Polyblend®Plus Sanded Grout

Applicable Standards

American National Standards Institute (ANSI) ANSI A108.10, A118.6 & A118.7 of the American National Standards for the Installation of Ceramic Tile ASTM International (ASTM)

• ASTM C109 Standard Test Method for Compressive Strength of Hydraulic Cement Mortars (Using 2-in. or (50-mm) Cube Specimens)
• ASTM C531 Standard Test Method for Linear Shrinkage
• ASTM C580 Standard Test method for Flexural Strength
• ISO 13007-3

Approvals

Polyblend® Plus Sanded Grout exceeds ANSI A118.6 & A118.7 standards.

Conformance to Building Codes

Installation must comply with the requirements of all applicable local, state and federal code jurisdictions.

Composition of Product

Polyblend® Plus Sanded Grout is a dry, Portland cement based grout with silica sand, inorganic aggregates and chemicals.

Environmental Consideration

Custom® Building Products is committed to environmental responsibility in both products produced and in manufacturing practices. Use of this product can contribute towards LEED® v3 certification:

• Up to 2 points towards MR Credit 5, Regional Materials
• Up to 1 point towards IEQ Credit 4.1, Low-Emitting Materials – Adhesives & Sealants

Suitable Tile Types

• Vitreous, semi-vitreous or non-vitreous tile: ceramic, mosaic, quarry, cement body tiles
• Impervious porcelain and glass tile
• Brick and stone veneer
• Cement-based precast terrazzo
• Natural stone tile

General Surface Prep

USE CHEMICAL-RESISTANT GLOVES, such as nitrile, when handling product.

Tile or stone must be firmly bonded to a sound substrate, and setting material must be cured a minimum 24-48 hours before cement grout is applied, unless rapid-setting mortars are used. See the corresponding data sheet for the bonding mortars used in your application. Remove spacers and ensure that the grout joints are uniform in depth and width and free of loose debris, contaminants and excess mortar. Use TileLab® SurfaceGard® Sealer or Aqua Mix® Grout Release to seal tile or stone subject to staining or when using a grout that contrasts with the color of the tile.

Health Precautions

This product contains Portland cement. Avoid eye contact or prolonged contact with skin. Wash thoroughly after handling. If eye contact occurs, flush with water for 15 minutes and consult a physician. Use with adequate ventilation; do not breathe dust and wear a NIOSH approved respirator. If ingested, do not induce vomiting; call a physician immediately.

Limitations to the Product

• Should not be installed when ambient or surface temperature is lower than 50°F (10°C) or higher than 100°F (38°C).
• Some ceramic, glass, metal, marble or stone tiles can be scratched or damaged by the silica aggregate filler. Perform a test on a small area prior to use. Polyblend® Plus Non­Sanded Grout may be appropriate for joints up to 1/8" or for tile not suited for sanded grout.
• Tile or stone with high absorption, surfaces that are porous or rough, textured surfaces and some types of porcelain tile may require sealing prior to grouting to prevent possible staining. Use Aqua Mix^® Grout Release or TileLab^® SurfaceGard^® Sealer to prevent staining when required.
• Color variation can occur due to tile type, tile porosity, jobsite and climatic conditions, application and cleaning techniques. Variation can be minimized by following directions and using as little water as possible for cleanup.
• A CUSTOM grout color card is truest representation of the grout formula. Refer to the latest CUSTOM grout color card to choose a color. Perform a mockup to determine suitability.Various lighting types and conditions will affect the final grout and tile colors’ appearance.
• Not for use in either industrial applications or in areas subjected to harsh or continuous chemicals, high heat or high-pressure cleaning. For heavy industrial tile installations, use CEG-IG 100% Solids Epoxy Grout.
• Chemicals in salt-based pool filtration systems can cause a reaction with blue, green and red grouts. Contact Technical Services for recommendations.
• Not for use in movement joints or changes of plane in the tile installation. In these areas, use an appropriate caulk or sealant such as Commercial 100% Silicone Sealant or Ceramic Tile Caulk.

Mixing Ratios

• Mix 2 qt (1.89 L) clean water to 25 lb (11.34 kg) grout.
• Mix 1 pt (.473 L) clean water to 7 lb (3.17 kg) grout.

Mixing Procedures

When installing more than 1 container of grout at a time, blend dry powders prior to mixing with water. Mix with a trowel or low speed mixer (less than 300 rpm) to achieve a smooth, lump-free consistency (approximately 3 minutes). Let the mixture stand (slake) for 5 minutes, and then remix and use. Periodically remix to keep the mixture workable, but do not add water, which can weaken the grout, cause color variation and possible cause shrinkage, cracks and pinholes. Discard grout when it becomes too stiff to work.

Application of Product

Installation must conform to ANSI A108.10. Lightly dampen absorptive, highly porous tile with clean, cool water, but leave no standing water in the joints. Holding a rubber grout float at a 45° angle, completely fill the joints. Holding the edge of the float at a 90° angle, remove excess grout. At 70° F, do not spread more grout than can be cleaned within 30 minutes of the grout firming and use as little water as possible for grout clean-up (higher temperatures may shorten this time frame). Using a damp, small pore grout sponge in a circular motion, smooth and level joints and remove excess grout. Change the water and rinse the sponge frequently. Haze can be removed after 3 hours with cheesecloth or wrung-out sponge. If haze persists, the installation can be washed after three days with Aqua Mix NanoScrub or after ten days with Aqua Mix® Sulfamic Acid Crystals, TileLab® Sulfamic Acid Cleaner or Aqua Mix® Cement Grout Haze Remover. Perform a test in an inconspicuous area prior to complete application. Movement joints are required for perimeters and other changes of plane in all installations. See TCNA Detail EJ171 for recommendations.

Curing of Product

Curing time is affected by ambient and surface temperatures and humidity. For exterior applications, it is recommended that the installation is misted periodically with clean, cool water for 3 days.

Exterior applications must be protected from rain, snow and other wet conditions for at least 7 days with temperature above 50° F (10° C). If inclement weather is expected, protect the work area with tenting at least 1 foot (30 cm) above the finished surface to allow air flow.

Enclose and protect installations and maintain >50° F (10° C) temperatures for at least 72 hours for proper cure.

Sealing of Grout

Use a pH-neutral, water-based, penetrating sealer such as AquaMix Sealer's Choice Gold or TileLab Surface Guard.

Cleaning of equipment

Clean tools and hands with water before the material dries.

Product Maintenance

Clean with a pH-neutral cleaner such as Aqua Mix AquaKleen, Aqua Mix Concentrated Tile & Stone Cleaner or TileLab Grout & Tile Cleaner.