mapei terracota keracolor grout ?please

[mrjetskey]

I have tried all methods of setting this reddish grout.I have tried longer drying times before sponging,I have tried less time than called for sponging grout.Have dried damper sponge ,dryer sponge,keeping grout damp longer.This grout is set in 3/16 width between ceramic,tiles.I have been testing inside under climate controlled conditions.No matter what I do it gets a whitish haze that appears after a 2 days.I know reddish grout looks much darker when wet but this is not the problem,it is actually getting a whittish haze.I have tried vinegar(diluted) scrubbing it to no avail.Before I tell my wife she will have to choose another color ,perhaps one of you could please help me with a tip or two,for using this terracotta color mapei keracolor grout.The grout I used on my porcelin tiles was made by texrite and it came out perfect.It was not terracota color but I had no probs.with it.I am a newbie as I only have 5 or six tile jobs .PS.The reason I tested this grout before using is someone told my wife that it would not come out right yet she loves the color so I will try to get some ideas on how to keep it from turning whitish. Thank you all so much in advance for your help!

[doitright]

Hi Marvin

I haven't used this grout, thus haven't had your problem.

I'm going to copy this thread to the advice forum, and see if we get any bites over there.

[Dog paws]

There are quite a few different reasons as to why grout develops a haze. Over watering or the presence of salt usually gets the blame.
You could try using distilled water to mix and clean up with. You could also switch to Mapei's "Ultracolor" grout. It comes in the same color and won't effloresce

[jdm]

I took a look at Mapei's site and they also make UltraColor grout, which they claim does not have efflorescense and maintains color consistency. They do not have color charts online, so I don't know if it comes in your (or your wife's color.)

Mapei does not make modified-epoxy grouts. The modified epoxies are a bit more difficult to install than regular cement grouts, but they do not have color problems. You might take a look at Laticrete SpectraLock or Hydroment 1900 to see if they have a color that is close. The modified epoxies are considerably more expensive than cement-base grouts, but it might be worth it to you (or your wife.)

[DeniseW]

umm, I used the Mapei Ultracolor and I experienced the efflouresence. I finally got rid of nearly all of it by doing 100% vinegar and then using a product purchased at HD..(sulfamic acid)

[mrjetskey]

Thanks for the answers I will not use a grout that efforvess again when it is a colored (not white or a shade thereof)I only have a couple more rooms to tile then,but I would rather fight the epoxy grout once when I apply it ,than have a grout that is easy to apply yet you fight the color days later.You all are great,Take care and have a wonderful day!!!