ARDEX FG8 Grout
PREPARATION
Ensure joints are clean and free from dust, excess adhesive and bedding mortar. Do not grout until the adhesive has set firmly. All ‘spacers’ must be removed from joints. Prior to grouting, it is advisable to check ease of cleaning with tiles that have a textured or matt surface.
MIXING
ARDEX FG8 powder is added to clean water in a clean container whilst stirring thoroughly to give a lump free, paste like, creamy mortar. A 20kg bag of ARDEX FG8 requires approximately 4.2 litres of water.
For swimming pools and timber floors, first dilute ARDEX Grout Booster with water (80% Booster: 20% water). Then mix 4.4L of diluted ARDEX Grout Booster per 20kg powder.The pot life of the mixed mortar is approximately 1 hour at 23°C and 50% relative humidity.
APPLICATION
Work grout into the joints using a rubber trowel. Compact the grout firmly into the joints ensuring they are completely filled, minimising the amount left on the tile surface. Allow the grout to firm up in the joint before clean-up. For tiles set on a thick bed of adhesive, it is preferable to ensure the adhesive has fully cured so as to minimise the chance of moisture affecting the colour of the grout.
Wipe the tile surface with a damp dense sponge, working diagonally across tile joints. Use a minimum amount of water to avoid water float and/or shade variation, efflorescence and shrinkage. Any dry film remaining on the tile surface can be removed when the grout has hardened in the joints by polishing the tile surface with a dry cloth, making sure no smears are left on surface.
In exterior conditions it is essential to provide protection from all extremes of climate during the whole fixing and grouting operation and for as long as possible afterwards. When using ARDEX Grout Booster, ensure all cleaning off is completed before the grout dries on the tile face otherwise difficulties during cleaning may be experienced. All tools should be cleaned with water immediately after use.
DRYING TIME
Approximately 24 hours at 23°C and 50% relative humidity. Allow longer for dense tiles, lower temperatures or high relative humidity