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Mapei Keracolour GG: A Product Overview
Mapei Keracolour GG is a high-performance, polymer-modified cementitious grout designed for professional use in demanding applications. Specifically engineered for filling wide joints from 4mm to 15mm, it provides a robust, durable finish for a vast range of tile and stone materials. Its advanced formula, consisting of cement, graded aggregates, synthetic resins, and special additives, ensures reliable performance for both interior and exterior floors and walls.
Classified as a CG2WA grout according to EN 13888 standards, Keracolour GG signifies an improved cementitious grout with reduced water absorption and high abrasion resistance. This makes it an ideal solution for areas subject to heavy traffic and moisture, delivering a finish that is not only aesthetically pleasing but also built to last.
Core Features & Specifications
- Wide Joint Capability: Specifically formulated for joints from 4 mm up to 15 mm, providing a strong, stable finish for rustic or large format tiles.
- High Mechanical Strength: Delivers good compressive and flexural strength for a durable, long-lasting grout that resists wear and tear in high-traffic areas.
- CG2WA Classified Performance: Certified to EN 13888 as a CG2WA grout, signifying improved performance with reduced water absorption (W) and high abrasion resistance (A).
- Excellent Durability: Offers good resistance to freeze/thaw cycles, making it a reliable choice for exterior applications like facades, balconies, and terraces.
- Dimensionally Stable: Formulated for low shrinkage to minimise the risk of cracks and fissures, ensuring a seamless and integral finish.
- Versatile Application: Suitable for grouting all types of ceramic and porcelain tiles, terracotta, facebrick, and various stone materials on interior and exterior floors and walls.
The Mapei Keracolour GG Advantage
- Avoid Costly Callbacks: The grout's low shrinkage and high durability mean a crack-free, robust finish that stands the test of time, reducing the risk of rework and enhancing your reputation.
- Achieve a Consistent, Professional Finish: Precision formulation and quality pigments ensure uniform colour, while the smooth consistency allows for complete, void-free joint filling.
- Handle Demanding Environments with Confidence: With reduced water absorption and proven durability, it's the reliable choice for challenging areas like swimming pools, balconies, and high-traffic industrial floors.
- Enhance Performance Further: For the most demanding jobs, Keracolour GG can be mixed with Mapei Fugolastic polymeric additive to achieve superior flexibility and resistance in harsh conditions.
Adheseal tips for using Mapei Keracolour GG
Scenario: Inconsistent Colour or a White Film (Efflorescence)
Potential Outcome: An uneven, blotchy appearance that ruins the final look of the job, leading to client dissatisfaction and potential disputes.
Adheseal Best Practice: Always measure the mixing water precisely, as excess water is a primary cause of efflorescence. Use a clean, rust-free container and clean water. Never add more water once the mix has started to set, as this will compromise the final strength and colour consistency.
Applications in Practice: Trade Scenarios
For Tilers (On-Site Applicator): Commercial Floor Grouting
The Professional's Challenge
Grouting a large format, heavy-traffic commercial floor requires a grout that won't crack under load or wear down from abrasion, and has a workable pot life to cover large areas efficiently.
The Adheseal Solution
Keracolour GG's high compressive strength and abrasion resistance (CG2WA classification) are engineered for these conditions. The approximate 2-hour pot life allows for efficient work on large sections. For easier application on floors, the mix can be made slightly more fluid by adding up to 24% water by weight.
Best Practice Note
After filling the joints, wait 10-20 minutes until the grout becomes opaque before starting the clean-up. Cleaning too soon when the mixture is still plastic will pull grout from the joints and can lead to unevenness.
For Builders (Business Owner): Exterior Facades & Terraces
The Professional's Challenge
Exterior grout is exposed to rain, sun, and freeze/thaw cycles, which can cause cracking, fading, and deterioration over time, leading to costly callbacks and warranty claims.
The Adheseal Solution
Keracolour GG provides good resistance to freeze/thaw cycles and has reduced water absorption, ensuring excellent durability in exposed environments. For maximum performance and longevity on facades, mix with Mapei Fugolastic additive to improve flexibility and adhesion.
Best Practice Note
In hot, dry, or windy climates, it is recommended to lightly wet the joints with clean water a few hours after application. This wet curing process significantly improves the grout's final performance and durability, ensuring a longer service life.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ideal joint depth when using Keracolour GG?
For optimal performance and a lasting bond, joints must be emptied to at least 2/3 of the tile thickness. It is crucial to remove any excess adhesive from the joints while it is still fresh to ensure a strong, uniform grout depth and prevent any potential colour variation.
Can I use Keracolour GG in a swimming pool?
Yes, Keracolour GG is suitable for grouting swimming pools. For best results and maximum resistance to pool chemicals and constant water immersion, it is highly recommended to mix it with Mapei Fugolastic polymeric additive. After grouting, you must allow the product to cure for 7 days before filling the pool.
How long should I wait before grouting newly laid tiles?
You must always wait until the tile adhesive has completely hardened before you begin grouting. Waiting times vary depending on the adhesive used and site conditions. For a standard adhesive on a floor, this is typically 24 hours, while for walls it may be 4-8 hours. Always verify the specific waiting time on the Technical Data Sheet for the adhesive you have used.
Applications & Benefits
| Application / Use Case | Key Benefit | Primary Trades |
|---|---|---|
| Grouting wide joints on rustic or large format floor tiles | Low shrinkage formula prevents cracking, ensuring a seamless and durable finish. | Tilers, Builders |
| Grouting exterior facades, terraces and balconies | Excellent durability with certified resistance to freeze/thaw cycles. | Builders, Tilers, Remedial Contractors |
| Grouting swimming pools and water features | Reduced water absorption provides reliable performance in constantly wet areas. | Pool Builders, Tilers |
| Grouting industrial flooring (warehouses, garages) | High abrasion resistance stands up to heavy traffic and wear. | Flooring Contractors, Builders |
Applying Mapei Keracolour GG: Enhanced Protocols & Best Practices
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Joint Preparation
Ensure tile adhesive is completely cured. Clean joints thoroughly, making sure they are free of dust, debris, and loose particles. Joints must be empty to a depth of at least 2/3 of the tile thickness.
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Mixing
In a clean, rust-free container, pour the Keracolour GG powder into the correct amount of clean water (or Mapei Fugolastic if required). Mix with a low-speed mechanical mixer to avoid excess air bubbles, until a smooth, lump-free paste is achieved.
Standard Mix
Use 18-20 parts water to 100 parts Keracolor GG by weight.
Floor Mix (Thinner)
Use approximately 24 parts water to 100 parts Keracolor GG by weight for a more fluid consistency.
Pro Tip: Let the mixture stand for 2-3 minutes after the initial mix, then briefly re-stir before use. This allows the polymers and additives to fully hydrate, improving workability. -
Application
Using a suitable Mapei trowel or rubber float, work the grout mixture into the joints, ensuring they are completely filled and compacted with no voids. Remove the bulk of the excess grout from the tile surface by moving the float diagonally across the joints while the grout is still fresh.
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Finishing & Cleaning
Once the grout loses its plasticity and becomes opaque (typically after 10-20 minutes), clean the surface. Use a damp, hard cellulose sponge, working diagonally to the joints to avoid pulling out the grout. Rinse the sponge frequently.
Timing: The grout has a pot life of approximately 2 hours. Floors are ready for light foot traffic after 24 hours and can be returned to full service after 3 days. Wait 7 days for pools and basins.Pro Tip: Use a two-bucket system for cleaning: one bucket to rinse the heavy excess from the sponge, and a second bucket with clean water for the final wipe. This prevents a grout haze from being spread over the tiles.
Mapei Keracolour GG Substrate & Tile Guide
Ceramic, Porcelain, Terracotta & Stone Tiles
Surface Preparation
Before grouting, ensure the tile adhesive is fully cured as per the manufacturer's instructions. The joints must be completely clean, free of dust, and emptied to a depth of at least 2/3 of the tile thickness. It is critical to remove any excess adhesive or mortar from the joints while it's still fresh to ensure proper grout depth and bonding.
Pre-Wetting Requirements
Wetting recommended for porous surfaces in hot/windy conditions
For highly porous ceramic tiles or when working in high temperatures or windy conditions, it is recommended to moisten the joints with clean water just before application. This prevents the grout from drying out too quickly, which could compromise its final strength and colour consistency.
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