Tired of scrubbing dirty grout? This advanced grout keeps joints clean, water repellent, and mould-free. It ensures a lasting fresh look for fine-jointed tiles. You get superior resistance to water, dirt, and mould without constant maintenance.
ARDEX FS-DD is a non-sanded, cement-based grout engineered to protect tile joints from everyday grime. It integrates advanced hydrophobing agents for water and dirt repellency, ensuring a cleaner surface. ARDEX Grout Shield is included to actively combat mould growth, crucial for wet areas. This formulation ensures tiled surfaces maintain their appearance without the common battle against discolouration and mildew, especially in fine joints up to 4mm.
ARDEX FS-DD is simple to mix and apply, designed for ease on site. Mix the powder with clean water to a lump-free, creamy consistency. For enhanced performance on timber floors or in swimming pools, dilute ARDEX Grout Booster with water first, then mix the powder with this solution. The extended pot life provides flexibility during application. Work the grout firmly into the joints using a rubber trowel, ensuring full compaction and minimal residue on the tile surface.
Cleaning is straightforward: allow the grout to firm up in the joint before wiping the tile surface with a damp sponge, moving diagonally across the joints. Use minimal water to avoid efflorescence or shade variation. Any dry film can be polished off with a dry cloth once the grout has hardened. Tools clean up with water immediately after use.
ARDEX FS-DD serves as the final, protective layer in a tiling system. It follows substrate preparation and adhesive application, ensuring the structural integrity of the tile installation. For wet areas, it works in conjunction with a compliant waterproofing membrane. In specific applications like timber floors or swimming pools, it forms a system with ARDEX Grout Booster. The Grout Booster improves flexibility and water resistance, accommodating substrate movement and enhancing durability in submerged conditions. Always ensure the adhesive has fully cured before grouting, and remove all spacers for optimal joint filling.
ARDEX FS-DD is a high-performance grout with inherent water and dirt repellency and mould resistance for joints up to 4mm. It provides a superior, low-maintenance finish on its own for most standard applications. ARDEX Grout Booster, however, is an additive designed to enhance the performance of cement-based grouts. When mixed with ARDEX FS-DD, it specifically improves flexibility and further boosts water resistance, making the system suitable for challenging applications like timber floors or swimming pools where additional movement accommodation and enhanced durability are required.
Yes, ARDEX FS-DD is specifically designed for wet areas like showers. Its special hydrophobing agent makes it water repellent, preventing water penetration and dirt residue from seeping into joints. It also contains ARDEX Grout Shield to combat mould growth, ensuring a cleaner finish.
Yes, ARDEX FS-DD can be used on timber floors. For these applications, mix it with diluted ARDEX Grout Booster. This additive provides the necessary flexibility to accommodate movement in timber substrates, preventing common grout cracking issues.
ARDEX FS-DD is a fine tile grout suitable for joints up to 4mm wide. Using it within this specification helps prevent shrinkage and maintains improved colour consistency across the tiled area. For wider joints, a different grout product would be required.
No, a separate grout sealer is generally not required for ARDEX FS-DD. It is formulated to be water repellent and dirt resistant. If specific project requirements or client preference demand it, you can apply a sealer after 24 hours.
| Application | Key benefit | Primary trades |
|---|---|---|
| Grouting wall and floor tiles in wet areas like showers | Water repellent and dirt resistant, preventing water ingress and easy cleaning. ARDEX Grout Shield combats mould growth for hygiene. | Tilers, Waterproofers, Builders |
| Internal and external grouting of porcelain, ceramic, or natural stone tiles | Maintains appearance longer with dirt resistance. Suitable for both indoor and outdoor environments. | Tilers, Landscapers, Renovators |
| Grouting on timber floors | Accommodates substrate movement when mixed with ARDEX Grout Booster, reducing cracking risk. | Tilers, Carpenters, Builders |
| Joints up to 4mm wide | Non-sanded formula delivers a fine, smooth finish without shrinkage, enhancing aesthetic appeal. | Tilers, Finishers |
| Areas prone to scratching, such as porcelain | Non-sanded composition prevents scratching delicate tile surfaces during application, maintaining tile integrity. | Tilers, Commercial Fit-out Teams |
Before mixing, ensure tile adhesive is fully set and joints are clean, dry, and free from dust, excess adhesive, or spacers. A clean joint is critical for achieving a full, strong bond and consistent colour.
Add Ardex FS-DD powder to clean water in a clean container. A 20kg bag requires approximately 6 litres of water. Mix with a mechanical stirrer until a lump-free, creamy paste is achieved. Do not add extra water once mixed.
Work the grout into the joints using a rubber grout float or trowel, moving diagonally across the tiles. Ensure joints are fully compacted. Once the grout has firmed up, use a damp, dense sponge to clean the tile surface, again working diagonally.
The grout will be ready for light foot traffic in 5 hours and can accept heavy traffic after 24 hours. Protect from rain or extreme weather in external applications during the curing period. Full cure is achieved in 7 days.
Danger: May cause skin irritation, allergic skin reaction, serious eye damage, and respiratory irritation. Suspected of causing genetic defects and damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure.
Wear protective gloves, protective clothing, safety glasses, and face protection. Chemical goggles or a full face shield are required when there is risk of eye contact. Use a suitable respirator with a P2 particulate filter to protect against airborne dust during mixing and application.
Use only outdoors or in a well-ventilated area. Avoid inhaling dust or fumes. Ensure adequate local exhaust ventilation to minimise dust generation, especially in confined spaces.
Store locked up in original, sealed containers in a cool, dry place away from environmental extremes. Protect containers from physical damage. Keep out of reach of children. Dispose of contents and containers at an authorised hazardous waste collection point in accordance with local regulations.
Proper surface preparation is crucial for grout adhesion and preventing common failures like discolouration or staining. Follow these specific instructions for best results.
Surface prep: Ensure joints are clean and free from dust, excess adhesive, and bedding mortar. Remove all tile spacers. Clean and dry the surface.
Primer: Required. These tiles should be sealed prior to grouting to prevent staining from the grout. Check the manufacturer's recommendations for the specific tile type.
Surface prep: Joints must be clean and clear of debris. Confirm the adhesive has fully cured, especially for thick beds, to prevent residual moisture from affecting grout colour or causing discolouration.
Primer: Not required for the grout itself, but always check a small, inconspicuous area for ease of cleaning. Some moisture-sensitive or absorbent tiles may require a barrier or pre-seal to avoid surface discolouration from grout pigments.
Surface prep: Joints must be clean and free from any contaminants. Ensure the tile adhesive has cured fully according to its specifications.
Primer: Required (additive). ARDEX FS-DD must be mixed with diluted ARDEX Grout Booster to provide flexibility for timber floor applications.
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Colour Description | Various |
| Mixing Ratio Water | Approx 6 litres water per 20kg powder |
| Mixing Ratio Grout Booster | 6 litres diluted ARDEX Grout Booster (80% Booster:20% water) per 20kg powder |
| Pot Life | 2.5 hours at 23ºC and 50% RH |
| Application Temperature | 5ºC or above |
| Initial Set / Light Traffic | 5 hours at 23ºC and 50% RH |
| Heavy Traffic | 24 hours at 23ºC and 50% RH |
| Full Cure | 7 days |
| Swimming Pool Cure (Chemicals) | 14 days |
| Compressive Strength 14 days | 20 MPa (AS 4992) |
| Flexural Strength 28 days | 6 MPa (AS 4992) |
| Classification | CG1 |
| Underfloor Heating Compatibility | Compatible |
| VOC Content | Extremely low |
| Shelf Life 5kg and 1.5kg | Not less than 24 months |
| Shelf Life 20kg | Not less than 12 months |
Here are some common examples on where Ardex FS-DD Tile Grout 5kg used by our customers.
