Installation Guide

4
Grouting Instructions
Prepare the floor
Step 1. Grouting can be done immediately after the tiles are installed. Before beginning the grouting process,
remove spacers and thoroughly roll the tile to ensure they are firmly bonded to the subfloor. A premixed sanded
acrylic grout with good flexural strength and adhesion is recommended. Traditional cement grouts are not
recommended for use with Armstrong Crescendo tile.
Apply grout
Step 2. Follow the application instructions as specified on the premixed grout container, working small sections of
the floor at a time. Do not allow the grout to dry hard on the face of the flooring before beginning the cleanup
procedure. Work in small sections at a time. Use a “hard” epoxy grout float to apply the grout. Do not spread the
grout over the entire surface of the tile as is customary with some ceramic tiles. Rather, try to apply the grout and
pack it down only in the immediate area of the open joints to minimize cleanup. Then, hold the float almost vertical to
the surface and strike off the excess grout, pulling the float diagonally across the joints. Do not allow the grout to dry
hard on the face of the flooring before beginning the cleanup procedure. It is best to use two buckets of clear, cool
water with sponges during the first cleanup. Firm, square-edged cellulose sponges typically work best for cleaning
grout residue from the tile without pulling excessive grout from the joints. Use the first bucket and sponge to loosen
the grout on the face of the tile and pick up most of the residue. Use the second bucket and sponge for final removal
of the residue and for smoothing the joints. Always hold the sponge flat and wipe diagonally across the joints. Do not
allow the rinse water to accumulate in the adjacent ungrouted joints.
Clean the tile
Step 3. If grout sponges alone are not sufficient to clean the face of the tile, a white 3M pad with light pressure may
be used. A clean damp flat cellulose sponge will aid in removing any grout haze remaining on the tiles. Traffic should
be kept off the installation until the grout has completely dried, usually 24 hours.
Step 4. After the recommended dry time, Armstrong™ Once ‘n Done No-Rinse Floor Cleaner and a white 3M pad
can be used to remove any slight haze of grout residue that may be present. Armstrong™ Once ‘n Done No-Rinse
Floor Cleaner should also be used for continued routine maintenance. Do NOT use Armstrong New Beginning or
other floor strippers for cleaning the grout or maintaining the Rounded Edge Tile installation when it is
grouted, as they are too harsh and will degrade acrylic grouts.
Finish
Step 5. DO NOT wet wash tile for at least five days after installation. This will allow the adhesive under the tile to dry
and prevent excess moisture and cleaning agents from interfering with the adhesive bond. Replace wall base and
moldings.
NA-5493
Revised: 6-23-2015