FEATURES
Sanitized® The Built-in Anti-microbial Protection; is a unique element which helps prevent the growth of mold and mildew for the life of the grout. Generally Non-Sanded ColorGrout is best suited for grouting white or light colored marble and granite when joints are 1/8 inch or less, and when sanded grout is inappropriate for certain types of glazed ceramic tile, marble, or stone. Non-Sanded ColorGrout is appropriate for both walls and floors in residential and commercial projects. Only the addition of water is required.

TECHNICAL DATA

APPLICABLE STANDARDS
Exceeds ANSI A-118.6 for Portland Cement Grout. Follow the TCNA Handbook and ANSI A108.10-1999 Installation of Grout in Tile work.

INSTALLATION

SURFACE PREPARATION
Tile must be firmly attached to a sound substrate and setting material must be cured a minimum of 24 - 48 hours before grouting. Remove all spacers. Grout joints should be uniform in depth and width and free of all loose debris, contaminants and excess mortar. Pre-seal tile or stone that can be subject to staining with tile manufactures’ recommended sealer.

MIXING
To minimize color variation when using multiple containers of the same color grout with different batch numbers, dry-blend the powder prior to mixing with water. Combine approximately 3 quarts (2.84 L) of cool clean water per 25 lb. bag (11.34 kg) of grout with a margin trowel or a low speed mixer (less than 300 rpm) to a lump free, paste-like consistency. Let stand 10 minutes, re-mix before use. Periodic mixing during application keeps the grout workable but do not add additional water or additive once mixed. Consistency of mixing ratio between batches helps to maintain color shade uniformity. Discard grout when it becomes too stiff to work.

APPLICATION
Installation shall conform to ANSI A108.10 - 2006. Holding a rubber grout float at a 45° angle, force grout diagonally into joints ensuring joints are completely filled.Remove excess grout using edge of float held at a 90° angle. Cleanup can begin as soon as the grout becomes firm enough to only be slightly indented when pushed (about 30 minutes depending on porosity of the tile and ambient temperature). Use as little water as possible for grout cleanup. Excess water can create variation in color and may cause shrinkage, cracks or pinholes. Smooth and level joints and, in a circular motion, remove excess grout from tile with a damp small pore grout sponge. It is best to change cleaning water and rinse sponge frequently. Using clean water and sponge will enhance color uniformity. Remove haze from tile surface with a soft, dry cloth.

CURING
Protect fresh grout from damage for a minimum of 72 hours. Like other portland cement products,
Mer-Krete Non-Sanded ColorGrout will reach full curing in 28 days.

LIMITATIONS
Portland cement grout should not be installed when ambient temperature is below 50° F (10° C).
Exterior applications should not be performed if rain is expected within 24 hours. Tile with high absorption, surface porosity or rough, textured surfaces, and/or certain types of porcelain may require sealing prior to grouting to prevent staining. Follow tile manufacturer’s recommendations.
Test a small area prior to use. Efflorescence; a crystalline deposit that sometimes appears in or on cement grout as a whitish powder or crust, can occur with any portland cement based product. If it occurs, remove with ProClean SA (Sulfamic Acid) cleaner or ANSI approved cleaner. Color variations can occur in portland cement products, including grout, differing tile types, tile porosity, jobsite conditions, application, and cleaning techniques. Color variations can be minimized by following directions and using as little water as possible for cleanup.

AVAILABILITY

35 COLORS: 25 lb. bags and 10 lb. boxes. Mer-Krete Non-Sanded ColorGrout is available at leading construction and tile houses and distributors. Contact Mer-Krete for the name of the nearest dealer.

WARRANTY

Mer-Krete warrants that this document will be free of manufacturing defects for one year from the date of the original purchase when installed in accordance with manufacturer’s written instructions and industry installations specifications provided by the TCNA (Tile Council of North America) and ANSI (American National Standards Institute). Extended system warranties are available.

MAINTENANCE

Mer-Krete Non-Sanded ColorGrout requires routine cleaning with neutral PH soap and water. Mer-Krete Grout Sealer requires reapplication every three to five years depending on exposure and use. Performance and durability may depend on properly maintaining products supplied by other manufacturers.

TECHNICAL SERVICES

Mer-Krete maintains technical field representatives available throughout the country. For distributor information, call Toll Free (800) 851-6303.

TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE:
Specification assistance is highly recommended prior to a proposed installation.
Contact any Mer-Krete technical representative for recommendations over existing substrates
or problem areas.