 minutes. I had set a timer for 15 minutes to check as the instructions said 15 to 30 minutes. At 10 minutes the first section of tile I had done was ready to go, so I wiped it down rinsed it and buffed it with a microfiber. It turned out beautiful. From start to finish of a 5 foot by 7 foot wall, I was done in 30 minutes. Incredible., cement based could have taken me at least 3 or 4 times as long. Thanks again for sharing your experience. You are the best tile teacher on You Tube. Your videos are not the highest quality, who cares, your information is first class. Take care and keep up the good work.

[@SalDiBlasi]

Thanks for watching my videos, sorry that the quality is not the best, I am working on that, but then again, I am a tile guy not a videographer.

[@healthballnut]

Sal, you have nothing to be sorry about. I was kidding about your video quality. Many people on You Tube making professional looking movies that are full of misinformation. Your home made movies show what an amazing tile setter you are.and you teach so many people the right way to do tile work. Thank you so much and I hope you have a great 2021.

[@SalDiBlasi]

😊👍

[@MAGAMAN]

I'm using some of this stuff this weekend. The manual no longer says to let it Slake. It says to use it immediately. The tip on checking the grout so see if it is ready to wipe will probably save me a lot of grief. My first grout job was a mess, but this is a small bathroom so this should go much better. Of course I thought tiling it would go much better, but small spaces suck to tile and this area took me twice as long to tile as a much larger area I had done before.

[@RickSaxon]

Nice job….. learned a lot!

[@TURNKEYiNK]

Hey Sal. Been a long time since I watched one of your videos. KZbin brought you back in my suggestion list. Wonder if that means another tiling project is in my near future! Lol.

[@ritajacoby9081]

A clear, consise demonstration and info Thankyou Sal..I removed 4 loose floor tiles on the bathroom floor and back-buttered them for good contact with the floor.. Now am ready to apply grout to the seams. Wish me luck..

[@SalDiBlasi]

😊👍

[@garywithrow3637]

I like to thank you very much you taught me a lot just a short. of time I don't think I will be afraid to use the rapid of dry grout now

[@SalDiBlasi]

😊👍

[@andyeverett1957]

Looks like grouting gets your heart rate up? Thanks for sharing your hard earned expertise. Subscribed.

[@ohu8one221]

Nice Video Sal helped me a bunch I was just getting ready to start the grouting but wanted to run through it on the video first. I've been playing Dentist picking all the Ultra flex 2 out and making sure everything was clean and ready before mixing up a batch of Mapei Ultracolor Plus FA.

[@SalDiBlasi]

Glad it helped

[@Grant_S_M]

Another great video, Sal. Thank you. The FA line has been the best thing to come along in a long time (imo) :)

[@SalDiBlasi]

it is good stuff.

[@janeofcrafts]

Thanks Sal for explaining the difference between the types of grout. I am about to tackle a bathroom floor and a little nevous about which to pick.

[@SalDiBlasi]

new grouts coming out all the time, Laticrete has a game changer ready for market., should be available very soon.

[@الطيرالحر-خ8خ]

you are the best Sal. keep up the good work.

[@SalDiBlasi]

Thanks, will do!

[@jasonkaminski6230]

great information as always!

[@SalDiBlasi]

Glad it was helpful!

[@jamesbilof4201]

Sal, you are the man !!!!! You hiring?

[@SalDiBlasi]

Sorry

[@NativeNYerChicHK]

Because I’m a bit of a perfectionist, and so nervous about measuring & mixing improperly, I’ve been meticulous about my measurements and mixing the same way each time I mix a new batch of grout. I want to ensure that the thickness & color is seamless from one batch to the next. Thank you so much for these very informative videos! Those are the biggest warnings from pros like yourself, not achieving uniform strength & color because of not mixing/slaking/mixing properly and not being exact with the measurements when you do mix a new batch. But because I’m a good listener (and maybe a little neurotic 😂) I’ve been successful and not actually experienced those problems myself! Thanks again 😊

[@SalDiBlasi]

Follow the direction and you will have success, as you did.

[@101781klm]

Thank you for this video it's much appreciated!

[@marioplouffe1752]

A real professional! Thanks

[@SalDiBlasi]

You're welcome!

[@kevinthomas183]

Very clear instructions, can't fault you! Now I'm off to grout my floor I hope I don't mess it up somehow 😅

[@SalDiBlasi]

Good luck!

[@loslos1462]

Sal, you're my favorite tile setter your videos are so in detailed and explanatory. I thank you good man for sharing the knowledge.🙏🙏 Suscribed

[@SalDiBlasi]

Glad you like them!

[@forwardlove9390]

Great color and texture / pattern combinations in this room- beautiful! Also Installed perfectly, wow they must just be so happy 🤩😍🤩

[@mrsgoyen08]

OK, I just have to weigh in on this one. Im no tiler, Im a DIY'r but I have done quite a few tiling projects in the last couple of years. I have gotten the courage to do these with lots of help from KZbinrs specially Sal Di Blasi. I have learned a lot. I have done 2 bathrooms now and I just completed the Master bathroom.(well I have to clean up) Sal couldn't have done it without your guidance. I used Schluter water proofing again and some other products you have shared with your audience. This stuff however is not something I would recommend. Like I said I have done other bathrooms, similar tile not as big as this one. I read in the comments where a viewer asked you how many bags you used for this job and you said 2, so I went out and purchased 2. I followed directions as best I could reading the bag carefully and re-watching your video. WEEELLLL, damn grout is only usable within 10 minutes of being ready!!! viewers out there, take warning!! ok halt here, my shower is 3x5. I almost completed one of the 3' walls, and the grout in the bucket was hard as a rock! No I wasn't that slow I say maybe 10-15 minutes. So I got so angry I called the manufacturer who explained to me that I should have only mixed a third or less of the bag work that then mix so more, and on and on. So I purchased another bag and went at it again. Oh yeah by the way you have to clean it up within 10 minutes of putting it on, otherwise it becomes harder than the mortar! So you have to mix your grout wait 4 minutes, mix, wait ready set grout. Hurry, fast 1/2 of next 3' wall, clean the tools, specially the float, get the bucket with water clean the wall be careful this stuff left tiny tiny holes I dont know why. Then start all over again!! This is probably the last bathroom I will ever do and if I did do another one I would definitively NOT use this grout.

[@SalDiBlasi]

Sorry to hear you have had issues with the grout, I must however say that I have used it for quite some time, done countless bathrooms and floors with this grout and never had that problem, I have heard of people having this issue, but personally I have not.

[@mrsgoyen08]

@@SalDiBlasi thanks for your reply Sal. 7:01 pm and I just finished the bathroom!!!! Thanks again Sal, but you make it look easier than it is. I dont know how you do it. I wish I could have afforded you coming out to cali. Those who get their tile job done by you are very very fortunate.

[@SalDiBlasi]

I try to make my customers happy.

[@jasperstarr6804]

Interesting. I just bought a bag of Ultracolor Plus FA, and the instruction on the bag now omit the slake and tell you to begin applying the grout immediately after mixing it. I've also noticed the Mapei reps tell people not to slake in their responses to questions or product reviews on the Lowe's site.

[@SalDiBlasi]

That is why it is important to review the directions, they can change.

[@jasperstarr6804]

@@SalDiBlasi - Yes, exactly. It's always a good idea to read/review the directions. I would guess they changed because some people were having issues with the grout setting up too quickly since it is a rapid set grout. Temperature and humidity seem to make a big difference, too, with this grout - some people are using refrigerated water to mix it to extend the work time. Mixing at high speed - which incorporates air - also seems to make it set up faster. Since I'm going to be re-grouting with this product in the next few days, I really appreciate your tips and the demonstration. Thank you.

[@Jbaybi]

Thank you for the awesome step by step!

[@SalDiBlasi]

You're very welcome!

[@randychaffin2422]

thanks Sal, looks great!

[@User-y9t7u]

Would you suggest caulking the corners before grouting? Any problems in doing the caulk before the grout?

[@ChrisPalmieri01]

great video, sal. thanks for putting this together. ready to grout my floor now!

[@SalDiBlasi]

Any time!

[@antonsalivon4079]

Hello Sal, thank you for all the videos you have made. I found them very helpful when doing my small DIY projects. I assume you are a very busy man nevertheless I am asking for your advice as I have an issue with Mapei Ultracolor Plus FA grout. I applied the grout about 5 months ago for shower walls, 2 mm spacing for 12x24 porcelain tiles. . The air temperature and humidity were Ok for the application at the moment. I measured the right amount of water to mix the grout and applied it on the walls according to the manufacturer's recommendations. I had done that before so it was not my first experience with the grout. We started using the shower after 5 days after the grout application. Every time when taking a shower I could smell the strong smell of a freshly mixed grout. The smell disappeared few weeks later but I noticed the grout started to be washed out. Slowly but surely. I used a wooden stick to scrape the grout off and I found it pretty loose in comparison to mapei keracolor grout i used a while ago in another shower. I wonder what can be done to fix the issue. I thought I could scrape off the grout as much as possible and apply mapei keracolor grout over Mapei Ultracolor Plus FA. Please advice. Thank you

[@kenclaro1806]

sal Ive done the unthinkable I used a blue towel to wipe the white grout in a new shower install and of course theres some staining I didnt notice until i was wiping the sealer is there anything I can do to fix this stupid error

[@rmp608]

Great video!! Your a true pros pro!!!

[@SalDiBlasi]

I appreciate that!

[@nupe21911]

You're the best. Thanks for this.

[@SalDiBlasi]

You're welcome!

[@joepolud6103]

great I love it...You're an animal ! I bet you a beer after all that work goes down real easy Congrats Cheers

[@unwelcomemotivation]

for us normies, we need a full 12 pack after grouting all that!

[@tmleynekwilbeck3]

For those worrying about the ultracolor FA setting up too fast, I did the following yesterday and was working with it in the bucket for around 1.5 hours no problem and had great results. 1) Submerged my smaller grout bucket in a 5 gallon ice water bucket, and then put a lid on the 5 gallon bucket when I wasn't adding more grout. This kept the grout cold the whole time 2) Worked in small batches. I started with a quarter of a 10 lb bag. 3) Worked in small areas. The grout will set up faster depending on how porous your tile is, so this is a need. Mine was very porous and set in 5-10 minutes. 4) Keep your AC down. I'm in Florida and had to keep it kranked down to 72 to help with the working time. 5) Mix with cold water, and don't mix more than you need to. Overmixing can cause the grout to set up faster. I got all of this from information from the tech data sheet as well as the tip from Sal about submerging the bucket, which I think was one of the more important things to do. Thanks for the videos Sal 👍

[@thomasnorthcastle4130]

twilbeck1 that’s why I had suggested using ice cold water to mix but your idea is also great.

[@carolyncramer213]

Oh wow, thanks for this. I did a backsplash and almost ruined it, the grout set so fast. I'd like to still use it in my tub surround, but am going to be super careful. I will use your tips here!

[@BuzzyNectar]

Thanks for posting Sal - great tips and demonstration - have learnt some key points - impossible to hire a tiler here at the moment - quoting 4 months so going to give it a go myself :-)

[@SalDiBlasi]

Glad it was helpful!

[@patrickdriscoll9962]

I used Mapei Ultracolor Plus FA grout on an entire shower. I mixed ONLY 2 pounds at a time with 204 ml water, did a say 3' x 4' section ONLY , then wiped. You NEED two people. My wife sat in a chair with seven (7), count em, SEVEN sponges, and three (3) five gallon rinse buckets, and kept the room temp between 60 and 70 degrees. FANTASTIC RESULTS TWO PEOPLE.

[@mesposito1625]

Hi Sal, I have a project where I planned on using this grout but I have to match existing tile and grout in a doorway and the builder used polyblend in that room. So in order to get a color match I planned on using prism, which from what I’m told is Custom Building Product’s version of this grout. Do you have any experience with that grout, and is it applied basically the same as this video details?

[@ericastier1646]

I watched your helpful video to prepare my grouting project. It went fine mostly but i made a mistake when the grout was nicely mixed to a nice cream consistency i saw some dry patches of grout crumbs sticking to the side bucket surface and it made me panic and i added a tiny extra splash of water maybe 3-4 extra tablespoon for 1.5 lbs of grout. I immediately realized it was too much water and avoided mixing the extra water too much. The grout mix ended up 95% perfect + 5% runny grout sitting on top of the good grout. i know i could have added extra powder but i was not thinking. I grouted trying to use the good thicker creamy grout under but some of the runny grout still got on the floor a little. The seam looked perfectly grouted though, no application problem, perfect homogeneous color. I let it cure for 4 days. It looks visually perfect, but i noticed when i use a damp sponge on the tile the grout joint changes color to a lot darker shade as it instantly absorbs the humidity then returns to its normal color as it dries. Is this a consequence of that little mishap with the grout mixing or is it normal ? (note i didn't seal the grout, and it's Mapei Ultracolor FA grout in a alabaster color a light grey). If i blundered what can i do now with it ?

[@SalDiBlasi]

Normal for most grouts.

[@ericastier1646]

@@SalDiBlasi Thanks Sal, makes me feel a lot better. The Ultracolor FA grout is non cimentetious and does not require sealant but it can be sealed. I'm thinking doing that to eliminate the change in color when wet.

[@paulbordlemay972]

I just tiled my kitchen and I used MAPEI Ultracolor Plus FA grout in Warm Grey color. It states that you don’t need to seal the grout, If you don’t need to seal the grout why is it that when I wipe the floor with a wet rag or sponge the grout darkens as if the grout is absorbing the water? As it dries it lightens up back to its original color. Would this not allow the grout to be stained if a liquid containing color, gets spilled on the grout line?

[@s.i]

Brilliant, learnt so much.

[@SalDiBlasi]

😊👍

[@jimmysotack5490]

Beautiful work as always

[@SalDiBlasi]

Thank you so much 😀

[@th71-23]

i'm currently tiling a shower with the same pattern white tile.17x6 . pink grout...any tips? not my choice.

[@ibrahimwehbe1153]

Thank you mostly for the confidence that you us

[@omarben3901]

Your work is good🤗👍👍👍

[@vtbakerbuilder]

I bought some of those gloves. They are really good. Thanks for the recommendation.

[@unwelcomemotivation]

my buddy installs grout using just those gloves, no float lolololol

[@unwelcomemotivation]

the red poly grout float he uses is also very key to making it easier and less messy!

[@Meiral77]

Dear Sal, I just want to thank you for your very excellent tutorial on grouting - it helped me very much!🌹 It's so kind of you to share your skills learned over 35 years. That's a tremendous help to newcomers as well as skilled laborers who are always trying to perfect what they know! As for me this is my first time and I'm kinda scared, but with your awesome advice I think I'll be ok! God bless you!♥️ PS...your bathroom is gorgeous!

[@SalDiBlasi]

Glad it helped, thanks for watching my videos.

[@rhr2005]

How long do you have to apply the grout once it’s mixed? It sounds like you want to mix the whole bag at once but I’m concerned it will start to set up in the bucket before I get it all applied.

[@allpal3077]

Wow I learned a lot thank you.

[@SalDiBlasi]

Glad it was helpful!

[@JW-pp8nj]

HeySal, loved the video but didn’t have the same results as you. South Texas and fast setting grout don’t mix. Had to work very fast and have my wife following behind cleaning. Came out good but was dead tired at the end. You are right about following the directions exact, threw out half of the first batch when it turned into a rock in the bucket. Will wait until winter when it gets into the 60’s for next project. Keep up the good videos!!

[@SalDiBlasi]

Ambient conditions always affect setting materials and grout. use a bucket of ice to keep the grout cool to give you more time.

[@ericastier1646]

I've seen one person using a thinset removal hand tool before grouting to remove any thinset that protrubes too high. I see you don't do that but end up with having to use a razor scraper later maybe it's a good idea ?

[@SalDiBlasi]

I do do that, but you always can miss a spot here and there.

[@ljackson8220]

Thanks for showing us the correct way to do this and for the info on using the modern grout. It is good to see you doing high quality work on youtube. I have watched a lot of your videos. I am doing a tub shower in my house using the Kerdi system. My 1st time installing 12 x 24 tiles. I have been doing remodeling and painting for a long time. It's been over 15 years since I have installed tile.

[@SalDiBlasi]

Take your time and, it will start to move along a bit quicker once you get the hang of it.

[@michaelcolascione2423]

With mapei ultracolor you can go as big as 3/4 of an inch grout joint. With ultracolor it doesn't have efflorescence common in sanded and unsanded, there isn't a sealer in ultracolor but there is a polymer called drop effect protecting it from staining from the inside out. Also it's important to use the exact amount of recommended water, dry mix it too mix up the aggregate and always mix it at a low speed when using a mixer. You can mix it by hand 3 parts powder- 1 part water. Also they have essentially a dye lot so if you have two bags you want to mix both bags together to ensure color consistency.

[@YouTubehndl]

How long of a working time do you get out of the batch?

[@JNYSDUBS]

Wondered the same thing

[@YouTubehndl]

@@JNYSDUBS I just used the stuff the other day. You get ~30-40 minutes out of it before it just won’t stay in the joints anymore.

[@mosconi4539]

Hello maestro,I need an advice. I finished grouting with Mapei ultracolor plus 110 manhattan. I still have a white layer on the tiles and joints that I wiped with a sponge and a clean cloth but I still haven't completely managed to remove it. Do you have any advice to remove that layer from tiles and joints? thanks.

[@vapdivrr5656]

If you using an old fashion 4x4 or 6x6 dal or AO ceramic or a ceramic subway do you still stack without a spacer or schimm? Or do you space them with a full 1/16 in order to use the new grouts? I have always stacked these types of tiles with just a butt joint thats built in (the little side lugs) if doing a subway with no lugs i barely space it, maybe 1/32. Same with a butt joint marble, so with those I still use unsanded with additive. What I tend to see now is all tiles are set to 1/16 to use these grouts

[@badchips10]

Can you add the gloves to your Amazon store. I did not see them in your list. I have used latex gloves before and they fall apart at finger tips.

[@SalDiBlasi]

Thanks, I added the link to the store, the description of the video, and here just for you amzn.to/38le3bG

[@timlutkins366]

Did that bucket last a long time before hardening? I’m researching Ultracolor FA and finds conflicting information. Some say small batches and to only hand mix. I have some experience but this stuff sets quick from what I see. Thanks!!

[@BonBon770]

When you have a back wall that is a different colored Tile than the side walls, when it comes to grouting, do you grout the corners the back wall grout color or the sidewall grout color?

[@SErica-pi6zt]

I’m working on a DIY grout job on my new bathroom floor where the grout has t been done yet. Went to Lowe’s and bought this same grout by Mapei. However, for some reason after it’s dried a few days later some parts come right apart just by rubbing my finger across the grout line. The grout starts to dust and comes apart even more so with more pressure from any tool. What did I do wrong? Any advice or thoughts would help. Thanks

[@C2IT678]

Is it actilually grout or the haze left behind in the joints

[@dannyumana143]

Thank you bought this product due to shortage in my local stores matching the color I wanted. Installer didnt like how quick it sets. Color didnt come out consistent throughout. What could it be?

[@SalDiBlasi]

Read the directions, mix as directed, let firm as directed, and wash as directed. Follow the steps and it will be perfectly fine. I have never had any dry to quick for me.

[@kennethmabus381]

Nice! I don't like people to watch me work or much of anything else. But sure glad you don't mind.

[@Frankengruvin]

Interesting about the slake thing. I just bought some of this yesterday and used it today, and on my bag there was nothing about slaking. It said mix for 4-5 minutes and spread immediately.

[@whattheschmidt]

They may have found it just wasn't necessary for this type of grout. Always go by the directions on the bag!

[@johnal4560]

Hi installing glass mosaic on the shower wall since it is thinner than tile i used Schluter Ditra and i used modify thin set to install Ditra to the cement drywall now in order to install glass mosaic to ditra what kind of thin set should i use if i use non modify is that gonna be good ???? thinks

[@jaythefit8817]

What is the pot life for this grout?

[@homerscustoms7635]

Sal I housed some tile floors I put it on took it off and wipe the floor with water many times and I also tried a gout haze remover but I still see some of the tile still has a haze or gout stained on it and I tried scrubbing it oh with a floor scrubber but still can’t get it if how do I get it off?

[@SalDiBlasi]

Probably permanent.

[@Cr3at1vem1nd]

Nice! tiling my floors right now over here in Sweden. You've been tremendously helpful in my diy projekt.

[@SalDiBlasi]

Happy to help!

[@mimihealy5046]

Do we grout or silicone the tile to pipe and toilet opening?

[@rktile8966]

Sal, how did you caulk the floor/wall plane change then grout shower floor without messing up the caulk joint?

[@lathamstylemtb]

If leaving space for caulk where the floor meets the wall tile how do you prevent grout from filling those joints? Clean it out after?

[@SalDiBlasi]

Yep

[@Intoxacajun]

By the way Sal, thanks for the video, great info!

[@SalDiBlasi]

Thanks for watching!

[@jonah8778]

Do you seal the grout? I know you said that it doesn’t need to be sealed, but was wondering if you ever seal your grout, what sealer you use?