Tips to Get the Right Consistency When Using PERMACOLOR® Select Grout

Guest Blog by: Jeremy Von Ruden, LATICRETE Sales

When it comes to grout mixing, achieving the right consistency is key for a smooth installation. The correct grout-to-water ratio ensures that your grout bonds properly and is easy to work with.
LATICRETE PERMACOLOR Grout instructions specify that the ideal grout consistency should be thick enough to hold its shape but not too dry. A good grout consistency allows for better workability and reduces the chances of shrinking or cracking. So, what consistency should grout be? It should resemble peanut butter—spreadable yet firm.

To achieve this, mix your grout in small batches and adjust the water content as needed. Pay close attention to the grout to water ratio, which should follow the instructions for optimal results. When mixing, start with less water and gradually add more if necessary. Proper mixing is essential to avoid overly watery grout, which can compromise your project’s outcome.
Ensure you stir thoroughly to achieve an even consistency. Whether you’re working with small or large areas, the right grout mixing technique and ratio will save you time and effort.

Sometimes installers have questions on the consistency of PERMACOLOR® Select grout. This system is designed to be extremely consistent, however, understanding the unconventional mixing instructions gives people pause. 

Here are a few things to remember when you are reading the grout installation instructions: 

1. Color packs go into pre-measured water. 0.9-1.1 L per one color pack. One color pack is for a 12.5 lbs of base. 
2. Always stir up the pigmented water to agitate the pigments and bring them into full suspension right before you add to the base. 
3. Mix for a minute and let slake for 5 minutes so the chemistry can “do its thing”, then mix again for at least a minute. This will give you the optimal working time and workability for the grout. 
4. NEVER add water if the grout seems to be getting stiff and hard to use. This will tell the grout to start kicking off even faster. Just whip it at a slow speed, or fold it with the margin trowel. 
5. If you are unsure of the water onsite, use bottled water for the mixing and cleanup. It’s worth a few dollars to avoid issues with funky city or well water.
6. Pay attention to the water temperature you are using; make sure it is at least room temperature or cooler. Same with the grout itself – keep the material in a cool dry place. Making sure the water and the material stays cool will do wonders for your working time. Remember this is a fast-setting grout, so using warm water or warm grout powder will greatly shorten pot life.

Many color issues / complaints with the grout are usually from mixing improperly. Below are pictures showing what happens if you let the pigments settle in the water and you forget to bring them back to suspension. 

Look at the grout clumps here! The left clump is after the pigments have settled for 60 seconds, the center clump is the true color when pigments are in full suspension, and the right picture is after 3+ minutes of pigments settling. Consistency is directly related to procedure. Hopefully this gives a better visual on what happens during the mixing stages.  

We want you to have a successful install! 

For complete instructions, review data sheet DS-281 >

If you have questions, please reach out to your local LATICRETE Sales Rep or our Technical Services Team (live chat, call or email) at www.laticrete.com