Knowde Enhanced TDS
Identification & Functionality
- Product Type
- Technologies
- Product Families
- Texture
Powder, consisting of portland cement, mineral filler, organic and inorganic chemicals.
Features & Benefits
- Ready-to-Use Product Features
- Benefits
- For joints from 1/16” to 1/8”
- Non-abrasive, non-sanded formula
- Ideal for polished natural marble or thin glazed tile
- Mold and mildew protection
- Dense, high strength grout
- Add water or Acrylic Admix 150 fs liquid only
- Efflorescence suppression
- AC-CENT® NON-SANDED Grout is formulated so that it can provide the optimum in high wear, stain resistance and exceptional color uniformity.
- Only the addition of water is required.
- Unlike any grout to date, AC-CENT NON-SANDED Grout offers improved workability with minimal labor required for final clean up.
- Texrite's Acrylic Admix 150 FS liquid may be added in lieu of water to significantly improve bond strength, flexibility, thermal shock and problems commonly encountered such as initial discoloration, color fading cracking and efflorescence.
- Many Variables Affect Shade of Grout
To achieve an approximately uniform shade of colored grout it is necessary to treat all of the grout the same way over the entire installa tion. This means adhering to the following steps
- Do not grout the same day the tile is installed. Wait 24-48 hours
- Keep the width and depth of all the joints the same prior to grouting.
- Mix all of the grout with the same minimum amount of water and mix it all the same way.
- Plan your day's work so the next day's grouting does not join in the center of conspicuous areas. Different temperatures from one day to the next and differences in humidity from day to day can change the shade of the grout.
- All areas of the installation should be grouted with the exact same procedure. The most consistent color can be obtained by using cheesecloth (or sponge containing a minimum amount of water) to clean off the grout and by polishing the installation dry. Efflorescence is inherent in all cement-based products and is not considered a manufacturing defect.
Applications & Uses
- Markets
- Applications
- Basic Use
AC-CENT® NON-SANDED Grout can be used to grout virtually any ceramic and porcelain tile or natural stone available in the industry.
- Area of Use
- It is used for narrow 1/16” 1/8” (1 3 mm) joints.
- It would most commonly be used in residential and commercial areas where a premium grout is needed to solve demanding job conditions.
- Limitations
- AC-CENT NON-SANDED Grout is portland cement base; it should not be used where high acid resistance is required. In areas of intermittent mild acid exposure, AC-CENT NON-SANDED Grout outperforms conventional graded mineral / cement grouts.
- The potential for efflorescence is inherent in all cement based products and is not considereda manufacturing defect.
- AC-CENT NON-SANDED Grout is not affected by prolonged water contact but it does not form a waterproof barrier.
- Installation
If proper precautions are taken before a job is started, many problems may be prevented which will assure a satisfacttory job. On portland cement / sand setting beds (mortar bedscratch coats) a curing period of 72 hours is required to help reduce the problem of efflores cence due to free calcium. With thin-bed mortar, a period of 48 hours is sufficient. Solvent based adhesives cure by evaporation of solvents, which will destroy cement mortar; thus a minimum of 48 hours should be allowed before grouting.
Sealing of Tile or Stone Prior to Grouting
Some tiles, due to rough surface texture or high porosity require sealing prior to grouting. Consult the tile manufacturer’s literature and packing carton for advice regarding suitability for use with cement colored grouts. If in doubt, make a test sample using the tile and grout in question. Care should be excercised when applying a sealer so that the surface and not the tile edges are covered.
Mixing
Blend AC-CENT® NON-SANDED Grout with clean, potable water or Texrite Acrylic Admix 150 FS liquid between 50 °F (10 °C) and 80 °F (27 °C). Add the grout to the liquid using small amounts and adjust to a non-flowable, soft paste consistency after the grout has slaked (wait) 15 minutes. An approximate amount of 3 to 3.1 quarts (2.8 to 2.9 liters) of liquid will be needed to mix with 25 lb (11.3 kg) of product. Do not re-temper mix after this point. Working time of grout mix will be approximately one hour. Open grout joints should be clean and free of all construction debris. Remove any thin-set in excess of 1/2 of the tile thickness. On exterior work and sometimes on interior work it may be necessary to use shades or screens to prevent rapid water evaporation due to sun or wind. Grouting should be done in the coolest part of the day during summer months. During winter months, care should be taken that both grout and mixing liquid are at least 60 °F (16 °C) before combining. The tile and substrate shall also be maintained at a minimum 60 °F (16 °C) for at a minimum of 24 hours. Care should be taken to prevent grout from being placed in expansion joints. Grout all areas of installation with the same procedure. Stir the mixed grout ocasionally in the bucket to maintain workability. If mortar becomes too thick, discard and mix a new batch.
Application
- Dampen the surface of the tile with a wet terry cloth towel or sponge. Do not leave standing water in grout joints or on surface of tile. compacted joint by working diagonally across the joints.
- After filling joints, remove as much excess grout as possible from surface of the tile by holding the float at a 90º angle going diagonally across the face of the tile.
- Most importantly, allow the grout to firm in the joint before any further cleaning is done. The grout is firm when it can only slightly be indented when pressed hard with your fingers.
- Clean the remaining grout from the surface using a damp terry cloth towel or rounded edge sponge. Use towel or sponge placed in clean water and then wring out all excess water. Pull the flat dampened towel or sponge across the tile. Continue this procedure by repeatedly washing and wringing out the towel in clean, cool water. Change wash water in bucket often.
Cleaning off the Grout Residue
- Dampen the surface of the tile with a wet terry cloth towel or sponge Do not leave standing water in grout joints or on surface of tile.
- Apply grout with a stiff rubber float. Use force to achieve a full compacted joint by working diagonally across the joints.
- After filling joints, temove as much excess grout as possible from surface of the tile by holding the float at a 90 angle going diagonally across the face of the tile.
- Most importantly, allow the grout to firm in the joint before any further cleaning is done. The grout is firm when it can only slightly be indented when pressed hard with your fingers.
- Clean the remaining grout from the surface using a damp terry ctoth towel on rounded edge sponge: Use towel or sponge placed in clean water and then wring out all excess water Pull the flat dampened towel on sponge across the tile Continue this procedure by repeatedly washing and wringing out the towel in clean cool water Change wash water in bucket often Cleaning off the Grout Residue Use the driest possible technique for clean-up, Excess water will weaken the joint, and cause variation in the color and may cause shrinkage cracks and pinholes. Clean off the grout with cheesecloth and polish the installation dry Acid wash is not recommended for clean up: (This includes vinegar).
- Cleaning is complete when only a light haze remains and the joint surface is smooth and even.
- The following day, clean off the haze and any excess grout by using a dampened white nylon scrub pad with clean water and scour the surface of tile. Final cleaning can be done using a damp towel or cheesecloth.
Working Time
Approximately one hour depending on ambient temperature. Less working time when used with Texrite’s Acrylic Admix 150 FS liquid.
Temperature Range for Installation
Do not grout below 60°F (15°C) or above 90°F (32°C) ambient temperature. Do not allow mortar to freeze for the first 72 hours.
Curing
Uneven curing of sand-cement grouts caused by air conditioning, unit heaters, fans, open windows etc. will cause variation or shading in cured colored sand cement grouts. Control temperature when possible; minimize temperature variation (within 10 degrees) to avoid shading.
Maintenance Cleaning
It is important that all future routine maintenance programs do not contain any acids in the cleaning chemicals. On occasion for extreme conditions, clean with Texrite’s Crystal Clean GTM following manufactures recommendations. Mold and mildew can attach to organic materials in dirt, food residues and soap scum for example. AC-CENT® NON-SANDED will not support growth, but the organic material can provide a mildew food source. Therefore, cleaning periodically with a solution of TPS or a cleaner specific to these conditions will providesufficient removal of these contaminants.
Special notice: Do Not Acid Clean the following grout colors: # 37 morning mist, # 41 sea foam, # 86 ocean blue, #15 blue norther or #11 agave. Clean these colors witha neutral cleaner: citric cleaner or TPS.
Sealing and Staining
Sealers are used to help prevent staining of grout joints. Use of a grout sealer is acceptable, consult with sealer manufacturer’s information. A period of at least 14 days and complete satisfaction of grout conditions should be allowed before the grout is sealed. Conduct an inconspicuous test area before sealing the entire area.
Properties
- Color
- Technical Data
| Value | Units | Test Method / Conditions | |
| Vitreous Tile (7 Days) | min. 300 | — | — |
| Semi-Vitreous Tile (7 Days) | min. 350 | — | — |
| Non-Vitreous Tile (7 Days) | min. 350 | — | — |
| Compressive Strength (7 Days) | min. 2400 | psi | ASTM C-109 |
| Compressive Strength (28 Days) | min. 3200 | psi | — |
| Water Absorption | max. 5 | % | — |
| Hardness | min. 70 | Shore D | — |
| Initial Set | 2.0 | Hours | ASTM C-266 |
| Final Set | 8.0 | Hours | ASTM C-266 |
| Bucket Life | 2.0 | Hours | — |
Regulatory & Compliance
- Applicable Standards
AC-CENT NON-SANDED Grout may be used in installations that mus conform to ANSI A108.1, A108.4, A108.5, A108.7, A108.10. conforms to ANSI A118.6, sec. 2.3 and Al18.7 sec. 2.2. This product has VOC content = 0(Volatile Organic Compounds).
Safety & Health
- Safety
Caution
May cause eye, skin or lung injury. Contains free silica. Prolonged exposure to dust may cause delayed lung disease (silicosis). Eliminate exposure to dust. Use NIOSH approved mask for silica dust. Contains portland cement. If any cement or cement mixtures get into eye, flush immediately and repeatedly with water and consult a physician promptly. Freshly mixed cement, mortar, concrete or grout may cause skin injury. Avoid contact with skin where possible and wash exposed skin areas promptly with water.
Packaging & Availability
- Packaging Type
- Packaging
25 lb (11.3 kg) multi-wall bags and 10 lb boxes.
- Colors
AC-CENT® NON-SANDED Grout is available in 26 standard colors. Special colors upon request (min. quantities batch lots).
Storage & Handling
- Storage Life
One year if kept in dry in sealed bag or box.