Uneven grout lines, crumbling joints, or persistent mould growth compromise the finish of any tiled surface. Ardex FG8 Tile Grout handles these challenges, providing a smooth, uniform appearance that resists staining and wear. This flexible, mould-resistant grout delivers excellent workability for 1mm to 8mm tile joints on walls and floors, ensuring a professional, flush finish across a wide range of indoor and outdoor tiling projects.
Ardex FG8 was formulated to be the go-to, versatile cement-based grout for everyday tiling. It addresses the common pain points of discoloured, cracked, or mouldy grout lines. By incorporating ARDEX Grout Shield, it provides long-term resistance to mould, while its polymer-fortified composition minimises cracking. This ensures a hygienic, durable, and aesthetically pleasing tiled surface with strong, uniform colour, particularly important for rectified edge tiles where flush joints are critical for a high-quality finish.
The **CG2W classification** under ISO 13007 is not just a label; it means this grout is a high-performance cementitious formulation, rated for reduced water absorption and improved abrasion resistance. This directly translates to greater durability in wet areas and less maintenance over time compared to standard grouts.
With compatibility for **1mm to 8mm wide joints**, Ardex FG8 offers significant versatility. This range accommodates everything from tightly fitted rectified porcelain to more traditional ceramic tiles, simplifying product selection across different project requirements. Its **polymer fortification**, indicated by a flexural strength of ≥4 MPa and compression strength of >20 MPa at 28 days, provides the necessary flexibility to resist cracking from minor substrate movement or thermal expansion, especially relevant for installations over underfloor heating systems.
The inclusion of **ARDEX Grout Shield** makes the grout mould resistant and water repellent. This is a critical feature for hygiene and long-term appearance, particularly in bathrooms, laundries, and other damp environments. Furthermore, its **extremely low VOC content** meets Green Building Council of Australia Green Star IEQ-13 requirements, contributing to healthier indoor air quality without compromise on performance.
Ardex FG8 is designed for excellent workability, making it easy to apply and clean off, which saves time on site. After mixing the powder with approximately 4.2 litres of clean water per 20kg bag to achieve a creamy, lump-free mortar, there is a 1-hour pot life, allowing ample time for application across typical areas. For enhanced water resistance and flexibility in swimming pool or timber floor applications, dilute Ardex Grout Booster (80% Booster: 20% water) and use 4.4 litres of this diluted solution per 20kg of FG8 powder.
Application involves firmly compacting the grout into clean joints with a rubber trowel. Cleaning is straightforward: wipe the tile surface with a damp, dense sponge diagonally across the joints, using minimal water to prevent shade variation or efflorescence. For surfaces where Ardex Grout Booster was used, ensure cleaning is completed before the grout dries on the tile face to avoid cleaning difficulties. All tools clean up with water immediately after use.
Ardex FG8 functions as the critical final step in many tiling systems, delivering the finish and protecting the underlying adhesive and substrate. It is applied once the tile adhesive has fully set and cured, ensuring the joints are clean and free of debris. In wet areas, this grout complements a properly installed waterproofing membrane and a suitable Ardex tile adhesive, forming an integrated system. For movement joints within the tiled area, it is crucial to specify and use a flexible sealant, such as an Ardex silicone sealant, rather than grout, to absorb structural movement and prevent cracking.
Ardex FG8 is a complete, high-performance grout on its own. However, for specific demanding applications like tiling in swimming pools or over timber floors, its performance can be further enhanced by mixing it with Ardex Grout Booster. This liquid additive, when diluted and mixed with FG8, significantly improves the grout's water resistance and flexibility, providing an extra layer of protection against the specific challenges of continuous immersion or substrate movement. While FG8 delivers excellent results universally, Grout Booster offers a targeted upgrade for these specialised scenarios.
Ardex FG8 is polymer-fortified for flexibility, which reduces the likelihood of cracking, especially with movement. It includes Ardex Grout Shield for mould resistance and is designed for strong, uniform colour that reduces efflorescence, preventing common issues with standard grouts.
Yes, for residential swimming pools, Ardex FG8 White (200) mixed with diluted Ardex Grout Booster can be used. Be aware that other colours may bleach over time in chlorinated environments. For public or heavily used pools, Ardex epoxy grouts are recommended due to higher chemical resistance.
The CG2W classification (ISO 13007) indicates a cementitious grout with improved properties (CG2) and reduced water absorption (W). This means Ardex FG8 offers enhanced performance and better resistance to moisture compared to basic cement grouts.
Ardex FG8 is suitable for moisture-insensitive natural stones. For porous natural stones, like some terracotta or absorbent varieties, it is crucial to seal the tiles before grouting to prevent surface discolouration or staining from the grout.
Apply Ardex FG8 when the ambient and substrate temperatures are between 10°C and 35°C. Working outside this range can affect pot life, drying time, and final performance, increasing the risk of issues like inconsistent colour or premature cracking.
| Application | Key benefit | Primary trades |
|---|---|---|
| Grouting general wall and floor tiles | Handles joint widths from 1mm to 8mm, offering broad compatibility for ceramic, porcelain, and natural stone. | Tilers, builders, renovators |
| Finishing rectified edge tiles | Improved workability allows for flush joints and a smooth finish, reducing trapped dirt and enhancing aesthetics. | Tilers, high-end builders |
| Areas prone to mould and dampness | Incorporates Ardex Grout Shield for mould resistance and is water repellent, improving hygiene and appearance in bathrooms and laundries. | Tilers, plumbers, renovators |
| Projects with Green Building Council requirements | Extremely low VOC content meets Green Star IEQ-13 requirements, contributing to healthier indoor air quality. | Builders, architects, certifiers |
| Tiled surfaces with underfloor heating | Suitable for use over underfloor heating systems, preventing cracking due to thermal expansion and contraction. | Tilers, heating installers |
Before mixing, ensure all tile joints are clean, dry, and free from dust, adhesive residue, and any other contaminants. Crucially, all tile spacers must be removed. Check that the tile adhesive has set firmly.
Add the Ardex FG 8 powder to clean water in a clean container. For a 20kg bag, use approximately 4.2 litres of water. Using a mechanical stirrer, mix thoroughly until a lump-free, creamy paste is formed.
Using a high-quality rubber float, work the grout into the joints, applying pressure to ensure they are completely filled and compacted. Move the float diagonally across the tiles to minimise the amount of residue left on the tile face.
Allow the grout to firm up in the joints. Then, use a damp, dense sponge to clean the tile surface, again moving diagonally. Use minimal water to avoid discolouration. Once the grout has hardened, any remaining haze can be polished off with a clean, dry cloth. The area can be opened to light traffic after approximately 24 hours.
Signal Word: Danger
Wear protective gloves, protective clothing, safety glasses with side shields or chemical goggles, and face protection. Use appropriate respiratory protection (e.g., P1 or N95 dust mask for nuisance dust, P3 respirator for significant airborne dust) when mixing or applying to avoid inhaling dust.
Use only outdoors or in a well-ventilated area to minimise inhalation of dust and fumes. Prevent dust concentration in confined spaces.
Store locked up, in original, unopened packaging, in a cool, dry place at 23ºC and 50% relative humidity. Keep containers securely sealed and out of reach of children. Dispose of contents and container to an authorised hazardous waste collection point in accordance with local regulations. Do not allow wash water from cleaning equipment to enter drains.
Proper joint preparation and consideration of tile porosity are critical for achieving a durable, uniform grout finish and preventing common failures.
Surface prep: Joints must be clean, dry, and free from dust, excess adhesive, and bedding mortar. Ensure all spacers are removed. Grout only after the tile adhesive has fully set and cured.
Primer: Not required. For textured or matt tile surfaces, test a small, inconspicuous area first to check for ease of cleaning grout haze.
Surface prep: Joints must be clean, dry, and free from contaminants. All adhesive residues and spacers should be cleared. Allow adhesive to set completely before grouting.
Primer: Not required. Always confirm the stone is classified as moisture-insensitive to avoid issues. Porous stones require pre-sealing.
Surface prep: Ensure joints are clean and dry, as above. The tile adhesive must be fully cured. Pay close attention to cleaning textured surfaces.
Primer: Required. These tiles must be sealed prior to grouting to prevent surface discolouration or staining from the grout. Follow the tile manufacturer's recommendations for suitable sealers.
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Mixing Ratio | Approx. 4.2 litres water per 20kg powder |
| Pot Life | 1 hour |
| Drying Time (initial) | 24 hours |
| Drying Time (before sealing) | 7 days |
| Application Temperature Range | 10°C to 35°C |
| Underfloor Heating Compatible | Yes |
| Compression Strength (28 days) | >20 MPa |
| Flexural Strength (28 days) | ≥4 MPa |
| Classification | CG2W (ISO 13007) |
| Swimming Pool Full Cure (before chemicals) | 21 days |
| Shelf Life 20kg Bags | 12 months |
| Shelf Life 1.5kg & 5kg Bags | 24 months |
Here are some common examples on where Ardex FG8 Tile Grout used by our customers.
