WHICH GROUT IS BEST??? Grout Testing with SHOCKING Results!!!

[@AzaB2C]

37:11 Worst - Prism and Kiesel. Note the sorrow/shock/horror in their eyes as they see Prism miserably fail. It was their favorite before this test. 37:30 Best - Mapei Ultra color, for abrasion/scratching. However, they didn't test color leaching. Using the same/similar dark color for all would be helpful. Summary - Color leached from ALL tested grouts. Most get soft when wet/soaked. 17:00 Kiesel, scratch test - fail when wet 19:27 Mapei Ultra color, scratch test, slower to absorb water 21:10 Laticrete Perma color, soft when wet 23:30 Prism, guys liked quick cleanup. 25:30 Recap of worst to best. 26:20 Permacolor select, soft when wet 29:55 Ardex FL, creamy, finished nice, hard when dry, some color rubbed off. 32:30 TEC Power Grout, shortest working time, hard when dry, 38:30 Spectralock one test result coming... 39:00 Fusion is crap Thanks! Good info, going to go seal the Ardex FL we laid 2wks ago . Please test Epoxy grouts... would appreciate Laticrete Spectralock and Ardex WA being part of that test.

[@brouwerification]

I tested ardex WA the haze is horrible to remove. Now using mapei kerapoxy which is the best epoxy grout I've ever used and using for all my projects now. I'm not even offering different types to the customer anymore.

[@tonychavez4056]

@@brouwerification ty

[@karenpayne3946]

I am the grout queen, I love the Mapei ultra color by far! Thanks boys.

[@als1023]

@@brouwerification Same results and thoughts.

[@bigowenzy3397]

Some serious grout knowledge

[@cwcobo]

That many guys together working and no swearing, you guys are true media professionals. Thanks for taking the time to conduct this test.

[@urbanhawaiian]

Aloha, Mapei UltraColor Plus FA has been our best grout so far over the years. It also has Sealer in it, but we still add an extra coat 511 because the humidity here and weather is no joke. Mahalo for the awesome videos!!! 🤙🏽🤙🏽🤙🏽

[@garycapek7309]

I just retired after 45 years setting. I don't much care for the modern conventional groups. For the last 12 years I've been using Spectralock on almost everything. Finished product is hard,stain resistant, color consistant, and waterproof. I know a lot guys hate epoxy but I think it's easier once you get your procedure down pat. It's all in the timing. The owner and housekeepers love it.

[@brouwerification]

Agree epoxy grout isn't that hard to work with if u have the correct brand (i use mapei kerapoxy here in Europe) and got used to the haze removing process. I use a mapei cleaner, scotch and brute pads and to finish a microfiber cloth on the same day and the day after again cleaner with microfiber cloth. Since I mastered the process I haven't installed anything else. It's just to superior and a tile job should last a minimum of 25 years without maintenance which it won't with cement based. Hi from the Netherlands 🙏🥳

[@garycapek7309]

@@brouwerification Gary here from Maui. What I like about Spectralock is you can mix any size batch by just measuring parts AandB in a paper cup and add powder to get desired consistency. Most people mess up by trying to get it too clean on the first wash. Just shape the joints and take off heavy film. Let it sit for 1 hour then take off remaining film with white Scotchpad, sponge up dirty water and dry with a towel. DONE Also you can use it on travertine without sealing the stone. It may sound scary but just spread it like it was glazed tile. The grout will seal as you go and cleans up easy. After second wash the result is stone is epoxy sealed. No other sealer is needed. Aloha and have a great day

[@rctilecarpentry2429]

@@garycapek7309 in fact all grouts results are about timing and temperature...I’ve have learn that..

[@kirkdunivan2184]

What about the issues of Epoxy grout turning yellow? Especially in areas where the sun hits it!

[@erins.5420]

@@kirkdunivan2184 I’d imagine if you’re using white grout on white tile the beginning color will lean more blue white to counter the yellowing and the area in question wouldn’t be that big considering I have never met a reasonable person who wanted to pair white grout with floor tile. So all in all I’d imagine there shouldn’t be much of an issue.

[@kevinneustaedter3587]

Like a couple of others who've commented, this is "regular" grout which I only use for backsplashes. All my other installations are grouted with Spectralock epoxy grout. Been using it for over 10 years. I have customers whose floors look the same 10 years later with decent maintenance. This video is great for DIYers and pros who are afraid of epoxy.

[@jasonmcguire4933]

You forget most Customers are not willing to pay for the additional cost of Epoxy grout

[@kevinneustaedter3587]

@@jasonmcguire4933 Guess I'm lucky, all of my homeowners choose Spectralock. Nobody has balked at the additional cost especially when I tell them the advantages of epoxy grout maintenance.

[@als1023]

@@kevinneustaedter3587 Kevin has it figured out, same experience here as well. Informed customer chooses epoxy every time.

[@timhendrix124]

Can't wait to see you test flex cq and the other comparable products. Glad the grout I choose is the winner on this one. Keep up the good content man. I have changed a few things I do because of your videos.

[@peggypenland1560]

..... so do you not use a sealant? And it's only a week cure, so would it not set harder in time, provided you don't scrub or scrape the bejeezus out of it for about a month. Just keep it squeegeed of and soft wiped for a period of time. I'm a house keeper and the older the grout the more stable, but if old it actually cracks out more often than not. The floor application is my main concern for failure because it's gonna stay wet 50-60% of the time in a normal house hold. 🤔🤔🤔

[@timhendrix124]

@@peggypenland1560 The entire point of high-performance grout is not having to seal the grout. If you use epoxy or acrylic/urathane then you don't ever seal those. Water isn't supposed to affect these types of grouts. Also what floor is staying wet for that long? Shower slope should account for it to dry. Outside of the shower shouldn't be getting wet a lot if the bathroom is done correctly.

[@adamheaney3]

Great comparison video! About to use Tec Power Grout as my tiled floors have it and it’s held up for years. I think the 511 sealer makes a huge difference especially when wet.

[@Aaron86v]

I have a theory/suggestion about this issue. In the past 10 years we've moved over to 1/8in grout joints almost exclusively. The thinner the grout joint, the less ability the grout has to bond together and be strong, especially if too much water is used to finish it. It can drown it out a lot easier. I think this is an inherent issue with smaller grout joints. My suggestions is to do this same test with 1/4in grout joints and i think you will see that the grout joints will hold up a lot better. I used to be a grouter exclusively and grouted lots of houses on my own and i don't ever remember having this issue with bigger grout joints. Although i will say, i was using the original Customs Grout bags, maybe the old stuff is just stronger than the new stuff with all the extra ingredients. Also a few other things about this test.. I think using thinner tile, like these mosaics that sit more flat to the substrate cause there to be less grout joint depth and that also causes the joints to be shallow and get drowned out easy. As well as the fact that this is glass tile, the water cannot get absorbed in the tile like ceramic and porcelain. With ceramic and porcelain tile, it can help with the drying process when grouting because the tile will absorb some of that water. With the glass, most of the water will stay in the grout joint until it evaporates. Great video, these type of experiments only help us understand these things better.

[@robertopics]

Depends some of this tiles were a mix of stone ceramic and glass and stone tiles on these is usually as thick as regular wall tile.

[@peggyshelton6925]

I been looking for videos that shpw grouting 1/2 inch grout lines because I am installing river stone tiles and those lines can be a 1/2 inch or lager sometimes. I see a video where they used Fusion Pro for River Stone Pebbles for the shower floor and the grout started coming out. But I still do not know which grout if best for those large grout lines.

[@juliamanderson1676]

I’m in the UK but watch your videos ... so glad I watched this one. I had already purchased the Mapei for my shower floor!!!!! We don’t have the other brands so much here in England. So ... this evening I grouted my mosaics and they look fab, I’m confident now that they will be good 👌🏼👌🏼👌🏼

[@tongkatali6904]

As a non-professional homeowner I struggled for years attempting to keep clean our shower floor, digging out old grout and replacing it with another recommended product every couple years only to have the same problem again. Finally I tried the Mapei Ultra Color Plus FA and it has by far exceeded all the others as far as hardness and ability to take a scrubbing and stay looking good

[@wilsonline90]

Great video and interesting tests. We've used a lot of Primz, now using mostly Mapei FA. But I had no idea Prizm had this issue. Thanks for sharing this.

[@astang1072]

Just watched your 07/2024 test vid. I’m a carpenter who’s done a dozen or so tile projects, mostly my own home. I’ve used gray Polyblend sanded for all of them. No issues so far, I think full cure and use a sealer keeps most issues away. But there are certainly better grouts out there for sure. I like the idea of trying the Prism grout.

[@CookeSonsCarpentry]

Hey Tile Coach this is the video I’ve been wanting to see!! I have a request though. Could you do the video again, but allow the grout to be the only variable. Same person mix, follow directions 100%, same water temp, and only use all the same tile? Great video though

[@AzaB2C]

Also, please wait 28+ days before simulating regular cleaning. See my other comment for more context.

[@QuontumGnosis]

Awesome. Ultra color has built in sealer. Try putting sealer before the test. Just a suggestion. Thanks guy's. Aloha🤙🏼

[@johnsteier3535]

Team meetings are a must! Would love to see how you handle yours play-by-play! Sometimes we have to have ours in the van on the way to work but at least once a week I like to have my employee talk to me about how his week is going.

[@jessepender5239]

I find it's important to do real world tests with the products we use whenever possible. It's hard to make the time though so I appreciate y'all doing this testing and sharing the results!

[@khallo151]

Just stumbled across your channel yesterday and let videos run on autopilot - I’ve been holding my breath to see the result because I literally have an unopened package of Mapei on my counter right now… whew.

[@joshuam6109]

Just put down prism the other day on 200sqft of tile. No complaints on color or consistency and I drill-mixed it. It is holding up well but does seem to be soft especially if in contact with water. It indicates on the box that it is "ideal for... submerged grout joints" 😬 ...anyway the floor I tiled won't have too much to do with water so I am thinking it will be fine.

[@murraymerkel5759]

Thanks so much for this. It justs confirmed for me what i had suspected with prism grout. I will never use that product again

[@KlondikeKlinkers]

Great test ! I have been saying this for years . Especially when an installer mixes or used out of spec. You know the guys .... grouts tough to spread so they add water or with power grout dont set a timer then scrub with a wet sponge. There is a minimum time to spread and wash key factors in a good grout job but being ina wet area like a shower floor and cleaned like most customers do to get soap build up off is crazy. Hmmmm epoxy for wet areas ?

[@tee7snow401]

Project Farm needs to test this out

[@Aepek]

Looks like the norm for grout hardness is a softer grout. Maybe the brands think that the grout there for “looks” & what keeps it adhered to substrate is the installation of choice......for the “thin set” etc... Just seems awkward because as everyone knows, there are customers out there that scrub the crap out of their showers & tile😉 Great interesting vid👍🏻

[@CatConsten]

Doing my bathroom floor this weekend and this was extremely helpful to me! Thank you

[@michaelshaughnessy9809]

I used prism on my personal house, I'm like you guys, I like it. Easy to move, versatile joint spacing color consistent. Thought I had a bad batch cause I can scrape it out with my fingernails. Pretty depressing. I've had to take out old school grout and the stuff is so hard it takes multiple blades just to do the 4 joints around a piece. Glad to see the Ultracolor did good cause I just put some in my inlaws shower.

[@419donny]

What a eye opener on these grouts.

[@EvanEdstrom]

I want to see you try this with Mapei's premixed product. As a DIYer I did a lot of research on this, the flexcolor CQ line was the only premixed product most people didn't find bad. I think Prism had one that was decent too. I used the flexcolor premixed and have done plenty of scrubbing on my grout joints without issue. Their magic is that the color is part of the "sand" (actually quartz balls) not a pigment like traditional grout. So you can't wash out the color during install. I am now wondering if that means you wouldn't have any issues like you see here with the terry towel. If you try it, beware! It dries crazy fast. If you let a test board like this sit for more than 5 minutes you'd be pretty screwed. I'd just follow their instructions pretty closely for timing and wiping.

[@suave47]

Thats an apples and oranges situation though. These grouts r still cementous based grout and trying to compare that to an acrylic or urethane base grout is unfair. Premixed grouts r great but can still fail spectacularly, due to unforseen issues. A little to cold and that stuff is a nightmare to work with. I've had it separate from the sand and basically disintegrate in the joint. They r one of my favorite grouts though when things go good. Typically never have to worry about them again

[@creedbarnett4948]

Got me thinking more about the products I use and how I "market" them to customer. Thanks coach!

[@kaynesantor8136]

We've been using mapei flexcolor CQ, we just call it CQ, for years now. It's amazing. Cant use it in steam rooms, and not great for restaurant kitchens. Other than that, you're good. No mix. No problems. Honestly, I've grouted in my corners in showers with it and have never heard a word. For what it's worth.

[@ironfreak7270]

What was the clean up time? was it setting up as fast as ultra color ?

[@ellendelashmutt50]

Very interesting samples of the grout. Getting ready to do our floors.

[@ellendelashmutt50]

Also did you seal the grout?

[@GilBatesLovesyou]

The only grout I've ever used is Mapei, though I'm not a pro, but I've used Keracolor, Ultracolor Plus FA, and Flexcolor CQ and liked them all. Ultracolor seems to dry the hardest, but iirc Ultracolor has CSA cement in it, it's not just Portland cement, so that probably explains it. In Mapei's own literature they actually recommend Ultracolor Plus FA for tiling subway tunnels and mass transit use, so I'm assuming it's pretty strong stuff.

[@mattmlady3576]

I have Prizm grout in my shower and havent had one issue with it! Shower was done 9 yrs ago and gets 2 showers a day in it. I also clean with a medium hard plastic bristle brush

[@sabajess9083]

How do you clean it daily ? I have it a three weeks ago!!!

[@mattmlady3576]

@@sabajess9083 I have natural tile so I just use a natural tile cleaner on the whole shower with a plastic scrub brush. I dont clean it ever week tho. More like every other month, but i also rinse any soap that is in the shower before i get out to help with less soap build up

[@greenreaper9465]

I recently had a bathroom remodel and Simple Grout was used. This grout is 10 days post application and is not hard but kind of rubbery or spongy. For emample if you press your pinky finger into a grout line with some force it will indent then reform to its original shape. Is this normal? Could the installer have mis- used this product causing it to not dry/cure properly? I am quite worried. It was an expensive remodel and the contractors are not very helpful with questions or critiques.

[@keithhoofard5844]

Into my bathroom remod a few weeks, and just laid the 12x24 porcelain floor tiles (using ProLite and a leveling system, over concrete slab), 1/16th grout line. I'm two passes into grouting over two days, and can't seem to get the very top of the brown tile edge profile covered where it meets the color finished surface of the tile (which is a whitish/grey combo). Using Warm Grey grout (Flexcolor CQ). Packaging indicates it's good for 1/16th, but that quartz sand just doesn't want to stay down upon initial wiping after 5, 8 or even 10 minutes. As a test, I grouted a 12- in. line proud under where the vanity will sit and basically "sawed" the excess off with the float edge, like doing concrete flatwork, to finally get it to fill the final millimeter and cover the unsightly brown tile edge. But that would take a very long time over the 55SF floor. Is there a better way or product? Or is it just supposed to be that way and I'm being too picky about finish? No issues with lippage. Keith (Elk Grove, CA).

[@Chanmantroop10]

Hey Isaac. What is your go to grout right now, especially seeing most don't perform as one would expect.

[@ZeroCarbDaddy]

Great video love your contacts in all your videos

[@goubartileandmore6461]

Ultra color is my favorite grout. I ve been using it for many years. It works for small and large joints plus it hardens quick if you have more work to do after grouting. For some reason I knew it will be the winner.

[@billyk5634]

Love watching your videos, makes me wanna tear down my shower and start from scratch! Anyway, I'd be very interested as to what you and your crew talk about in your morning meeting. I need new motivational material to pump my crew, new perspectives are great! Thanks for taking the time to read my comment.

[@salcoco1]

Looking forward to the Spectralock 1 and higher end grouts, maybe even epoxy demos one day. Thanks boss, great video

[@andrewschafer8986]

I’d like to see how Mapei flex color does under these tests.

[@classicalgarden]

Loved your video. Very helpful. I am grouting a stained glass gazing ball. Home Depot says to use Fusion Pro. So I bought and want to return it because it looks like a major hassle. The gazing ball will be outside during the summer. I'm an artist. Should I use Malpei Ultra Color? Add an grout additive to withstand the rain? Please answer if you have a minute, thank you.

[@davegordon6943]

Shouldn't need any additives

[@mikecicchini8718]

Now i know why some of my Kitchen tiles needed a refinishing in a high Traffic area Thanks Much

[@smartin5714]

Thanks for making this video learned a lot from it Coach

[@kenkeneth4964]

I like Ardex very much, so now can see how is working.

[@jimwhitfield1978]

Great job MAPEI, good looking grout test. Looking forward to the single component grouts.

[@dbarrington1]

Did you put any sealer on them? I would hope having a sealer would minimize the effects the water has on making them fold.

[@bougi66]

Can you test the premixed grout that can be applied right out of the container it comes in?

[@GavinFN_YT]

Any way you guys will test “pre-mixed” Grouts any time soon?

[@peggyshelton6925]

I seen your other video about you guys using the Fusion Pro grout on a river stone shower floor and you had to remove it and redo it a few years later because the grout turned black and was coming up. So I wanted to watch this video to see which grout you found best. Looks like the Ultracolor is the best here. So I am going to buy that one for my River Stone shower floor grout. I hope it turns out good and lasts for decades. Thanks for the videos.

[@talontooner]

I wanted to see Polyblend get tested. I left the haze on a floor for a few days and when I went back I was scrubbing it with a wire brush and water and it wouldn't soften it at all. It literally has a polymer on it so it seems superior to all of these grouts.

[@MAGAMAN]

I used polyblend unsanded and it comes up easy even after several months. I'm going to try sealing it and see if that makes a difference. I did some more tile yesterday and after 24 hours I could clean off the haze with a paper towel and some water.

[@Stevesbe]

Polyblend used to be ok but now it sends like garbage

[@2011srcrew]

Thanks I use mape for all my shower installs . I’m glad to know nothing so far is better.

[@tompiper3]

Northern WI we don’t get much choice in product but I’ve used and cleaned the Tec accucolor premium sanded grout in a grey with the grout boost and I didn’t notice any color coming up. Area I cleaned was the main entry into the house so it gets wet and dirty a lot. Didn’t realize grout got soft when wet

[@DRopout1943]

Seems to me since water penetrates the grout and softens it ...then a sealer additive is a must right? Re test with sealer additive instead of water

[@MikeEdwards-j9g]

sealers don't really harden your grout nor do they waterproof it. they simply are there to lock in the color and keep it from fading/staining as easily. a side effect is that htey when applied fresh, it can resist water absorption for a little bit giving you a few minutes to clean up the spill. Thing is, sealed grout is still porous and will still absort water in just a few minutes (so anything standing for 3-5 minutes will absorb right in) AND it needs to be re-applied every 12-18 months to be effective at color leeching/staining. It's not designed to waterproof or to make the grout stronger. Modern performance grouts are stain and color leeching resistant, which is why they advertise themselves as not needing sealer. But the downside is that they're softer when water is applied to them. The solution if you want an iron hard grout line is to use a modern epoxy grout, OR use the older style portlant cement based ground and deal with color fading and effervescing

[@tiledoctortrainer]

Hey TileCoach, would you consider doing a similar side-by-side test for epoxy grouts, including Litokol epoxy grouts?

[@suzannelauren2895]

WOW! Was grout like this 30 years ago .I remember having to take a circular saw at my grout when I messed up my DIY project.It was only less than a month old and it was harder than the tiles 😵

[@MikeEdwards-j9g]

nope. what you used back then was portland cement grout. that stuff was INSANE for how strong it was. However, it was more porous, and it effervesces and darker grouts would show white etching easier. These new performance grouts don't do that as easily, but the downside is they never get as hard as the old style.

[@warrencogburn2198]

Wow I was surprised power grout started setting up so fast. Usually mapei is real fast. Maybe humidity in N.C. don’t use that fusion. It came out with running water after curing for : weeks. Mapei cq prepare for quick setup and film. I just don’t use premix anymore. So I wasn’t to know about spectra 1. May as well just use epoxy. That was a great test. After 32 years plus I never tried or even thought I needed to think my grout was going to fall apart. Thanks Isaac now I’m going to test. 🙁

[@ricfranklin7914]

i use the mapei, but do not use a power mixer, too much air causes it to set super fast!

[@420somewhere4]

Isaac, have you ever tried colored silicone for grout for shower floor? Just wondering?

[@seangutierrez8930]

Thanks for the research fellas. Fyi , power the power grout is a fast acceleration grout. Says so on the packaging. You have to get on it much sooner than others . Question . If all of these samp samples had been sealed with a quality sealer a day before the test , not allowing for the water to penetrate. Would these samples fare better?

[@ryancoulter7681]

Very interesting video. I personally like permacolor and standard accucolor from tec. I can say I have never had a problem with either. Mapei on the other hand has been a source of problems for me over the years. I have another test you can conduct and hope to see. Use the regular or standard lines and mix them with a latex additive and see how they perform. I always use tec's additive when mixing accucolor.

[@absentmallets1738]

How about the new spectralock premixed? Supposed to be good. I’m looking to regrout a Tec power grout (same issues/washout) shower and this excellent video is helping me narrow down my choice for replacement.

[@Danielg86]

Would be good to see an epoxy grout like spectralock pro premium grout with part A and B

[@mtaylor9055]

Maybe I missed it, but what grout do you think would be best for the exterior? I'm trying to tile a small outdoor table and I'm new to this, so any advice would be greatly appreciated

[@terrim.602]

Dam it. I just regrouted 2500 square ft using Prism. I'm in contact with the company due to color issues, but now Im going to check the wet concerns. That was a heck if a lot if work removing all the grout and regrouting it!

[@donkeydump63]

I used Tec grout yesterday for the first time, and was taken aback by how fast it sets up. I'm talking hard within an hour. Though it did come off pretty easy after wetting it down.

[@mikekruger9561]

I have found tec is very picky on mixer speed I set max rpm on my m18 mixer to 200 gives you much longer working time, that being said I use mapei ultra color fa 99% of the time

[@Chanmantroop10]

@@mikekruger9561 I use mapei UC fa too but have had issues with it getting a bit soft when wet even though it was rock hard when dry and cured. But even after intermittent water exposure, when dry, it did tend to soften a bit. It's kind of disappointing these modern grouts are the way they are. And I have a feeling Portland cement grouts won't be around much longer. Maybe they'll come up with better technology in the near future regarding single component grouts.

[@michaelwendel3232]

Awesome video! I’m hoping you could answer a question for me. Will power grout scratch the glass in a glass stone mosaic tile? The tile is called linear bliss.

[@TileCoach]

No, just go softly. Don't push too hard on the glass.

[@michaelwendel3232]

@@TileCoach do you suggest caulk or 100% silicone for a kitchen backsplash? Part of it does go right over the sink.

[@Paolo-uq3fc]

@@michaelwendel3232 imo the sink doesn't impact anything. And silicone is always better. Good quality 100% silicone applied correctly can last 5-10 years or longer. Stays nice and flexible. Acrylic caulking is trash for that.

[@Traeishim38]

What a great video , thanks for all you do !

[@taister211]

Great Test! Wish Grout Once did what it claims.

[@strikerj4810]

Like that zman hat. Caught plenty of speckled trout on the east coast with it. Killer when you don't have nice live bait.

[@jrmaquaponics3393]

Nice job guys I just tried fusion pro for the first time excellent consistently,just seems like garbage during install!

[@IcemanQg]

Someone mentioned Bostik. I would be interested to see you test the Bostik Neverseal or some of their other products against the Spectalock 1. Of course, the reason I am interested is because I used their Neverseal to grout my screened-in porch. I will say that it was very challenging to grout outside with the sun shining on the tile.

[@ezekielfelton7933]

The Bostik Trucolor is my personal favorite. Never had any problems with it at all

[@marcusaydelott]

I’m glad you did this video. I had this issue and wondered if it was my error in Instal. I always wondered if these grouts were actually any good. They say no sealer required but when you get it wet the water absorbs. It shouldn’t absorb if no sealer is required. That never made sense to me. I have been using mapei ultra color plus fa and having good success but I might still recommend sealing it to my clients. Or just go with a cementitious grout that I know will be super durable if installed right and sealed. I’ve gone back to old jobs I did to update and checked regular customs cementitious grout and it was rock solid even when wet. My logic now is natural stone I’m using cementitious grout because it needs to be sealed anyways. Porcelain and glass tile I’m gonna use mapei ultra color plus fa and seal the grout or try Laticretes spectralock 1

[@MikeEdwards-j9g]

here's the thing, sealer isn't for water proofing. sealed grout still lets water through. it's main function is to not allow water and the elements to leach color out and cause it to fade. one of the side effects of sealer is that it SLIGHTLY decreases the speed in which water is absorbed so it gives you a few minutes to clean up a spill. It isn't designed, nor does it water proof. Not only that, unless you seal your tile every 12-18 months, it wears off and is not effective. These modern grouts are stain and color leaching resistant, which is why they say you don't need to seal it. That's all. Nothing about water repelling

[@maggiecheungblaize8647]

Hi. Thank you for this informative video. So many different kind of grout out there and I would like to find out which one is best for shower wall. I’m currently using the subway white tile for my shower and I went to Home Depot and purchased a premix grout, no sure if I really like it because it is so gritty. Which one should I use. I purchased a grout scrapper and put the premix one. Not sure if it will come out good. Anyway. Thank you again and yes more meeting video please. If was helpful.

[@DavidSanchez-ot3it]

Words from a true professional

[@lisavollenweider9153]

hi, just wondering if you guys sealed the grout for this experiment? Great video

[@jerrysherman4329]

How about testing after sealing. Prizm may have failed the worst, but on the other hand, it may absorb sealer very well and greatly improve. Being a DIYer, I like the fact that its easy to work with. However, I am definitely inclined to use Mapei in my shower and floors in the bathroom. Does the Mapei product you used have sealer in it?

[@hi-ye4rz]

Isaac is going to end up using Cement as grout Lol

[@jarrettl5891]

Have used tec powergrout more than any other brand. You have to spread less at a time than any other because of how fast it sets. But you can have light traffic after a few hours and it is very hard when cured.

[@joemasse4568]

Not a bad floor grout but I find the white power grout is to gritty for tight joints and I have had problems with specks of black or grey Silva sand, in the white grout, very annoying? I like maipie unsanded with the additive you use instead of water

[@Pilottoproperties]

Did you say fusion pro is bad? If so can you please give some more information and detail on why please.

[@obie224]

thank god for this vid, i've got 5 boxes of prism that i was just getting ready to mix up, but hell no that junk is going back to home depot today !

[@VE7KKE]

Would using a grout sealer make it harder to wash out or scrape out?

[@MikeEdwards-j9g]

no. not by any appreciable measure. sealer is mostly mean to keep grout color from leeching out (fading, or darkening for light color grouts) and to resist mild staining. it really won't harden your grout much at all, nor waterproof it.

[@roontunes]

Great demo, thanks. I'd be keen to get advice. I have to grout my subway tiles soon, they are the type with prominent facets. And what's concerning me is that my float is going to skim over the joins as they are of course at the lowest part of the facets. Would I bevbetter using a sponge to get down into the facets ?

[@TheAntthekilla]

Got a callback on Prism bright white last week on this same thing!

[@tthomas]

Would be nice to see different backsplashes ie glass stone subway contrasted with light medium dark grout. Some people would benefit from seeing how colors compliment the tile. Thanks1😊

[@applepie9576]

Looking for advice....going to do Satori 24x24x3/4 outdoor pavers. We have 4-season weather. Looking for recommendations for mortar & grout. Thinking Ardex X 77 and Ardex FL Grout.

[@bmwdragking1]

What is a recommended grout for a polished mosaic tile floor? Thank you.

[@jmartin015]

I am a little confused. I always use a grout penetration water proofing to seal my grout in showers and wet areas. So I don’t look at water proofing ability but rather open time, ease of use, color results. I have bought grout that looks one color on the package but is entirely different when used as directed. Mapei’s charcoal looks light grey when dried. Their warm gray looks white. So I tend to take that into consideration.

[@iiirtsiii]

Also permacolor select wipe it all down with damp sponge. Let it reemulsify. Then wipe off the grout from surface and work joints. Let set for 3 hours. Then final wipe. You have to follow directions.

[@badboy1028]

What's the proper way to clean your shower tile if you can't scrape it

[@cervofun]

did somebody test flexcolor cq? To compare with FA(hardness, scratch resistance, color consistency...). From my experience is super stiff after install, but I like more to work with FA. So I am looking for different opinions, from other professionals. Is it my understanding correct if I say CQ is somewhere between epoxy and cement base grout? Thanks for every opinion.

[@jeffjewett]

Wouldn't sealing help with hardness? Especially because all seem to soften up with water. Is sealing standard?

[@MikeEdwards-j9g]

no. sealing won't help with hardness. Sealing is to prevent water from leaching the color and causing it to fade. Sealing isn't standard either. It' a hotly debated subject in the tile world with one side saying it's mandatory, and the other side saying it's worthless. reality is, sealing needs to be re-applied every 12-18 months to be effective, and it's main purpose is to maintain the colors and resist staining.

[@Tacome99]

So what’s the recommendation here given all of them suck? Is there a strengthener? Epoxy, additive?

[@FlatOutFE]

Our company quite using Mapei Ultracolor Plus because it was washing out of the joint when wet.

[@ironfreak7270]

What did you switch to?

[@TheAngryTT]

Would be interesting to see how much better the grout performs at their 28th day when it’s reached full strength.

[@p3kab00icu]

For a mosaic glass backsplash, can I just use the "Mapei mosaic & glass tile mortar" thin set that I put it up with, to grout? Seems like a better option, with it's adhesive quality and elasticity

[@theobserver450]

Wow what an informative video! Thanks heaps!

[@karacichy2202]

I am looking for a test video for the premixed mapei cq flexcolor grout and can't really find anything, was wondering if you could do a video with it?

[@afcrecon]

Quartzlock is the only way to go. I had to remove 2 tiles due to plumber installing shower valve wrong and it took a heat gun at high heat to even get a grinder to cut out the this grout.

[@dbchomes1934]

I never hear you guys talk about trucolor, do you ever try that grout. I used it at my own house about 10 years ago in a back entry and a shower and they look great still

[@traderfjp]

Id love to see which grout holds water the best.

[@bernardharvey187]

I have had a terrible experience with ultra flex, the manufacturer blames me for mixing it wrong the first time, they convinced me it was my fault, so i used it again, I followed the instruction to the T. It failed again, dry it was hard ,once it got wet it was still firm until you scrubbed it then it started to go soft , it was porous and soft, I have since redone the job with Mapei with no problems. I am now in a fight for compensation

[@jeremyrebel8931]

I would like to see the same test with a sealer applied afterwards.

[@MikeEdwards-j9g]

sealer won't harden your grout lines. sealer is designed to keep colors from leaching out and to resist staining a bit (sadly not a whole lot). also sealer wears out and needs to re-applied every 12 - 18 months. It's not designed to water proof your grout lines, nor does it enhance their strenght (side effect is that when fresh, sealer can resist water absorption into the cementous grout for a few minutes, giving you a little extra time to clean up that nasty spill. but will still absob the water in just a few minutes) modern grouts don't require sealer because they come with better color leeching properties....if you want a hard "I can scrub the shit out of it when wet" grout, you go epoxy or old style portland cement based grouts (and then deal with color leaching, effervescing, the need to re-seal every year and half etc)

[@00HiGhGuY00]

Do you have any good/bad/indifferent experiences with urethane grouts. Specifically Mapei Flexcolor 3D and Bostik Dimension Rapidcure