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Ardex FS-DD Tile Grout: A Tilers Overview
Ardex FS-DD Tile Grout is a premium, non-sanded, cement-based grout engineered specifically for tilers and waterproofers. Its advanced formula is designed to be both water and dirt repellent, making it the go-to solution for demanding applications like showers, bathrooms, and external facades. The fine, creamy consistency ensures a smooth finish in joints up to 4mm wide without shrinking and is ideal for delicate surfaces like polished porcelain where scratching is a major concern. Enhanced with Ardex Grout Shield, it provides active protection against mould and fungal growth, delivering a finish that is not only clean and professional but also exceptionally durable. Its fast-drying properties and easy clean-off streamline the grouting process, allowing for greater efficiency on site.
5 Hours
Walk-on time for light traffic, letting you move to the next stage of the job faster.
Core Features & Specifications
- Water Repellent Finish: Features a special hydrophobing agent that prevents water ingress, crucial for leak-proof showers and wet areas.
- Dirt & Mould Resistant: Formulated to resist dirt penetration and contains Ardex Grout Shield to actively combat mould growth, reducing callbacks for stained grout.
- Fast Setting Formula: Ready for light foot traffic in just 5 hours, allowing for faster job completion and handover.
- Non-Sanded for Fine Joints: Designed for joints up to 4mm wide, providing a smooth finish without scratching delicate surfaces like polished porcelain.
- Exceptional Clean-Off: Wipes off tile surfaces cleanly with no residue, even up to 24 hours after the initial wash, saving valuable time on site.
- Low VOC Content: With just 1g/L of VOCs, it meets Green Star standards, making it a responsible choice for internal applications.
The Ardex FS-DD Advantage for Tilers
- Reliability: Achieve a consistent, efflorescence-resistant colour that clients will appreciate, ensuring your work looks professional long after you've left the site.
- Professional Performance: Deliver a premium, durable grout job every time. Its water-repellent and dirt-resistant properties mean fewer maintenance issues and superior longevity.
- Innovation: The advanced formula combines hydrophobing agents and Ardex Grout Shield, giving you a technical advantage in preventing common wet area failures.
Proactive Troubleshooting for Tilers
Scenario: Grouting Too Soon Over a Thick Adhesive Bed
Potential Outcome: Moisture from the adhesive bleeds into the grout, causing discolouration and efflorescence. This leads to a patchy, inconsistent finish and an unhappy client, risking callbacks.
Adheseal Best Practice: Always ensure the tile adhesive has fully cured before grouting, especially with thick beds or dense tiles. This discipline guarantees colour consistency and a professional result you can stand behind.
Scenario: Using Too Much Water During Clean-up
Potential Outcome: Excessive water can wash out pigments, leading to shade variation and a weak, powdery finish. It can also cause shrinkage and hairline cracks as it dries, compromising the joint's integrity.
Adheseal Best Practice: Use a damp, dense sponge and minimal water for the initial clean-up. Work diagonally across joints to avoid pulling out the grout. This simple technique ensures maximum strength and colour integrity for a faultless finish.
Applications in Practice: Tiler & Waterproofer Scenarios
For Tilers (On-Site Applicator): Grouting a High-End Polished Porcelain Bathroom
The Tiler's Challenge
The client expects perfectly smooth, colour-consistent grout lines in a high-moisture environment. The polished porcelain tiles are expensive and can be easily scratched by common sanded grouts, while water ingress can lead to mould and callbacks.
The Adheseal Solution
Ardex FS-DD is the professional's choice here. Its non-sanded formula guarantees a scratch-free finish on delicate surfaces. The hydrophobing agent makes it highly water-repellent, preventing moisture absorption, while the dirt-resistant technology keeps it looking new, delivering on the promise of Reliability.
Best Practice Note
Mix to a creamy, lump-free paste. For a 3mm joint on 600x600mm tiles, a 5kg bag covers approximately 25m². Compact firmly and allow it to firm up before cleaning with a damp sponge. The 5-hour walk-on time is a major advantage for scheduling follow-up work.
For Waterproofers: Ensuring Grout Integrity Over a Shower Membrane System
The Waterproofer's Challenge
The grout is the final visible barrier in a shower system. It must work in tandem with the underlying membrane, resisting constant water exposure and preventing mould from compromising the system's integrity and causing leaks.
The Adheseal Solution
Ardex FS-DD complements professional waterproofing systems perfectly. Its excellent water repellency reduces the water load on the membrane, while the Ardex Grout Shield actively inhibits mould growth at the source. This provides a robust, integrated system that delivers Professional Performance and long-term peace of mind.
Best Practice Note
Ensure the Ardex waterproofing membrane is fully cured as per its technical data sheet before tiling. When using Ardex FS-DD in a shower, ensure joints are completely filled to create a seamless, water-resistant surface that protects the entire system.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ardex FS-DD suitable for polished porcelain tiles?
Absolutely. Ardex FS-DD is a non-sanded grout, which means it's specifically designed to provide a smooth finish without scratching or damaging the surface of delicate tiles like polished porcelain. It's the ideal choice for high-end finishes.
How soon can I allow foot traffic after applying this grout?
Ardex FS-DD is formulated for efficiency on the job site. It allows for light foot traffic just 5 hours after application at 23°C, helping you keep the project moving without long delays.
Does this grout prevent mould in a shower?
Yes. It contains Ardex Grout Shield, an active ingredient that combats the growth of mould and algae. Combined with its water-repellent properties, it creates a highly effective barrier against common shower issues, reducing maintenance and preventing callbacks.
Can I use Ardex FS-DD in a swimming pool?
Yes, but it requires an additive for this application. You must mix Ardex FS-DD with Ardex Grout Booster (diluted at 80% booster to 20% water) instead of water. This enhances its flexibility and chemical resistance for submerged conditions. For public pools, we recommend Ardex Abapoxy.
What's the best way to ensure consistent colour?
For best results, always use the specified mix ratio (approx. 6L of water per 20kg bag) and mix thoroughly. Avoid adding more water later. During clean-up, use a damp—not wet—sponge to prevent washing out the pigment. Ensure the adhesive is fully cured before starting to grout.
Applications & Benefits
| Application / Use Case | Key Benefit | Primary Trades |
|---|---|---|
| Grouting Wet Areas (Showers, Bathrooms) | Water repellent and mould resistant for a durable, hygienic finish. | Tilers, Waterproofers |
| Polished Porcelain & Delicate Surfaces | Non-sanded formula prevents scratches and provides a smooth, premium look. | Tilers |
| Internal & External Wall/Floor Tiling | Excellent colour consistency and dirt resistance for long-lasting appearance. | Tilers |
| Fast-Paced Commercial Projects | Walk-on time of 5 hours allows for faster project completion and handover. | Tilers |
| Swimming Pools & Timber Floors | Achieves required flexibility and resilience when mixed with Ardex Grout Booster. | Tilers |
Applying Ardex FS-DD: A Tiler's Guide
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Joint Preparation
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.
Pro Tip: For textured or porous tiles, consider applying a grout release agent or sealing the tiles first to make clean-up even easier and prevent any potential staining. -
Mixing
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.
Pot Life: The mixed mortar has a pot life of approximately 2.5 hours at 23°C. Only mix an amount you can comfortably use within this timeframe to avoid waste. -
Application & Cleaning
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.
Pro Tip: Use minimal water during clean-up to prevent weakening the grout or causing shade variations. Any light film remaining can be polished off with a dry cloth after the grout has hardened. -
Curing
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.
Final Clean: The formula's excellent clean-off properties allow for a final clean up to 24 hours after the initial wash, without leaving difficult residue on the tile face.
Limitations & Safety
Product Limitations
Not suitable for joints wider than 4mm or for applications requiring high chemical resistance (e.g., commercial kitchens). For such cases, use a dedicated epoxy grout like Ardex WA or Abapoxy.
Do not apply in temperatures below 5°C or on surfaces with standing water.
For use in swimming pools or on timber floors, Ardex FS-DD must be mixed with Ardex Grout Booster instead of water to provide necessary flexibility and performance.
Porous tiles (e.g., terracotta) should be sealed prior to grouting to prevent staining. Always test on a small, inconspicuous area first.
Safety & Handling Requirements
Personal Protective Equipment
This is a cement-based product. Always wear appropriate PPE, including impervious gloves, safety goggles (eye protection), and a P2-rated dust mask when mixing and handling the powder.
Ventilation Requirements
Ensure adequate ventilation when mixing and applying indoors. Avoid inhaling dust by mixing in a well-ventilated area or outdoors if possible.
Handling & Storage
Avoid all personal contact, including inhalation. Wash hands thoroughly after handling. Store in original, sealed packaging in a cool, dry place, away from incompatible materials.
Emergency First Aid
Eyes:
If in eyes, rinse cautiously with running water for at least 15 minutes. Remove contact lenses if present and easy to do. Seek immediate medical attention.
Skin:
May cause skin irritation or an allergic reaction. If on skin, wash thoroughly with plenty of soap and water. If irritation or rash occurs, get medical advice.
Inhaled:
May cause respiratory irritation. Remove person to fresh air and keep comfortable for breathing. If concerned, get medical advice.
Swallowed:
Rinse mouth with water. Do NOT induce vomiting. Seek medical advice immediately.
For detailed information, refer to the Safety Data Sheet (SDS). Call the Poisons Information Centre on 131 126 (AUS).
Tile & Surface Compatibility Guide
Porcelain, Ceramic & Glass Tiles
Surface Considerations
The non-sanded formula is perfect for these dense, often polished surfaces. It ensures joints are filled smoothly without any risk of scratching or hazing, preserving the tile's intended finish.
Preparation Note
Ensure all setting materials are scraped out of the joints to a consistent depth. Remove all spacers and vacuum any dust or debris before grouting to ensure a strong, uniform bond.
Natural Stone, Slate & Terrazzo
Surface Considerations
Suitable for moisture-insensitive natural stones. Its formulation helps minimise the risk of water staining or efflorescence that can affect porous materials. The wide colour range allows for a perfect match with natural tones.
Preparation Note
Sealer may be required
Some porous or textured stones (e.g., terracotta, some slate) may be prone to staining. It is best practice to seal these tiles with an appropriate penetrating sealer *before* grouting.
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