Knowde Enhanced TDS
Identification & Functionality
- Product Type
- Technologies
- Product Families
- Texture
Colored, paste mixture, graded silica sand, organic and inorganic chemicals.
Features & Benefits
- Ready-to-Use Product Features
- Benefits
- “Ready to use” – single component
- Crack resistant and flexible to minor movement
- Grout is self-sealed / no sealer required
- Stain resistant grout
- Color match every time – new installation or repair
- Easy water clean-up, “grout & go”
- Extra grout can be saved & used on another installation
- No efflorescence – cement free product
- The grout requires no sealing and is resistant to typical food stains and most common household chemical/cleaning products.
- CHROMAFLEX grout is formulated so that it can provide the optimum performance in wear & stain resistance, no color fading, streaking or shading even when wet.
- CHROMAFLEX grout offers improved workability with superb colormatching on each application. The "ready-to use" or pre-mixed feature allows stopping and starting of grouting without the fear and problem of color matching. Any unused grout can be air-tight covered with lid & plastic sheet in the pail. The remainder can be used or saved for another application or installation.
- The flexible polymer based product eliminates Portland cement component and ground color pigments associated with tile staining or mottled grout. Problems such as initial discoloration, color fading. splotchy/hazed, uneven colored, cracked, and efflorescence grout joints are no longer a factor.
Applications & Uses
- Markets
- Applications
- Compatible Substrates & Surfaces
- Basic Use
CHROMAFLEX grout, can be used to grout with any ceramic, porcelain tile or natural stone tile installation.
- Area of Use
It is a pre-mixed, ready to use grout in narrow and medium wide tile joint from 1/16"1/2" (2 mm 13 mm) on both vertical and horizontal surfaces. It is used in residential and commercial areas.
- Limitations
- CHROMAFLEX grout should not be used where high acid/alkali resistance is required. In areas of intermittent mild acid/alkali exposure, CHROMAFLEX grout outperforms conventional cement grouts.
- Industrial applications with long term or repeated exposure to chemical cleaning or steam cleaning use “Chemical Resistance Epoxy grout” ANSI A118.3 called Texrite’s Epoxyplus.
- CHROMAFLEX grout and grout lines does not form a waterproof barrier. A continuous membrane and/or coating suitable for the tile/stone work and structure shall be incorporated into the build/design such as Texrite’s Hydro-rite.
- The product is not a tile setting mortar.
- This product is not recommended in use with hot tubs, jacuzzi or other combinations submerged heated applications, use Texrite’s Epoxyplus.
- Installation
All cases, proper precautions are taken before a job is started; many common problems can be prevented to help insure a satisfactory installation. When grouting over a traditional Portland cement mortar/mud bed, the mortar bed must be thoroughly dry or covered with a bond compatible water-proofing membrane after 72 hours of cure time. Tiles set on thin-bed mortar can be grouted after 48 hours, and tiles set over membranes can be grouted after 72 hours. Other adhesives that cure by evaporation should have a minimum 48 hour cure time before grouting. With thin-bed mortar, a period of 48 hours is sufficient. Other adhesives that cure by evaporation of solvents or moisture will delay or extend the cure time of the grout 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. Use care on soft, highly polished surfaces to avoid scratching. Test a small area. Use of a sealer is always recommended on porous tile, polished marble, travertine, slate and other natural stone. Consult the tile manufacturer’s advice regarding suitability for use with colored grouts. If in doubt, make a test sample using the tile and grout in question. Care should be taken when applying a sealer to the tile surface and not the tile edges or empty joints space.
Stiring
It may be necessary to stir the contents of the unit if any liquid is present on top or the unit appears stiff due to vibration and packing from shipping/delivery. Stir to the bottom of the container until a smooth, soft paste is acquired. No water oor other liquids are to be added. Adding other liquids or water will void your Chromaflex grout warranty. Added water or other liquids will damage the grout to be excessively soft and have poor stain resistance.
- Application
Open tile joints should be clean and free of all construction debris. Remove all tile spacers and any tile setting mortar in excess of 1/3 of the tile thickness. On exterior work or some interior work it may be necessary to use shades or screens to prevent rapid drying due to excess heat, sun or wind. Grouting should be done in the coolest part of the day during summer or hot conditions. During winter orcold condition, the grout, substrate and tiles shall be maintained above 60 °F(16 °C) for at a minimum of 24 hours. Keep grout from being placed in expansion joints. Grout all areas of the installation with the same procedure. Keep grout from being placed in expansion joints. Grout all areas of the installation with the same procedure
- Dampen the surface of the tile with a wet terry cloth towel. Remove all standing water in grout joints or on surface of tile.
- Apply grout with a stiff "green" rubber grout float. Use force to compact and fully filled joint by working diagonally across the joints. Completely, fill the joint with grout without leaving air pocket or cavities beneath the top surface. Smaller or narrow 1/16" (2mm) wide joints may take more pressure to squeeze wet grout into narrow space.
- After filling joints, remove as much excess grout as possible from tile by holding the float at a 90° angle going diagonally across the surface.
- Grout an area that can be managed and cleaned within a 5-10 minute intervals. Allowing haze or excess grout on the tile surface beyond 10 minutes will make to cleaning process more difficult. Most importantly, clean the grout as you install using minimal amounts of water and low or light hand pressure not to remove grout from the joint. Only grout enough areas that can be wiped cleaned before the grout starts to dry, firm or set to the face of the tile (typical 9-15 sq ft/0.8-1.4m2 of area).
- Clean the remaining grout from the surface using a damp terry cloth towel or 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 (approximated every 100 fti or gm of cleaning). Remove any standing water from grout surface or empty joint immediately. A bluish tint or faint haze may appear on the fresh/wet grout upon final cleaning and will dissipate within 30-60 minutes. Do not be alarmed this is part of the resin polymer surface protecction. FINAL CLEANING OF HAZE/FILM RESIDUE: Use "minimally damp" possible technique for clean-up. Inspect your work as you clean. Use a separate (second or third) clean water container and clean terry cloth towel into the water, and then wring out all remaining water. Unfold clean water dampened towel and drag or pull the flatten towel over the tile and grout surface to wipe all haze or film. Alternate towel sides re-wipe/drag the surface with overlap ping strokes, then rinse, wring and repeat until the entire surface has been towel dragged. In warmer/drier conditions remove the any haze/film in a shorter elapse time. Acid wash is not recommended for any clean up. (This includes vinegar). 6.
- Complete cleaning is when no film or color particles remains on the tiles and joint surface is uniform in texture and height. Avoid any additional water contact from this point and allow the grout to air dry for a minimum of 12 hours.
- The following day, 20-24 hours the grout is walkable to light traffic. Clean off any missed haze and any excess grout by using a clean water dampened white nylon scrub pad to wash surface of tile. If a stubborn haze or small amount still remains on the tile, clean with a film /haze removers such as Denatured Alcohol or Citrus Cleaner. Scrub the surface with the film removers and a white nylon scrub pad, then rinsed with clean water. Do not soak or leave excess film remover or water to remain on the grout. Final cleaning can be done using a damp towel or soft cloth. 8. Protect grout from staining agents or debris during the curing process. The grout wil show water repellency characteristics with 24 hours.
Working Time
Approximately 2 hours of container time depending on ambient Temperatures and 5-10 minutes for the tile surface clean time. Less working time when will occur at higher temperature and more working time will occur under lower temperature or damp/moist conditions.
Temperature Range for Installation
Grout between 50-90 °F (10-32 °C) ambient temperatures. Best temperatures for installation 60-80 °F (16-27 °C). Do not allow grout to freeze for the first 72 hours.
Curing/Drying
The newly grouted surface should be protected from traffic for at least 24 hours before light traffic and 72 hours before normal or heavy traffic with jobsite conditions kept at a consistent 70 °F(21 °C) and 50% relative humidity. Keep debris from surface of grout, use breathable kraft paper during the initial 24-hour period. Do not cover the grout with plastic sheet, rosin paper or newspaper. The grout is affected by temperature and humidity variations. Lower and cooler temperatures and/or higher humidity will extend and slow dry time. Delay or protect from traffic for tilework under cooler/damper climate conditions. A typical grout width of 1/4" 3/8" (4-10 mm) will normally dry within 7 days at 70 °F (21 °C). For the finished areas to be designated an exterior or wet/submerged (ex: patios, pools, fountains, showers and etc.) area, the grout application and curing must be protected and covered to remain air dry for minimum of 7 days. It may be necessary to tent or shelter an exterior installation due to forecasted rain. The cover protection shall beraised high enough (1 foot or more in height /0.3 m) to provide ample air circulation to permit drying. Unlike cement grouts, use of fans, indirect heat or heated rooms and dehumidifiers will aid/benefit the drying of the grout for interior installations. Wait 7 days before full service cleaning of tile and grout surface. Allow 7 days prior to exposing grout to full water exposure. Use care on soft, highly polished surfaces to avoid scratching. Test a small area. Use of a sealer is always recommended on polished marble, stone, slate and other natural, porous tiles. Final Cleaning: After 7 days, scrubbing with a white nylon scrub pad and a solution of T.S.P. in water (1 cup/5 gallon water) may be used to clean and rinse tile and grout surfaces. Maintenance Cleaning: Chromaflex is protected and sealed from within the body and surface, but organic material on the surface can provide a food source. Mold/ mildew can attach to organic materials in dirt, food residues and soap scum for example. Therefore, cleaning periodically with a solution of T.S.P, or a tile cleaner specific to these conditions will provide sufficient removal of these contaminants. Remove all spills immediately. Enzymatic type floor cleaner products should not be used on Chromaflex; the use can and will damage the grout. clean, hot/warm water mopping, rinse and wringer to remove debris from surface is sufficient to maintain most installations. Sealing and Staining: Chromaflex grout requires no sealing and is resistant to typical food stains and most household chemical products. For best stain resistance, always clean up spills immediately.
Coverage Chart Tile size Joint width sq ft / unit 1 Gal 4 1/4” x 4 1/4” 1/16” 223 1” x 1” x 1/4” 1/8” 33 2” x 2” x 1/4” 1/8” 60 4” x 4” x 3/8” 1/4” 40 4” x 4” x 1/2” 1/4” 30 3/8” 22 6” x 6” x 5/16” 1/16” 313 6” x 6” x 1/2” 1/4” 44 3/8” 30 3 7/8” x 8” x 3/8” 1/4” 52 3 7/8” x 8” x 1 3/8” 1/4” 14 12” x 12” x 3/8” 1/16” 518 1/8” 225 1/4” 114 13” x 13” x 3/8” 1/8” 243 1/4” 123 16” x 16” x 3/8” 1/8” 298 1/4” 151 18” x 18” x 3/8” 1/8” 335 1/4” 169 20” x 20” x 3/8” 1/8” 371 1/4” 187 12” x 24” x 3/8” 1/8” 298 1/4” 151 24” x 24” x 3/8” 1/8” 445 1/4” 225
Properties
- Color
- Technical Data
| Value | Units | Test Method / Conditions | |
| Bucket Life | 2.0 | Hours | — |
| Tack Free | 4.0 | Hours | — |
| Initial/Light Traffic | 24.0 | Hours | — |
| Full/ Normal Traffic | 72.0 | Hours | — |
| Water Absorption | max.1 | % | — |
| Hardness | min. 50 | Shore D | — |
Regulatory & Compliance
- Applicable Standards
CHROMAFLEX flexible polymer characteristics are currently so advanced that conventional grout standards are not applicable. The grouts high flexible and stain resistance characteristics outperform to traditional Portland cement grout such ANSI A108.1, A108.4, A108.5, A108.7, A108.10., A118.6-H2.1 and A118.
Safety & Health
- Safety
Caution
May cause eye or skin injury. Contains silica sand. Prolonged exposure to cutting/grinding dust of hardened product may cause delayed lung disease (silicosis). Eliminate exposure to cutting/grinding dust. Use NIOSH approved mask for silica dust. Contains flexible, polymer and sand mixtures, if product gets into eye, flush immediately and repeatedly with water, and consult a physician promptly. Fresh, wet grout may cause skin injury. Avoid contact with skin where possible and wash exposed skin areas promptly with water. Do not ingest
Packaging & Availability
- Packaging Type
- Packaging
1 gallon pail (14 lb)
- Colors
Available in 23 colors