Mapei Keracolor SF Tile Grout – Bulk Buy

Mapei Keracolor SF Tile Grout further information

CLASSIFICATION IN COMPLIANCE WITH EN 13888

Mapei Keracolor SF is a class CG2WA improved (2) cementitious (C) mortar for tile joints (G).

MAPEI KERACOLOR SF TILE GROUT technical data

Product Identity

Application Data (+23oC and 50% RH)

Final Performances

MAPEI KERACOLOR SF TILE GROUT TECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS

Mapei Keracolor SF is made up of a blend of cement, fine-grained inert materials, synthetic resins, special admixtures and pigments. Mapei Keracolor SF is characterised by its special rheological behaviour, which makes it particularly suitable for grouting narrow tile joints.

When mixed with water in the proportions recommended and correctly applied, it forms a grouting mortar with the following characteristics:

• good compressive and flexural strength and good resistance to freeze/thaw cycles, and therefore optimum durability;
• smooth, compact finished surface with a very fine grain structure, with low water absorbency and therefore easy cleaning;
• very good resistance to abrasion; low shrinkage rate, therefore free of cracks and crevices. By mixing Mapei Keracolor SF with Fugolastic, a special synthetic resin-based polymeric admixture, its final characteristics are further improved and it reaches a level of strength which makes it suitable for even the most severe service conditions (grouting façades, high demand leisure pools, power showers and even floors subject to intense traffic). Mapei Keracolor SF together with Fugolastic admix may also be used for grouting joints in marble to be polished after laying.

For further information, please refer to the Fugolastic Technical Data Sheet.

RECOMMENDATIONS

• Do not mix Mapei Keracolor SF with cement or other products, and never add water once it has started to set.
• Never mix Mapei Keracolor SF with salt-water or dirty water.
• Use the product at a temperature of between +5°C and +35°C.
• The water used for mixing the product must be very carefully dosed. Too much mixing water and residual humidity in the adhesive or mortar which have not completely hydrated, or in substrates which have not dried sufficiently or which are not adequately protected against rising damp, may cause unsightliness due to the formation of salts on the surface.
• Expansion and movement joints on walls and floors must never be filled with Mapei Keracolor SF.
• In the case of tiles or slabs of stone material which have micro-porosity or a rough surface, carry out a preliminary test on a small piece to check whether it may be easily cleaned. If necessary, treat the surface with a protective treatment to the surface, ensuring that it does not run into the tile joints.
• Do not use Keracolor SF to grout tile joints wider than 4 mm (use Keracolor FF or Keracolor GG).
• With particularly absorbent tiles and thin tile joints, we recommend that the finish is dampened before grouting.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

Preparing of the joints

Before grouting the joints, wait until the installation mortar or the adhesive is completely set. Make sure that the waiting times indicated in the Technical Data Sheets are strictly adhered to. The joints must be clean, free from dust and empty down to at least 2/3 of the thickness of the tiles. Any adhesive or mortar which has seeped into the joints while laying the tiles must be removed whilst still fresh.

With particularly narrow tiles, or in the case of high temperatures or in windy conditions, dampen the joints with clean water.

Preparing the mix

Pour the Mapei Keracolor SF into a clean, rust-free container of clean water or Fugolastic (if required for the application) while mixing, at a ratio of 33-34% by weight.

Stir the mix, preferably with a low-speed mixer to avoid drawing in air, until a smooth paste is obtained. Let the mix stand for 2-3 minutes, and stir again briefly before use. Use the mix within 2 hours of its preparation.

Mapei Keracolor Application

Fill the joints with the prepared Keracolor SF mix using a special MAPEI trowel or rubber squeegee, without leaving any gaps or steps. Remove any excess Keracolor SF from the surface, by moving the trowel or squeegee diagonally across the joints while the mix is still fresh.

Finishing layer

When the mix becomes firmer opaque, which usually takes place after 10-20 minutes, clean the residual Mapei Keracolor SF with a damp sponge (e.g. a MAPEI sponge), working in a diagonal direction with respect to the joints. Rinse the sponge frequently, using two different containers of water: one to remove the excess mix from the sponge, and the other, containing clean water, to rinse the sponge. This operation may also be carried out with a special machine with a sponge belt. To make removal of the hardened product from the tiles easier, a dampened Scotch-Brite® pad or a rotating, single-head polisher with a felt disk may be used before cleaning with the sponge.

If the cleaning operation is carried out too soon (the mix is still too runny), some of the mix may be removed from the joints which makes them more subject to changes in colour. On the other hand, if the grout has already set, it will have to be cleaned mechanically which may cause scratching on the surface of the tiles.

If grouting is carried out in extremely hot, dry or windy weather, we recommend damping the joints filled with Mapei Keracolor SF after a few hours.

Damp curing of Mapei Keracolor SF improves its final characteristics in all cases. Final cleaning of the powdery film of Keracolor SF from the surface may be carried out with a clean, dry cloth. After the final cleaning operation, if the surface still has traces of Mapei Keracolor SF, it may be cleaned down with an acidic cleaner (e.g. Keranet), by following the relevant instructions, at least 10 days after grouting the joints. Only use Keranet on surfaces which are resistant to acid, and never use it on marble or limestone material.

SET TO LIGHT FOOT TRAFFIC

Floors are ready for light foot traffic after approx. 24 hours.

READY FOR USE

The surfaces are ready for traffic after 7 days. Water features and swimming pools may be filled up 7 days after grouting.

Cleaning

Tools and containers may be cleaned using plenty of water if the Keracolor SF is still fresh.

CONSUMPTION

Coverage of Mapei Keracolor FF varies depending on the width of the joints, the size and thickness of the tiles. Some examples of coverage in kg/m2 are shown in the chart.

PACKAGING

5 kg Alupack.

Mapei Keracolor COLOURS AVAILABLE

Mapei Keracolor SF is available in 100 white, 112 medium grey, 113 cement grey, 114 anthracite, 120 black, 130 jasmine and 132 beige from the MAPEI colour range.

STORAGE

Keracolor SF may be stored for up to 24 months in its original packaging in a dry place. The product complies with the conditions of Annex XVII to Regulation (EC) N° 1907/2006 (REACH), item 47.

SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS FOR PREPARATION AND APPLICATION

Mapei Keracolor SF contains cement that, when in contact with sweat or other bodily fluids, produces an irritant alkaline reaction and allergic reactions in those predisposed. It can cause damage to eyes.

We recommend the use of protective gloves and goggles and to take the usual precautions for handling chemical products. In case of contact with eyes or skin, wash immediately with plenty of water and seek medical attention.