|
TrafficMaster Stainproof Grout FAQs
Q: Why use this product instead of dry grout?
Q: What is the difference between sanded and non-sanded grout?
Q: When should I use sanded? When should I use non-sanded product?
Q: Why is this product more expensive than traditional bagged products?
Q: Can I use this product outside?
Q: Does this product work with any kind of tile?
Q: What is the difference between a hydrophilic sponge and an artificial sponge?
Q: Can I use this product to repair old grout without redoing the entire floor?
Q: How long should I let the grout dry before trying to wipe the tiles off?
Q: How long will it take for the grout to be completely cured?
Q: Should I mix this product in the bucket?
Q: How can I make the cleanup of my grout job easier?
Q: What is the maximum sized grout line I can use?
Q: What kind of cleaners can I use to remove stains?
Q: How should I use these cleaners?
Q: How much coverage will I get per quart and gallon?
Q: Do I need to use a grout sealer after installing this product?
Q: Is this product flammable?
Q: What kind of shelf life does the product have?
Q: What colors does this product come in?
Q: Will this product protect against blood and urine stains?
Q: Does this product protect against nicotine stains?
Q: Is this product better for big commercial jobs or home improvement jobs?
Q: Do I need to add water to this product before usage?
Q: What kind of warranty does this product have?
Q: What should I do if my skin has a reaction to the grout?
Q: After installation, what should I use to get grout off of surrounding tile?
Q: How long after grouting does it take for the grout to become stainproof?
Q: How often should I clean my grout?
Q: How soon can I grout after setting tile?
Q: What is the difference between stainproof and stain resistant?
Q: If the product starts to dry in the container, will the addition of water return product to its original consistency?
Q: Is it necessary to mix separate buckets if a job requires multiple containers? (for bagged product this is recommended for color variance)
Q: Can product be used on shower floor or steam rooms?
Q: Can I use on fire places?
Q: Why use this product instead of dry grout?
A: Easier to use, no mixing is required, resists color fading, and it’s Stainproof! Colors are consistent from batch to batch; TrafficMaster Stainproof grout is flexible and resists cracking.
Q: What is the difference between sanded and non-sanded grout?
A: Sanded grout is textured and provides more stability to the grout joint than non-sanded grout. Non-sanded grout is used for smaller joints and has a smooth texture and is less likely to scratch soft tiles such as marble.
Q: When should I use sanded? When should I use non-sanded product?
A: Non-sanded products are generally used for grouting tiles on walls where the grout joints are 1/8” or less. Use our sanded grout for joints larger than 1/8". Since a sanded grout provides more stability to the grout joint, consider using sanded on shower walls with grout joints larger than 1/16". Do not exceed a 3/8” grout joint with our grout.
Q: Why is this product more expensive than traditional bagged products?
A: TrafficMaster Stainproof grout offers a more convenient premixed product; it has special 3M Formulated chemicals that aid in the repelling of stains. Additionally, this product offers a 25 year warranty. When compared to traditional grout, the cost of TrafficMaster Stainproof Grout is comparable when looking at the square footage coverages both products. There is also the cost and time savings of never having to seal your grout!
Q: Can I use this product outside?
A: No. It is recommended for interior use only.
Q: Does this product work with any kind of tile?
A: Generally speaking, yes. It is recommended for ceramic, porcelain, marble, granite, or other natural stone tiles. If your tile is porous, it is recommended that the tile itself be sealed prior to grouting to avoid staining the surface of the tile. You need to exercise caution not to get the sealer on the sides of the tile.
Q: What is the difference between a hydrophilic sponge and an artificial sponge?
A: Hydrophilic sponges hold more water, have better absorption and offer better cleanup.
Q: Can I use this product to repair old grout without redoing the entire floor?
A: Yes. One of the best features of TrafficMaster Stainproof grout is that it can be applied to existing grout, therefore can be used to make old stained or broken grout jobs look and perform like new. Simply score 1/8” of the existing grout with a grout saw and apply a coat of TrafficMaster Stainproof grout on top.
Q: How long should I let the grout dry before trying to wipe the tiles off?
A: For the initial cleaning, wipe the tiles off immediately after you have removed excess grout by drawing float diagonally across tiles at a 45 degree angle and then 90 degree angle (at a diagonal to the grout joints). Simply wring out a damp sponge and slowly wipe tiles using a circular motion, exercising caution not to press too hard with the sponge. For final haze removal, allow grout to cure for 24 hours. Cheesecloth works nicely for this.
Q: How long will it take for the grout to be completely cured?
A: The inital cure time takes 5-7 days although the grout will continue to harden for quite some time even after this inital cure. The nature of TrafficMaster Stainproof grout is to remain a flexible, pliable consistency. The grout can endure light foot traffic in 24 hours. Allow 5-7 days before introducing cleaning products or cleaning thoroughly.
Q: Should I mix this product in the bucket?
A: No. It is not necessary to mix our grout. It is premixed and ready to use. Do not add any water, chemicals, or liquids to the premixed grout.
Q: How can I make the clean-up of my grout job easier?
A: Moisten tiles with damp sponge in a 5-10 S/F area just prior to applying grout. This will aid in clean-up. Make sure to wipe excess grout from tiles with the grout float coming across the tile at a 45 degree angle and at a diagonal to the grout joints. Then you come across the tiles again, but this time at a 90 degree angle to the surface of the tile (again at a diagonal to the grout joints). Lightly and slowly wipe the tile off with a sponge dampened with cool water in a circular motion in the 5-10 S/F area.
Q: What is the maximum sized grout line I can use?
A: For sanded product, the maximum size is 3/8”. For non-sanded the max is 1/8”.
Q: What kind of cleaners can I use to remove stains?
A: General household cleaners such as diluted Simple Green, Pine Sol and Comet will effectively remove stains in TrafficMaster Grout.
Q: How should I use these cleaners to remove stains?
A: Apply cleaner on the stained or soiled area. Let sit for 15 seconds and wipe up with paper towel or absorbent cloth. If stain or soil remains, repeat this procedure. If stain still remains, use a white plastic scrubby or nylon bristle brush to gently work the area with additional cleaner. This should remove any remaining stains. Rinse with cool water.
Q: How much coverage will I get per quart and gallon?
A: See bucket for complete coverage chart as coverage will vary depending on grout joint, width, and size of tile.
Q: Do I need to use a grout sealer after installing this product?
A: No. We DO NOT recommend that you use a sealer with this product.
Q: Is this product flammable?
A: No.
Q: What kind of shelf life does the product have?
A: Two years unopened; 6 months after opened as long as it is sealed tightly. We recommend that you cover it with saran wrap prior to re-applying the lid. Do not store in an unheated area.
Q: What colors does this product come in?
A: There are a total of 30 in the color pallet. These will all come in sanded and non-sanded. What is not in stock will come in special order gallons.
Q: Will this product protect against blood and urine stains?
A: Yes.
Q: Does this product protect against nicotine stains?
A: Nicotine stains are removable from TrafficMaster Stainproof grout.
Q: Is this product better for big commercial jobs or home improvement jobs?
A: TrafficMaster Stainproof grout is not recommended for swimming pools, restaurants, hospitals or other high-traffic commerical applications.
Q: Do I need to add water to this product before usage?
A: No. That would change the chemical consistency of the product.
Q: What kind of warranty does this product have?
A: This product has a 25 year warranty when installed in accordance with the package directions, against most common household stains (except corrosive liquids) that will not become so deeply stained that you cannot remove the stain using recommended procedures. It will also resist cracking after the inital cure and color fading.
Q: What should I do if my skin has a reaction to the grout?
A: Wash with soap and water. For Emergency Medical Information Call 1-888-853-1758.
Q: After installation, what should I use to get grout off of surrounding tile?
A: Scrubby pad and water. You may also use diluted Simple Green mixed with cold water.
Q: How long after grouting does it take for the grout to become stainproof?
A: Five days.
Q: How often and with what should I clean my grout?
A: General weekly housekeeping is sufficient to keep grout clean. Neutral PH cleaners, diluted Simple Green (1 oz. Simple Green to 1 cup water) or Armstrong Once-n-Done may be used to clean TrafficMaster Grout.
Q: How soon can I grout after setting tile?
A: After thinset or setting material has fully cured. See thinset package for recommendations.
Q: What is the difference between stainproof and stain resistant?
A: Stain Resistant will repel stains, but the stain can penetrate and will not be able to be removed. Stainproof is a surface that may get discolored on the surface, but stains can always be removed protecting its original color.
Q: If the product starts to dry in the container, will the addition of water return product to its original consistency?
A: No.
Q: Is it necessary to mix separate buckets if a job requires multiple containers? (for bagged product this is recommended for color variance)
A: No.
Q: Can product be used on shower floor or steam rooms?
A: No. Not recommended.
Q: Can I use on fire places?
A: On the hearth, not in fireplace.
|
