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Areas of Use
SUPREME is used in any installation area, residential or commercial, where joint widths will not be in excess of 1/8" (3 mm). It is most commonly used with absorptive or semi-vitreous ceramic tile for both interior and exterior use. SUPREME, because of its very fine texture, is an excellent grout for use with highly glazed tiles to produce a smooth, dense joint. Only the addition of water is required. As an alternative to water, CUREMIX® 937, CURECRYLIC 938 or PROGROUT ADDITIVE 945 can be used to intensify its bond and flexural strength plus improve its color intensity and stain resistance for installations subject to exterior or severe use.
Limitations
SUPREME, because of its Portland cement base, should not be used where high acid resistance is required. In areas of intermittent mild acid exposure, CUREMIX 937, CURECRYLIC 938 or PROGROUT ADDITIVE 945 used in lieu of water will improve its resistance to staining, thermal shock and acid. Supreme is not effected by prolonged contact with water, but does not form a waterproof barrier. The potential for efflorescence is inherent in all cement based products and is not considered a manufacturing defects.
- Installation
Preparatory Work
Evaluation of the job conditions and the materials to be used will be the primary controlling factors that will determine the outcome of the job. As in all cases, if proper precautions are taken before a job is started, many problems that are within the realm of your control may be prevented, assuring a satisfactory job. The following is a suggested check list that one should follow to produce the best possible results when grouting a ceramic tile installallation.
- Wait a minimum of 48 hours before grouting a dry-set installation. Wait 72 hours before grouting a conventional mortar bed installation. Portland cement mortar beds that are excessively wet or have moisture coming through the slab may produce uneven drying conditions and efflorescence. Extra drying time is required to reduce the problem of efflorescence and uneven drying of the grout joint. If organic adhesives are used, a minimum of 48 hours is required for the evaporation of solvents which will prevent proper cure of the cement mortars. When epoxies are used, a minimum of 24 hours is required for the evaporation of solvents which will prevent proper cure of cement mortars. These recommendations are made on the premise that the ambient temperature is 70°F (21°C), therefore, allowances should be made if the temperature is other than this. A longer time should be allowed for cooler temperatures and shorter times are possible if the temperature is higher.
- The width and depth of all the joints should be uniform throughout the installation. If tile spacers or construction debris is present, they should be removed prior to grouting. A minimum of 2/3 of the joint shall be open for grouting material. Excessive setting material must be removed.
- Plan your day’s work so the next day’s grouting does not join in conspicuous areas (i.e. center of rooms).
- On exterior and interior work, it may be necessary to use shades or screens in work areas to prevent rapid water evaporation due to sun or wind. During warmer months, grouting should be done at the coolest part of the day. During cooler months, it will be necessary to protect the grout from freezing conditions for the first 72 hours.
- If grout and tile colors contrast, it may be necessary to use a grout release. It is best to check with the tile manufacturer for their recommendations or do a test panel simulating your job conditions.
- Dampen the joints and wet the surface of the tile by means of fogging prior to placing the grout on the tile, however, no standing water should be present. This will do three things: First, the grouting of a wet surface is easier. Second, it will reduce absorption of fine pigments and cement into the small pores of the tile, thus reducing cleanup time and possible staining. Third, this dampening of the joints will prevent the rapid loss of water from the grout, improving its color control and final hardness.
- Keep grout from getting into the expansion joints, as they will later have to be cleaned out when sealant is applied.
- During winter months care should be taken that both the dry powder grout and mixing liquids are at least 60°F (16°C) and and the grouted installation should be maintained at 60°F (16°C) or above for a minimum of 24 hours.
- When grouting under adverse conditions such as below recommended temperatures or in highly humid conditions, mixing the grout with ProGrout Additive 945 will decrease the chance of discoloration and help prevent efflorescence of the grout.
- Application
Unglazed pavers are extremely porous. If grout colors contrast with the tile, it may be necessary to use a grout release. For application and removal of the grout release, follow the manufacturer’s recommendations. (KEEP GROUT RELEASE AGENTS OUT OF THE GROUT JOINT.) Additional wetting of the grout joints is required to prevent extreme water loss for the grout. (DO NOT LEAVE STANDING WATER IN THE JOINTS.) Grout all areas of the installation with the exact same procedure. The most consistent results can be achieved by filling the joints with grout until flush with surface of tile using a hard rubber float working diagonally across the grout joints to both fill and compact the joints. As soon as possible, remove all excess grout with the same rubber float. The least amount of grout left at this time on the face of the tile will make the final clean-up easier. Most important, allow the grout to firm in the joint acquiring its initial set before any further cleaning is to be done. The grout is firm when it can only slightly be indented when pressed hard with your fingernail. Do not be concerned about dried grout on surface of tile at this time. Upon initial set of the grout, use a pad of cheese cloth or towel dampened with a minimum amount of clean cool water to clean tile surface by rubbing in a circular motion to further compact the grout. Also, clean off remaining surface grout on the tile at this time. As an alternate to the cloth pad a tool distributed by Gundloch Co. called the “Doodle Bug®”, a Scotch-Brite™ pad fastened to a float, works very well to remove grout from porous tiles. In no case is a sponge recommended for grouting. To help reduce efflorescence and control color variation, buff the tile surface and grout with a cheese cloth or clean, dry towel within 1 - 2 hours to remove all weep water and grout residue from the surface of the grout.
Mixing
If possible, use the same person to mix the grout for any on-job mixing so that the same mixing technique will be used throughout the job. On small jobs, if less than a full bag is mixed at one time, the entire bag should be dry mixed first, prior to the addition of water, CURECRYLIC 938 or PROGROUT ADDITIVE 945. This is done to prevent a color variance in the finished product that may be possible due to pigments and fine aggregates which have a tendency to settle while being transported. During the mixing process, the grout should be mixed with as little liquid as is practical for application. In addition, the grout must be mixed thoroughly either by hand or with a low RPM power mixer to ensure uniform color and maximum strength. A suggested mixing procedure is as follows: To a mixing container, add approximately 1 gal. (3.8 L) of liquid per 55 lbs. (25 kg) of powder. Add the grout to the liquid using only a small amount of water to adjust consistency of the mortar. Allow the mortar to slake for 15 minutes, then remix. Do not retemper with liquid or powder after this point. Once the grout mortar has become too stiff to work, it must be discarded and a new batch mixed.batch.
Applicable Standards
Supreme may be used in installations that must conform to ANSI 108.1, A108.4, A108.5, A108.10 and A118.6 H2.1. Color — Supreme is available in six standard colors. Upon special request, it can be custom blended to most any color to fulfill the needs of both decorators and architects. Texture — Powder, consisting of Portland cement, graded silica sand, colorfast pigments, organic and inorganic chemicals.
Curing
During the first 72 hours, care must be taken to prevent the grout from drying out by covering the installation with natural kraft paper. Plastic sheeting or newspaper should not be used. If additional water is required to maintain a moist joint on non-latex-modified grouts, it should be applied in even amounts, but in no case should standing water be allowed. During this time, it is also important to keep the installation covered with kraft paper, not polyethylene, to prevent staining and dirt being worked into the fresh grout joints by other construction trades.
Final Cleaning
After 10 days, the floor may be recleaned to remove any remaining grout from the surface of the tile. Scrubbing the floor with a hot water and soap method is best. It is not recommended that acids be used. If acid is required, a solution no stronger than 2 lbs (.90 kg) of C-CLEAN 985 granules to 5 gals. (18.9 L) of water may be used. It is important that before the acid solution is placed on the surface, that the grout be thoroughly saturated with water first. Cleaning in this manner will most likely cause color alteration of the grout joint, the degree of which can be determined by doing a small test patch in an inconspicuous place. Special Notice: Do not acid clean the following colors: #35 Catalina Jade and #86 Ocean Blue.
Sealing and Staining
Sealers, waxes and stains may be used to further enhance the grout by offering richer colors and future prevention of unwanted stains. A period of at least 30 days and complete satisfaction of grout conditions should be allowed before these products are applied. Some sealers may have adverse effects on grout joints, such as softening or discoloration. Try small test area to be sure.
Coverage
Supreme yields 50 - 75 sq. ft (4.6 - 6.9 m2) when using a 12" x 12" x 1/2" (30 x 30 x 1.3 cm) tile with a 1/2" (13 mm) grout joint.
Properties
- Typical Properties
| Value | Units | Test Method / Conditions | |
| Compressive Strength (7 Days) | min. 2400 | psi | ASTM C-109 |
| Compressive Strength (28 Days) | min. 3500 | psi | ASTM C-109 |
| Water Absorption | max. 12 | % | — |
| Hardness | min. 70 | Shore D | — |
| Initial Set | 2.0 | Hours | ASTM C-266 |
| Final Set | 8.0 | Hours | ASTM C-266 |
| Bucket Life | 6.0 | Hours | — |
| Shear Bond (Vitreous, Paver Tile, 7 Days) | min. 200 | psi | ANSI A118.1 |
| Shear Bond (Semi - Vitreous Tile, 7 Days) | min. 300 | psi | ANSI A118.2 |
Safety & Health
- Caution
Contains Portland cement and free silica. May be irritating to eyes and nose. Prolonged exposure to dust may cause delayed lung disease (silicosis), and there is limited evidence that crystalline silica may cause cancer in humans. Eliminate exposure to dust. Follow OSHA standards for crystalline silica. Remove to fresh air if exposed. Avoid contact with skin and eyes. Wash thoroughly with water after handling. In case of eye contact, flush immediately and repeatedly with water. If irritation persists, consult a physician immediately. Do not take internally. NIOSH approved mask for silica dust, eye protection, and gloves are recommended when handling this product. *KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN.
Packaging & Availability
- Packaging
25 lb. (11.3 kg) multi-wall bags and 10 lb. (4.54 kg) containers.
Storage & Handling
- Shelf Life
One year if kept dry in sealed containers.