Grout changing color

[wndwsdrs]

Hello everyone,

I just finished installing a tumbled marble 12x12 floor and after grouting I discovered in needed to touch up some spots. I bought another batch of "marble beige, laticrete non sanded" and made my repairs. Oh no! the color came out considerably darker on the touched up portions. I was very careful mixing and I gave it plenty of time to dry. How can I match the original grout color?

Chris in CA

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[John Bridge]

Welcome aboard, Chris. :)

Scratch the surface of the original grout to find out what color it is underneath. It could be you has some sort of residue on that grout that you eliminated in the repair due to more intensive washing. I don't know that this is the case, but it's a starting point.

You might also want to post this on the Restoration and Cleaning forum.

[wndwsdrs]

Thanks for your response John,

The original grout was done one week ago and the touch up grout was done a couple of days ago, so I don't understand why the color does not match or at least come reasonably close. :uhh: I scratched the original grout and it is the same color throughout. I stumped. :cry: Maybe one or the other is a bad batch?

Chris in CA

[John Bridge]

Chris, I'm going to move this to the Cleaning and Restoration forum. I'll leave a trail. :)

It could be a bad batch. It happens. I've had instances when the wrong label was placed on the sack. I hope it's not that, though. Let's move and see if any of the real restoration brains have any ideas. ;)

[doitright]

Hi Chris, Welcome! :)

I think this is common with repairs and various grouts. What I think is happening is this.. You grout an entire floor, and use reasonable amounts of water to clean it, therefore removing some pigment.

When the repairs (or patches) of grout are done, much smaller amounts of water are used to clean, therefore leaving a darker patch of grout.

Have you tried some vinegar and water on the lighter areas? Make sure you agitate with a brush, and thoroughly rinse.

Just a thought, hopefully others will comment.

[wndwsdrs]

Hi John K.

Thank you very much for your input. What you say makes sense. I am willing to do what ever it takes to make this look good. I have honed marble tiles here, is it ok to use vinegar? I did seal the tiles three times now though.

Chris in CA