DIY grout disaster with Mapei Ultracolor Plus FA

[Sbauer90]

We are a novice tiling DIY couple trying to improve our own home. And loved the color match of Mapei Ultracolor Plus FA to our tile. But we were not skilled to move fast enough for the quick set of the Mapei Ultracolor Plus FA grout. So we've made a mess of our grout lines.

Is there any possibility of reducing these grout lines to the 1/8th we were targeting using a chemical wash or equivalent. Or should I be investing in an oscillating tool and dig it out (my current expectation)

Since it is newly installed grout, would new grout adhere to the original grout if I removed it with the oscillating tool, in order to make it consistent and level?

Thank you for your advice and help!

[Davy]

You can try an oscillating blade, it might work. A grout bit in a Dremmel will also work although care has to be taken not to let it jump out of the joint and scratch the tiles.

Once you cut out the old grout, you can add new grout. You do need 2/3's of the joint depth for the new grout to grab hold.

[Sbauer90]

Thanks Davy. I think we'll try the manual grout saw to start. I appreciate your help!

[Mathman]

No advice on how to fix the problem but we were going to use the same product on our backsplash and decided to use keracolor U with their additive and it worked well and was easy to work with. We split the mix of grout and additive so as not to mix as much and it seemed much easier to work with.

[Karls tile Inc]

What Davy said. Its not going to be easy and scratching or chipping the tile is going to be a issue.

[cx]

Welcome, Sarah.

I hate to be the one to suggest it, but I think you might be better off just removing the tile and starting over. I think you might find it easier and more effective.

[Sbauer90]

Thank you all for your recommendations. We are going to try to be careful and save as many tile as possible.

Mathman - I'm glad your change in grout selection was successful!

[mark999]

The longer you wait the worse it will be.

[Joe-Tile]

That grout is one of the best on the market, however small sections and small batches is how it is utilized best. Good luck on scraping out the old, it's a tedious process.

[Davestone]

I know this thred is older but i was looking for help with this grout.The owner bought i never would have to use on this job...i am changing the grout to something i can work with.this was 3 hours work..i will never use it again.on something like this, flash time is too quick,it is too pasty and hard to work with.luckily i used a grout release or i would have really been sorry..

[BelkTile]

Wow, 3 hours, definitely look for an alternative!