Specification

TB17

Portland cement grout darkens when wet. This is especially

noticeable with colored sanded grouts that remain dark while

wet in areas such as shower stalls, steam rooms, sunken

tubs, pools and spas. In shower stalls, the ﬂoor and the ﬁrst

several rows on the wall areas will darken immediately after

getting wet. These areas will remain dark until the water

evaporates or drains out.

Shower areas may dry, leaving a dark or discolored look to the

shower base and stall due to contaminants that may be

present in the water. These contaminants include soap,

shampoo, conditioner, soap scum, body oils, hard water

minerals and dirt.

Improper drainage or insufﬁcient slope may prevent proper

drying. Blocked weep holes at the shower base may allow

moisture to collect in the lower areas of the stall. Slow drains

will allow standing water to collect in the lower portion of the

stall, which can leave stains from dirty or soapy water.

Normal cleaning is usually sufﬁcient to remove surface

accumulation. Use a neutral TileLab

cleaner with a nylon

scrub pad or brush. Installations that experience hard water

spotting or deep deposits can be cleaned with a mild solution

of TileLab

Sulfamic Acid Cleaner. Please contact CUSTOM

Technical Services for additional corrective procedures.

Technical Services 800-282-8786

custombuildingproducts.com

Technical Bulletin

DARKENING OF GROUT JOINTS IN WET AREAS

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.