Knowde Enhanced TDS
Identification & Functionality
- Product Type
- Technologies
- Product Families
- Texture
Powder, consisting of portland cement, graded silica sand, organic and inorganic chemicals.
Features & Benefits
- Ready-to-Use Product Features
- Benefits
- NEW and Improved formula
- For joints from 1/8” to ½”
- Reduces chances of efflorescence and shading
- Increased hardness and durability
- Many Variables Affect Shade of Grout
To achieve an approximately uniform finished shade of colored grout, it is necessary to treat all of the grout the same way over the entire installation. This means adhering to the following steps:
- Do not grout the same day the tile is installed, wait until the next day (24 48 hr.).
- Keep the width and depth of all the joints the same prior to grouting.
- Mix every full bag of grout with the same amount of water. Never mix less than a full bag.
- 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. AMT Anti-Microbial Technology.
Applications & Uses
- Markets
- Applications
- Compatible Substrates & Surfaces
- Basic Use
Ac-centPlus Grout can be used to grout virtually any ceramic and porcelain tile or natural stone available in the industry.
- Area of Use
- Ac-cent® Plus use in ceramic and porcelain tile or natural stone.
- It is used for medium to wide-joint Installation, 1/8" 1/2" (313 mm)
- Use in residential and commercial areas where a premium grout is needed to solve demanding job conditions.
- For narrow 1/16" 1/8" (1 3 mm) joints use AC-CENT PLUS NON-SANDED GROUT.
- Installation
- If proper precautions are taken before a job is started, many problems may be prevented which will assure a satisfactory job.
- On Portland cement-sand setting beds (mortar bed scratch coats) a curing period of 72 hr. is required to help reduce the problem of efflorescence due to free calcium. With thin-bed mortar, a period of 48 hr. is sufficient. Solvent based adhesives cure by evaporation of solvents, which will destroy cement mortar; thus, a minimum of 48 hr. 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 tile manufacturer's instructions for advice regarding suitability for use with cement colored grout. If in doubt, make a test sample using the tile and grout in question. Care should be exercised when applying a sealer so that only the surface and not the tile edges are covered.
Mixing
Mix a full 25 lbs. (11.4 kg) bag of Ac-centPlus with 2.1 2.25 quartz (2 2.15 L) of clean, potable water at 43 90°F (4 32°C). Add the grout to the liquid using small amounts and adjust to a non-flowable, soft paste consistency, wait 15 min. until the mix.has slaked. Do not re-temper mix (do not more liquid) after this point. Working time will be 60 min. approximately. Open grout joints should be clean and free of all construction debris. Remove any thin-set in excess of at least the half of tile thickness. 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 mixing. The tile and substrate shall also be maintained at a minimum of 60°F(16°C) for at least 24 hr. Prevent grout from being placed in expansion joints. Stir the mixed grout occasionally in the bucket to maintain workabili ty, if grout becomes too thick, discard and mix a new batch, never add more liquid into the mix.
- 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 surtace 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, remove 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 finger.
- Clean the remaining grout from the surface using a damp terryy 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 diagonally 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 OF THE GROUT RESIDUAL: 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 or Vinegar wash is not recommended for clean up.
- 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 the tile. Final cleaning can be done using a damp towel or cheesecloth.
Working Time
Approximately 1 hr, depending on ambient temperature.
Temperature Range for Installation
Do not grout below 43°F (6°C) or above 90°F (32°C) ambient temperature. Do not allow grout to freeze for the first 72 hr.
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°F to avoid shading.
Maintenance Cleaning
It is important in all future routine maintenance programs that the cleaning chemicals used do not contain any acids. On occa sion for extreme conditions, clean with Texrite's Crystal Clean GTM following use recommendations. As with any surface, mold and mildew can attach itself to organic materials in dirt, food residues and soap scum for example. Ac-cent Plus will not support growth, but the organic material can provide a mildew food source. Therefore, cleaning periodically with a solution of TSP or a cleaner specific to these conditions will providesufficient removal of these contaminants. Special Notice: DO NOT ACID CLEAN the following Grout color: 86 Ocean Blue. Clean this color with a neutral cleaner, citric cleaner or TSP.
Sealing and Staining
Sealers are used to help prevent staining of grout joints. Use of a grout sealer is acceptable, consult sealer manufacturer's information. A period of at least 14 days and complete satisfaction of grout conditions should be allowed before 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. 500 | — | — |
| Semi-Vitreous Tile (7 Days) | min. 500 | — | — |
| Non-Vitreous Tile (7 Days) | min. 400 | — | — |
| Compressive Strength (7 Days) | min. 2900 | psi | — |
| Compressive Strength (28 Days) | min. 4000 | psi | — |
| Water Absorption | max.4 | % | — |
| Hardness | min. 90 | 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
May be used in installations that must conform to ANSI A108.1, A108.4, A108.5, A108.7, A108.10, A118.6, contains zero VOC's.
Safety & Health
- Safety
May cause eye, skin, or lung injury. Contains free slica. 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) bags.
- Colors
Ac-cent® Plusis available in 32 colors.
Storage & Handling
- Storage Life
One year if kept dry in sealed bag.