Replies

1. 
   kcooke | May 31, 2006 03:43pm | #1

   If you're doing a lot of grouting, use graduated measuring cups, one for grout and one for water or admix.  Find the right consistancy once, write it down, and just go for it the next time.  And keep the tempering time the same each time.  Being consistant with the quantities and timing is hard on a jobsite, but with the right tools and patience, it gets easier.

2. 
   philarenewal | May 31, 2006 09:01pm | #2

   The idea of measuring proportions is a good one (I plan to use that myself).  ;-)

   In terms of the right consistency, the grout should be as wet as you can get it before it becomes pourable.  Kind of soft peanutbuttery.  Not unworkable, but stiff enough so it won't pour.

   If it's too stiff, it's a PITA to work plus the adhesion is not as good. 

   If it's too wet, it will shrink a lot plus as it sets it will tend to fall into any spots where there is any void beneath (like if you didn't get absolute 100% total coverage when you set the tiles).  You get a bad surprise when you come back after the grout is fully set (don't ask how I know).  ;-)

    

   "Let's get crack-a-lackin"  --- Adam Carolla

   
   

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   Edited 5/31/2006 2:02 pm ET by philarenewal

3. 
   zak | May 31, 2006 10:48pm | #3

   Well, this is still kind of an experience thing, but I look for how the grout levels itself in the bucket after it is mixed.  It should smooth out some after the drill mixer stops, but it shouldn't slump down to level.  You should still have a funnel shape. 

   It varies, of course- when using a grout bag it needs to be wetter, also on hot dry days where it will stiffen by the time I spread it.

   zak

   "so it goes"

4. 
   JeffBuck | Jun 01, 2006 05:53am | #4

   not too wet ...not too dry.

    

   did that help?

   anyways ... don't bother with the measuring and note keeping ... it'll change thru out the day ... and definitely change day to day ... and job to job it's never even close.

   wet enough to smear it around ... not so wet it puddles and doesn't set.

    

   5 gal bucket ... about an inch of water at the bottom to start ... dump in half a bag ... and go from there.

   hand mix ... paddle in a drill can make it set and flash to fast.

   Jeff

       Buck Construction

    Artistry In Carpentry

        Pittsburgh Pa

5. 
   MikeCallahan | Jun 01, 2006 09:46am | #5

   Stiff is better than runny. The stiffer the better. There will be less shrinkage and less chance of it shrinking and cracking. When I first mix it I like it to be the consistency of crumbles. Peanut butter is too soft. Do not use grout bags. Grout bags require it to be too runny to make it flow. The result is grout that cracks when it dries. Grout bags are an amateur mistake. They look like a good idea but I want you to learn from my mistakes.

   Mike Callahan, Lake Tahoe, Ca.