Installation Guide

3. Remove excess grout from the tile surface, holding the
float at an almost 90-degree angle to the surface and
moving the float diagonally to the joints while the grout
is still fresh.
4. The grout surface should be flush with the tile edge.
5. Use MAPEI’s UltraCare
™
Grout Release when grouting
glass tile with “mixed media” inserts such as natural
stone, porcelain and aluminum, to facilitate the cleaning
and to minimize the formation of grout haze on the tile.
CLEANUP
1. Grout small areas of between 5 to 10 sq. ft. (0,46 to 0,93 m
2
)
at a time, and immediately complete the initial wash after
each section. Do not exceed 5 minutes of grouting before
completing your initial wash.
2. At all times using a wrung-out sponge, move across
the tile surface in a circular motion with light pressure
to loosen grout and to shape the joints. Then drag a clean,
wrung-out sponge diagonally across the tile joints,
applying slight pressure to remove residue. Use one side
of the sponge for each pass over the tile, rinsing the
sponge after the second pass.
3. For mosaic tile with natural-stone inserts and mixed-
media designs with metallic inserts, use a wrung-out
scrubpad first to loosen the grout and shape the joints.
Next, follow with a wrung-out sponge to remove excess
grout as detailed in Step 2.
Note that under certain conditions, a milky film can
appear on the grout surface. This film will dissipate in
20 to 30 minutes after the washing step is completed.
MAPEI Flexcolor 3D will develop its color and
appearance throughout the 24 hours of curing time.
Also note that, in order to minimize possible defects
mainly limited to horizontal installations, use of a
minimal amount of water is highly recommended.
If defects do occur, wait 24 hours and then fill any
imperfections with grout. Follow Step 2 above when
washing these filled areas of the grout joint.
4. Change the rinse water bucket frequently to prevent
the development of a haze on the tile surface.
5. If residue is observed on the tile surface, a final wash
can be performed (if needed) about 1 hour after the
initial wash. If needed in the cleaning process, add
1 U.S. oz. (30 mL) of a clear dishwashing soap to a
pail containing 3 U.S. gals. (11,4 L) of clean water;
then use a clean, white, wrung-out scrubpad to loosen
grout residue and a moistened sponge to remove any
remaining residue.
6. After 24 hours, the use of a glass cleaning product is
acceptable. Use a clean microfiber or terrycloth rag
with the cleaning product to remove any haze film on
the glass tile surface. Minimize direct contact on the
grout joints whenever applying the cleaning product.
7. If joints are not fully flush, MAPEI Flexcolor 3D can
be reapplied after 24 hours of drying by repeating steps
1 through 5. The product will bond to itself.
8. Clean tools and the surface with fresh water while the
product is wet.
PROTECTION AND
MAINTENANCE
• Light foot traffic is permissible 24 hours after grouting.
• To ensure stain resistance, allow 3 days before water
exposure.
• Protect the product from freezing. If the product does
freeze, allow it to return to room temperature before
use. MAPEI Flexcolor 3D was tested in the cured state
and passed 25 cycles of freeze/thaw testing for 16 hours
at 0°F (-18°C) and for 8 hours at 74°F (23°C).
• If haze residue or “picture framing” is experienced after
installation, use MAPEI's UltraCare Epoxy Grout Haze
Remover and UltraCare Heavy-Duty Stone, Tile & Grout
Cleaner. Note: Do not allow UltraCare Epoxy Grout Haze
Remover to sit on the surface for more than 20 minutes
before removal.
• Although sealing is not required, MAPEI’s UltraCare
cleaner category can be used for care and maintenance
of the grout surface. MAPEI’s UltraCare water-based
products are fully compatible with MAPEI Flexcolor 3D.
Before applying any UltraCare products, wait for 6 to
7 days after the installation of MAPEI Flexcolor 3D.
Flexcolor
™
3D
Flexcolor
™
3D
MAPEIMAPEI