Haze on the grout

[Westcoast]

I applied unsanded grout "charcoal" by Mapei and unfortunately at the end of the process, I realized that there were some white areas in the joints. I used a product called Eff-Ex by Aquamix which was some help but didn't completely solve the problem, so I switched to using a vinegar solution. Unfortunately, all the grout lines turned white! So I went back to Eff-ex and now am at the same stage I started out.

Is there any way to fix this? Or should I just scrape out the grout and start over? :confused:

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[Westcoast]

is everybody on vacation? :drool2:

[Dave U.K.]

Shading..?.. was the grout a modified one..?

[Westcoast]

Hi Dave, thankfully there's someone out there. This grout has turned into a major fiasco.

I just added water to the grout (Mapei unsanded Keracolor with polymer) and the colour was supposed to be "charcoal" but instead came out white in a few spots. I only went over the area once with a sponge so I find it hard to believe I added too much water. Why do they even suggest to use a damp sponge in the first place??

[Westcoast]

I don't know if this is a factor, but I used water from a garden hose? I was doing the mixing of the grout outside...

[Davestone]

If it's only a few isolated spots i would scrape and regrout.Don't feel bad i'm going through the same problems trying to match stone colors with unsanded grout.

[Westcoast]

I did that and still the same problem. :cry:

[Westcoast]

Is there something else you can add when making the grout mixture other than water? I'm wondering if the water is the problem.

[Seattle Tile Cleaning]

When using unsanded grout you need to use latex additive instead of water and mix to a thick consistency. Especially when using darker grout. Probably no need to waist any more time trying to correct this problem. Regrout or live with it.

[Westcoast]

Why doesn't Mapei have this on their instructions?? Does Mapei make a latex additive? Or what brand do you recommend?

[Davestone]

Usually the grout already has latex in it, and more isn't needed.Now i know especially in restoration we use latex liquid in an already latex modified thinset,but usually it isn't advised.I would clean those spots with the haze remover and let them dry for a day and look again.

[Westcoast]

Thanks Dave, I will try the haze remover.

Ps. are grapefruit herbs too in your part of the world? :) I love herbs!

[tilefinisher]

Some things that could of stained the grout are the unsanded grout was used to loose or soopy like to much water in the mix, or some thin set you need to wait a couple days to let it dry before gouting, cause i know if you use 3 and 1 if you dont let it dry enough it will stain it, or if you make to many little mixes their not all going to be the same as if u just used one big mix, or the spots that are white could be just the thinset stick out to high, and to much water on the sponge But your option really is to regrout it till u get it right or the haze remover, or just take a dry towel and try scrubbing it i agree.

[Stone Dude]

the grout is cementious, and vinegar will etch anything with calcium in it, you may have just worsened the situation.

I have had issues with grout curing discolored from either incorrect mixing consistencies, or by applying the grout to bone dry joints where I should have dampened the joints first.

some areas of a floor may suck moisture out of the grout very rapidly, and you may have the same problem repeadedly in the same area.

[SABoyt]

We just colorsealed 4500sf of charcoal Mapei sanded grout last week that did exactly the same thing. It was inconsistent in color and had a lot of white areas that as we discovered upon removal of a test area, went all the way through. The installer mixed the grout using a water hose that was laying in the sun. Thus hot water was used to mix. Not sure if that caused the problem or if too much water was used when cleaning up the grout. Either way, the final answer to get the perfect looking grout back was to colorseal it. Now it's beautiful and will be for at least 15 years.

I assume that since you replaced some of it and the problem is stil there this is probably not the problem but..... Did you by any chance use white thinset? Is that what is showing thru? Just a thought.