More grout colorant questions

[Berlyn]

We had our tile floor laid about 1 month ago and sealed the grout with Aqua Mix Sealers Choice Gold 15. We thought that the sealer would create a "barrior" for stains. It does not. Our problem is when our german shepherd comes in his paws are sometimes slightly muddy if he steps on the grout I have to immediately get out the 409 and spray and scrub with a toothbrush so the stain won't set. Our grout is 1/2" wide and an off white color and we applied 2 coats of sealer. We were steered toward a colorant rather than a stain on this forum.
So, the research starts on colorants. I learned that Aqua Mix grout colorant is an "epoxy" formula and that it would create the "barrior" we want and need. Is this true or was I just told this??? So off I go to see where I can get it and how much. Price shock!! $26-32 an 8 oz bottle. In my search I also discover Custom Building Products also have a grout colorant @ $7 an 8 oz. It is a "acrylic urethane" formula.
What is the difference between the 2 formula's??
What would be more of a "barrior" and longer lasting??
Can I use the Aqua Mix Grout Colorant Pre Treat Cleaner with the
CBP grout colorant??
Has any one used both colorants and prefers one over the other??
Thanks guys for all your help and guidance!
You guys rock!!

Kiki

[Steven Hauser]

Hi Kiki and welcome,

You sure asked a good question. I am debating how complicated to make the answer.

We will start simply, Tim (kemguru) will provide the most comprehnsible description.

The primary difference between the two products will be explained best by how well they bind to the existing grout and how long they will resist breaking down and wearing off.

The urethane is softer and the german shephard will probably be able to scratch it. You may need multiple applications.

The epoxy is harder and heavier and will resist scratching better.

The epoxy should get a better bond as well.

My rule of thumb is use the manufacturers preparation exactly as they say to achieve the results you want.

My .02

[kemguru]

Hi Berlyn

Steven is correct.

His post is worth more than 2 cents.

[Berlyn]

Thanks Steven
For answer my question.

[Steven Hauser]

Aw Shucks,

[Berlyn]

We received our Aqua Mix grout colorant and pre-treat cleaner this week. We will put it on and share before and after pics with you folks. And let you all know how it went.

Any tips or tricks or do's and don't we need to know before starting??

Thanks again !!
Kiki

[doitright]

Hi Kiki

I have found laying a thin bead in the grout joint, directly from the bottle works well. Then take a soft toothbrush to spread the material evenly.

For cleanup, I like to use a spray bottle with a nuetral rinseless cleaner in it. I spray the joints, then use a yellow sponge with the white scrubber pad on the other side (found at HD in a pack of about 10) to clean off the edges of the tile. Next I wipe the tiles dry & polish with a terry towel.

At times during clean up, I run into areas that are a little thin, and I touch up as necessary. Hope this helps.

[Berlyn]

Here's our photo album with some before and after we did the grout colorant. We used Aquamix in silver color.

DIY kitchen/sunroom remodel

We are very happy with the performance of the grout colorant!!
When Sarge comes in with muddy paws, it wipes right of the grout with no problem!!
Thanks guys for ya'll help, input and direction on grout colorants!!
Could not have done it without ya'll!!

Berlyn

Tom and Kiki,

Thanks ever so much for the info.

Tom - I did not know that about minerals in the water. God knows there are many where I live. I don't drink the tap water for that reason, now I know to use bottled water for the floor too...

I think at this point I'm going to do what Kiki did and epoxy paint it. Speaking of which, I looked at your pics and your final product looks fantastic. Wish me luck that I can be so successful in the end...

I guess the one thing that urks me the most is the inconsistent information I've received from the retailers I visited, both HD and an a tile store. One would think that they'd provide pamphets or something of do's and don't's, or am I just asking WAY too much??

However, one can bet if they brought their products from these guys, they'd get the info on how to do it right.

I see folks posting sayings, quotes and such... here's mine for the year after this project from hell:

"If I had a nickel for every tile I touched...."

Thanks all and have a fabulous day.

Christine

[doitright]

Hi Berlyn

Great job with the grout colorant! I also like the new color much better.

Welcome Christine

Please come back, and post a new thread. Let us know if you have any questions.

[Berlyn]

Doitright, I went to the dollar store and go a couple of soft toothbrushes, but the angle on the brush made it "awkward".
DH broke out his torch and angled the handle upward for me. It went sooo quickly!!
Thanks again!!
Kiki

[doitright]

Kiki,

Glad to hear I'm not the only one bending toothbrushes. I've been using my heat gun. Guess I should have let the cat out of the bag beforehand. DH has probably been waiting since Christmas to use that torch!

[Berlyn]

doitright, naw DH has has his torch for many years. DH couldn't wait to get his hands on the tile guys wet saw!!! A wet saw is the only saw DH has not operated!!! Thank goodness the tile guy put him to work cutting tiles and they worked great together. Both are perfectionists and they had great rhythm!!

[doitright]

Excellent!