Service and Repairs

TB109
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HOW TO PREVENT GROUT RESIDUE AND TILE STAINING
Technical Bulletin
Technical Services [phone]
custombuildingproducts.com
Prevention:
Awareness of the possibility of these occurrences is the
first line of defense against experiencing a problem!
Here are some “red flags” to watch for on your next
project:
• Unglazed porcelain tiles may have been designed
with well-intentioned micropores to create high slip
resistance, but these pores are traps for grout
particles.
• Textured porcelain “wood-look” plank tiles may
have absorptive areas from the manufacturing
processes created by removing the dense outer
layer of the tile. This leads to grout flash-setting long
before a normal timeframe.
• Polished porcelain surfaces need to be ground to a
depth that does not leave considerable voids. This is
impossible to see with the naked eye so plan on
using a grout release.
• Not all sealers are compatible for use with resin-
based grouts. The grout may attach itself to the
sealer and be very difficult to remove. Best to use
products from the same manufacturer as they’ve
been tested or confirm with the grout manufacturer.
• Most grout manufacturers recommend lightly
dampening tiles with water to cool the surface when
needed and/or lessen adhesion.
• The use of a grout release on the tile surface helps
prevent grout from adhering to the tile and will
prevent grout retention on most tiles.
• MOCK-UPS: With certain tiles or natural stones, using
a penetrating sealer as the grout release is all that’s
required. In other cases, using a temporary film
former (grout release) product is the solution and/or
using a rinse water additive may be helpful. There
will be times when both a sealer and grout release
will be necessary. Apply a sufficient amount of grout
to determine the correct process.
• Some non-slip tiles with micropores have surfaces
that require a coating similar to a floor wax that is
removed after the grout cures.
Consult individual product Technical Data Sheets for specific
recommendations and limitations regarding project
conditions. Contact CUSTOM Technical Services for questions
and product information: CONTACT CUSTOM or (800) 282-
8786.
The information in this bulletin is presented in good faith, but no warranty,
express or implied, is given nor is freedom from any patent in as much as
any assistance furnished by CUSTOM with reference to the safe use and
disposal of its products provided without charge. Custom Building Products
assumes no obligation or liability therefore, except to the extent that any such
assistance shall be given in good faith.
TB109 12/21