Description
TEC Skill Set DesignColor Unsanded Grout is a polymer enhanced, unsanded Portland cement grout for grouting tile joints up to 1/8" wide. Just mix with water. For interior/exterior use.*
*For exterior applications it is required to use Grout Boost® in place of water as directed on Grout Boost label. Refer to Grout Boost packaging for product capabilities, instructions and limitations. The use of Grout Boost requires a minimum of 10 days to cure, prior to getting wet.
Key Benefits and Features
- Unsanded formula ‐ primarily for use on walls, countertops, and with marble or glass tile
- Highly durable and wear resistant
Packaging
10 lbs. (4.54 kg) plastic bag
25 lbs. (11.34 kg) plastic bag
Color
Available in 13 colors in select sizes. Contact H.B. Fuller Construction Products Inc. for a current color selection card, or visit www.tecskillset.com for Grout Chart.
Coverage and Trowel Recommendations
Figures shown in the chart are presented only as guidelines.
|
Approximate Coverage per Pound (0.454 kg) |
||
| Joint Width | ||
| Tile Size | 1/16" (1.5 mm) | 1/8" (3 mm) |
| 1" x 1" x 1/4" | 4.45 s.f. | 2.23 s.f. |
| 25 x 25 x 6 mm | 0.41 m2 | 0.21 m2 |
| 2" x 2" x 1/4" | 8.90 s.f. | 4.45 s.f. |
| 50 x 50 x 6 mm | 0.83 m2 | 0.41 m2 |
| 41/4" x 41/4" x 1/4" | 18.90 s.f. | 9.44 s.f. |
| 108 x 108 x 6 mm | 1.76 m2 | 0.88 m2 |
| 6" x 6" x 1/4" | 26.67 s.f. | 13.33 s.f. |
| 150 x 150 x 6 mm | 2.48 m2 | 1.24 m2 |
| 6" x 8" x 1/4" | 30.49 s.f. | 15.24 s.f. |
| 150 x 200 x 6 mm | 2.83 m2 | 1.42 m2 |
| 8" x 10" x 1/4" | 39.53 s.f. | 19.76 s.f. |
| 200 x 250 x 6 mm | 3.67 m2 | 1.84 m2 |
| 12" x 12" x 3/8" | 35.56 s.f. | 17.78 s.f. |
| 300 x 300 x 10 mm | 3.30 m2 | 1.65 m2 |
| 16" x 16" x 3/8" | 47.50 s.f. | 23.70 s.f. |
| 400 x 400 x 10 mm | 4.41 m2 | 2.20 m2 |
| 24" x 24" x 3/8" | 71.00 s.f. | 35.50 s.f. |
| 600 x 600 x 10 mm | 6.60 m2 | 3.30 m2 |
Storage
Store in a cool, dry area away from direct sunlight. Do not store open containers.
Shelf Life
Maximum of 18 months from date of manufacture in unopened package.
Limitations
Do not use in temperatures below 50°F (10°C). Although DesignColor Grout chemically controls the curing process to help ensure color consistency, color variation can occur in any Portland cement product due to job conditions and cleaning methods. Efflorescence (a whitish powder or surface crust) can occur in any Portland cement product. DesignColor Grout is made with Portland cement and for this reason, H.B. Fuller Construction Products Inc. cannot guarantee that efflorescence will not occur. To remove efflorescence, allow grout to cure a minimum of 10 days, then use a mild acid cleaner or an efflorescence remover for non-acid sensitive tile and stone. Follow industry accepted acid or non-acid cleaning procedures. Acid cleaning of unglazed tile, marble or natural stone is not recommended. For further information contact Technical support if needed. For further information contact Technical support if needed.
Cautions
FIRST AID MEASURES: In all cases, seek medical attention if symptoms develop or persist. EYES: Flush with water for 20 minutes. SKIN: Wash with soap and water. IF VAPORS INHALED: Remove to fresh air. IF SWALLOWED: Do not induce vomiting. WARNING! This product contains chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects or reproductive harm. KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN. For Medical Emergency Information, call 1-888-853-1758.
This Product Data Sheet has been prepared in good faith on the basis of information available at the time of publication. It is intended to provide users with information about and guidelines for the proper use and application of the covered TEC Skill Set brand product(s) under normal environmental and working conditions. Because each project is different, H.B. Fuller Construction Products Inc. cannot be responsible for the consequences of variations in such conditions, or for unforeseen conditions.
Applicable Standard
Mixed with water and tested in accordance with ANSI A118.6 Specifications for Ceramic Tile Grouts, Commercial Portland Cement
| TEC Skill Set DesignColor Unsanded Grout | ||
| Description | ANSI Requirement | Typical Results |
| 28 Day Compressive Strength | ≥ 3000 psi (20.7 MPa) | 4500-6000 psi (31.1-41.5 MPa) |
| 28 Day Tensile Strength | ≥ 250 psi (1.7 MPa) | 350-500 psi (2.4-3.4 MPa) |
| 28 Day Flexural Strength | ≥ 500 psi (3.4 MPa) | 850-1100 psi (5.8-7.5 MPa) |
| 27 Day Linear Shrinkage | > 0.30% shrinkage | 0.11-0.12% shrinkage |
| Water Absorption | > 18% absorption | 14-16% absorption |
Physical Properties
| Description | |
| Physical State | Dry powder |
| Color | Available in white, gray and pigmented colors |
| Pot Life | 1 to 2 hour |
| Initial Cure [at 72°F (22°C)] | 24 hours |
| Final Cure | 21 days |
| Foot Traffic Rating (ASTM C627) | Residential to Heavy Commercial |
Surface Preparation
Proper preparation of the tile and joint surfaces is important and will help promote a quality installation. The joints between the tiles should be free from foreign materials, and be at least 2/3 of the thickness of the tile in depth. High ridges of adhesive or mortar should be raked out. Rubber or plastic tile spacers, if used, should be removed prior to grouting. Tiles should be held firmly in place according to manufacturer’s instructions before grouting.
When DesignColor™ Grout is mixed with water and used under dry or hot conditions, the tile should be dampened with a wet sponge prior to grouting. Avoid any accumulation of water in joints.
Due to rough surface texture or high porosity, some tiles require sealing prior to grouting. Consult the tile manufacturer’s/fabricator’s literature for advice regarding this point. HBF-CP recommends the use of a tile presealer for protecting your tile or stone from grout staining during installation.
| Notes: | Certain tile surfaces, including glazed ceramic tile, marble, stone and agglomerate tile can be scratched, stained or damaged when grouted with sanded/colored grout. Follow tile manufacturer/ fabricator recommendations or test a small area prior to use to determine suitability. Use of DesignColor Unsanded Grout may be appropriate for many tiles not suitable for use with a sanded grout. For industrial and commercial installations where chemical resistance is required, use an epoxy grout in accordance with ANSI A118.3 recommendations. |
Mixing‐With Water
For best results, maintain all tiling materials, substrates, room and adhesives at 50°-70°F (10-21°C) for 24 hours before and 48 hours after installation. In a clean mixing container, slowly add product to clean, cool water, as specified in the chart below:
| DesignColor Sanded Grout | Water |
| 10 lbs. (4.54 kg) | 1-1.5 qts. [32-48 fl. oz.] (0.94-1.41 L) |
| 25 lbs. (11.34 kg) | 3.5-4 qts. [112-128 fl. oz.] (3.31-3.78 L) |
Mix well for 2-4 minutes. Avoid breathing dust and contact with eyes and skin. Allow mixture to “slake” (sit in the container) for 10 minutes. Slaking allows the water, Portland cement and other ingredients to react properly. Remix for 1-2 minutes before using. The working time (pot life) when mixed this way is approximately 1 to 2 hours.
| Note: | If less than a full container of DesignColor Grout is going to be mixed at one time, or multiple bags are used from different lot numbers, mix the dry grout prior to taking out desired amount. (The fine pigment particles may settle during shipment and color variance can occur in the finished joint unless you first dry blend in this fashion.) To ensure color consistency across the installation, use the same liquid to grout proportions when using multiple containers for the same job. |
Mixing‐With Grout Boost®
For exterior or other applications subjected to freeze/thaw conditions or other ANSI A118.7 applications, use Grout Boost in place of water where increased flexibility is desired or high water resistance is required.
Application
Fully pack the joints between the tiles by spreading DesignColor Grout with a clean, hard rubber float. Work only a small area at one time [5-10 sq. ft. (0.5-1 m2)]. Apply in a diagonal direction across the joint lines to prevent the grout from being dragged out of the joints. Go over each area several times from all directions to make sure that the grout is fully packed in. Remove any excess grout from the surface of the tile by holding the float at a 90° angle to the surface and moving it diagonally across the joints. Repeat the entire process until all joints are grouted.
Clean-up
Allow the grout to firm up in the joints, 30-60 minutes for grout mixed with water and 30 minutes for grout mixed with Grout Boost. Wet a grout sponge in a pail containing cool, clean water and wring out all excess liquid. Move the dampened sponge across the tiles diagonally to smooth the grout down to the proper height in the joint. Continue this procedure, repeatedly rinsing the sponge in clean water (changing out the dirty rinse water with clean water as needed) and wringing out excess liquid. Do not allow excess cleaning water to remain on the surface of the grout joint. Allow the grout to dry an additional hour before removing any remaining grout residue with a dampened terrycloth towel. For removing any remaining grout residue, contact HBF-CP technical support.
Protection
Protect the finished installation from traffic or impact for at least 24 hours; from water immersion or freezing for at least 72 hours. The use of Grout Boost requires a minimum of 10 days to cure, prior to getting wet. No sealer required if mixed with Grout Boost. If grout has not been mixed with Grout Boost, sealing grout is recommended. Consult sealer directions for proper application.
For details about our limited warranties, see your sales associate or www.tecskiillset.com.
Technical assistance
Information is available by calling the Technical Service Helpline.
Toll Free: 800-832-9023
Fax: 630-952-1235
Technical and safety literature
To acquire technical and safety literature, please visit our website at www.tecskillset.com.