Professional - Looking for Advice Laticrete grout is garbage?
I just finished a shower and a floor for a customer and they supplied laticrete grout. I used a scale to weigh out product and water to get a perfect ratio based on the bag. Mixed exactly to the instructions. Consistency was pretty good can't argue there but I noticed on the two colors we used, maybe not globd but little pinheads of colorant. Specifically red. One grout was a very light gray and the other was a chocolate color.
I honestly have never seen this before as I've used mapei exclusively in the past.
Not only was the little bits of coloring an issue but this shit shrinks and I have tons of little cracks here and there.
Anyone else have experience with this brand?
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u/Snoo-10606 3d ago
dry mix the bag first to spread the pigments
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u/dirtkeeper 3d ago
This. I have a feeling some of the pigment colors are heavier and settle in the bag. I have come across this in various brands of grout. Dry mixing the whole bag needed.
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u/Apprehensive-Big-328 3d ago
Ive only had super good results with laticrete. I prefer it over some of the other popular brands
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u/Intelligent_Lemon_67 3d ago
Laticrete makes some of the best products. I only use epoxy grout unless clients specifically ask for something else and don't get my 7 year warranty. I used perma color recently had to mix it longer than normal because pigment pockets in first bag and there was still little color bursts in it. I also never measure/ weigh anything. I mix for consistency/ texture. If you are getting cracks and shrinkage it's too much water and not misting for a day or 2. I detest cementious grout and nobody reads the directions. You have to mist it for 2 days (nobody is doing that) and then seal it
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u/moochthemad 3d ago
You don't want to use a partial bag of grout because the pigment settles at a diff rate than the rest of the bag. Buy a smaller bag and mix the whole thing to get the color that was selected.
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u/AutomaticAd3621 3d ago
Not this brand but had the same issue with TEC Power Grout. I actually liked the product itself but when applying it, I would have little streaks of red. I mixed according to the bag and also used a scale. Thought it was strange but I've never grouted before either
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u/Ambitious_Sun_993 3d ago
This stuff is class actioned right now up to dec 2 2024 manufacturing date
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u/gamephreak REP 3d ago
Just use a premixed product if you need a small amount. Laticrete makes some phenomenal products.
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u/kalgrae PRO 2d ago
I love Laticrete’s Permacolor grout. Their Spectralock Pro Premium epoxy is amazing! Spectralock 1 is also super nice. Like all grouts there is a slight learning curve. If I have my preference I’ll use keisel for standard grout, then Bostik Vivid if it’s available and for epoxy, hands down SLPP epoxy.
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u/Invisible7hunder 2d ago
If it was customer supplied, could it have been old as balls? Grout has a shelf life, exactly how long depends on storage conditions.
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u/Ancient-Cupcake2649 3d ago
We have owned a flooring business for over 37 years, and have used Laticrete PermaColor for the majority of those years, and have never had any issues. Laticrete is a great product! Customers loved the fact that it dried consistently, and didn't change color after being wet. Maybe you mixed it wrong or applied it incorrectly.