New Era Tiles & Finishes Limited

Description

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

Designed for use with LATICRETE 1500 Sanded Grout and LATICRETE 1600 Unsanded Grout, LATICRETE 1776 Grout Enhancer is used in place of water to provide a dense, colorfast grout joint that inhibits stain causing bacteria, mold and mildew growth with Microban®. Ideal for all interior and exterior grout applications.

Uses

Used in place of water, LATICRETE 1776 Grout Enhancer improves the performance of portland cement grouts for all types of: ceramic tile, brick, marble and stone installations.

Advantages

 Inhibits stain causing mold and mildew with Microban.

 Easy to clean—cleans easily using a minimal amount of water.

 Inhibits powdering and cracking—provides a more dense and stronger portland cement grout joint.

 Locks in grout color—reduces problems with faded or blotchy color in grouts.

 Water and frost resistant—prevents damage to grouts from weathering, frost and thermal shock.

 Reduces staining.  Reduces absorption.

 Designed for interior and exterior use.

 “Extra Heavy Service” rating per TCNA performance levels (RE: ASTM C627 Robinson Floor Test).

 Improves flexibility and durability—makes grout more shock resistant.

Suitable Substrates

All substrates suitable for Ceramic Tile and Stone.

Limitations

 Not for use in areas exposed to harsh chemicals.  Use LATAPOXY®2000 Industrial Grout for chemical resistance.

 Adhesives/mastics, mortars and grouts for ceramic tile, pavers, brick and stone are not designed as replacements for waterproofing membranes.  When a waterproofing membrane is required, use a LATICRETE Waterproofing Membrane (see Section 10 FILING SYSTEMS).

 Certain types of tile may be stained by pigment during grouting.  Prior to grouting, do a test area to verify cleanability of tile.  A sealer or grout release may be required.

Cautions

Consult MSDS for more safety information

 During cold weather, protect finished work from traffic until fully cured.

 In submerged applications or steam rooms, allow LATICRETE 1776 Grout Enhancer and LATICRETE Grout to cure for 14 days at 70°F (21°C) before filing water features with water or use of steam room. See TDS 192 for more information on these applications.

 Keep out of reach of children.

INSTALLATION

Surface Preparation

Before grouting, remove spacers and debris in grout joints and remove dust and dirt using a wet sponge.  Do not leave water standing in joints.  Substrate temperature must be between 40°F (4°C) and 90°F (32°C).  Apply grout release or sealer if necessary.  

Mixing

Stir or shake LATICRETE 1776 Grout Enhancer thoroughly before use. Add LATICRETE 1500 Sanded Grout or LATICRETE 1600 Unsanded Grout powder to proper amount of LATICRETE 1776 Grout Enhancer and mix by hand or with a slow speed mixer (<300 RPM) to a smooth, stiff consistency. Allow to slake for 5–10 minutes and remix.

Application

Dampen tile surface with water.  Spread with a sharp, firm rubber grout float.  Work the grout into the joints until completely filled. Use diagonal strokes to pack the joints.  Ensure that joint is filled and grout is not just sitting on top (i.e. “bridging the joint”).

Cleaning

Grout Primary Cleaning—Remove excess grout from the face of the tiles with the edge of the grout float.  Hold the float at a 90° angle and pull it at a 45° angle diagonally across the joints and tile to avoid pulling out the material.  Let grouts firm up approximately 20—30 minutes.  

Grout Secondary Cleaning—Remove remaining grout with a damp sponge (not wet) or a damp towel.  Work diagonally to the joints.  Allow to dry.  When the grout joints are firm, polish the surface with a coarse nylon pad or coarse cloth and minimal water. Note:  Use caution when polishing soft glazed tiles or polished stone.

Cold Weather Note:    The setting of portland cement grouts is retarded by low temperatures.  Protect finished work for an extended period when installing in cold weather.  

Hot Weather Note:  The evaporation of moisture in portland cement grouts is accelerated by hot, dry conditions.  Apply grout to dampened surfaces and protect freshly spread grout and finished work when installing in temperatures over 95°F (35°C).