Hydroment TrueColor grout - Contractor Talk - Professional Construction and Remodeling Forum

orson · 05-09-2009, 11:01 AM

I just used this product on a floor. It's a premixed acrylic grout.

I thought the stuff was extremely difficult to work with. It is so sandy and coarse with no ability to modify consistency that it's a real chore to work it thoroughly into joints and get it smooth.

It's also really finicky to sponge off smooth although it does clean well provided you get to it in time (but getting to it too early is not good, you've got about a 60 second window of perfect wipe time)

Also, after sitting for 24 hours it was still too soft to get back on the floor for the next job phase.

Anyone else try this product and have an opinion?

jarvis design · 05-09-2009, 07:25 PM

I have used a lot of different grouts, but never the pre-mixed. For the last several years, Every job gets finished with Laticrete SpectraLock epoxy grout.

I find it EASIER to work with vs. conventional grout, you are giving your customer peace of mind, and you can make some extra $$ in the process.

orson · 05-10-2009, 08:27 AM

jarvis,

I completely agree that spectra lock epoxy is the way to go.

I basically got talked into trying the acrylic by the sales person and figured I'd give it a shot. It sounds like a great product in many respects, installation definitely isn't one of them.

The one annoying thing about the laticrete is that none of the tile distributors in my immediate area are carrying it. I have to either drive 45 minutes to get it, order it online or buy it at Blowe's.

angus242 · 05-11-2009, 09:42 PM

I'm starting to use Quartz-Lock. It's a urethane grout. I've only used in once on a very small job. Starting a bathroom next week that will be a complete shower and floor using it. I liked it when I used it. Heard very good things about it at Coverings too.

jarvis design · 05-12-2009, 01:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by angus242

I'm starting to use Quartz-Lock. It's a urethane grout. I've only used in once on a very small job. Starting a bathroom next week that will be a complete shower and floor using it. I liked it when I used it. Heard very good things about it at Coverings too.

Angus, I just emailed Star Quartz to see if it is available in Canada. Sounds like something I would like to test.

angus242 · 05-12-2009, 05:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jarvis design

Angus, I just emailed Star Quartz to see if it is available in Canada. Sounds like something I would like to test.

Well I can tell you that a person who is on the NTCA Technical Committee has been testing it with favorable results. I know there are several complaints about it floating around, mostly drying times and submerged wet location usage. Both of these issues have been addressed in the "version 2" coming out soon, if not already. Bottom line is there's a liquid additive that has been available to make version 1 dry faster and wet location approved. Version 2 has this already mixed in. I feel once version 2 is readily available, it will be my grout of choice. I'll post more about this next week when I start my larger job.
BTW, Daltile is the only supplier in my area.

Longghairr · 05-12-2009, 06:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by orson

I just used this product on a floor. It's a premixed acrylic grout.

I thought the stuff was extremely difficult to work with. It is so sandy and coarse with no ability to modify consistency that it's a real chore to work it thoroughly into joints and get it smooth.

It's also really finicky to sponge off smooth although it does clean well provided you get to it in time (but getting to it too early is not good, you've got about a 60 second window of perfect wipe time)

Also, after sitting for 24 hours it was still too soft to get back on the floor for the next job phase.

Anyone else try this product and have an opinion?

I have found with the pre-mixed grouts and expoxy's, you have to follow the rules. Even though it is pre-mixed, it still has to be spun. Variable speed mixer is what the story is all about. Pre-mix and expoxy has to spun on a low rpm. High speed drill mix will make the stuff take off in no time. 32 yrs, in it. Just my input. If you were mixing ( ie, part a and part b ) this would be why the grout was still soft. Wasn't mixed evenly. I always let the guys know when it comes to epoxy, we are at full steam!!! Wax on, Wax off, type deal. I only deal with the pre-mix and epoxy when I do the Busch Plant and hotel lobbies and elevators in Fla.

orson · 10-04-2009, 10:52 AM

I know this is an old thread but I wanted to update it for some clarifications.

Hydroment TruColor grout is commonly referred to as a Urethane grout as opposed to acrylic.

I've been fuzzing around all morning trying to glean more information about "acrylic grout" but so far I can't verify that this is a term based in reality for ceramic and stone tile installations. It seems to be a type of grout made specifically for "vinyl tile installations".

In reference to the previous post, over-mixing is a serious problem with pre-mixed urethane grout and Hydroment actually recommends hand mixing the product. Over mixing can add air to the product and cause installation problems (slumping and sagging, as well as other promblems)

angus242 · 10-04-2009, 11:20 AM

I just read the data sheet and it is a direct competitor of Quark-Lock.

The major difference I see between the two are, drying times. Currently, Quart-Lock has an additive (Star Cure) that will dramatically increase curing time. Down side, you can no longer keep unused portions. This entire issue will be resolved with new release from StarQuartz. They have a formula that will cure in the same time frame as typical grout but will be able to store unused portions for later. They are also releasing a line of grout for glass. Right now, I believe ALL urethane grout can scratch glass. Finally, does TruColor have a matching caulk option? QuartzLock colors are matched with ColorFast caulk.

Not knocking TruColor. Just saying there is another urethane grout out there too. TruColor seems to have the same "weakness" as Quartz-Lock currently does.....LONG curing times. This becomes a big problem is you're doing a shower or other wet location.

I'm using Quartz-Lock and really like it. My "issues" with it (curing times & inability to use on delicate tiles) are being addressed. I see myself using Quartz-Lock exclusively very soon. As a matter of fact, I have a sample bucket of StarGlass that's going with iridescent glass this week.

Me likey da urethane!

orson · 10-04-2009, 02:58 PM

In reference to the color matched caulk, yes, TruColor does have color matched caulks.

I did also hear that Starr was going to change their formula for faster cure times.

Currently they offer an additive to speed up cure times which I believe you mentioned.

I'm still not sure that I'm sold on this product over epoxy but it's nice to have choices.

As a side note, Laticrete is working on changing their epoxy product to make it easier to clean.

angus242 · 10-04-2009, 03:44 PM

So far, I am sold. Once urethane does not have issues with using over delicate tiles or long curing times, I can't see why I wouldn't use it.

A lot of the same properties as epoxy. Convenience of no mixing multiple parts. Reusable with no problems matching color. No allergy issues. Clean up is very easy. What's not to like?

orson · 10-20-2009, 04:14 PM

Another piece of info:

TruColor is actually licensed from Starr by Hydroment.

So basically it is the exact same thing, presumably in a different color line.

R&D Tile · 10-21-2009, 06:24 AM

Pre-mixed is garbage.

angus242 · 10-21-2009, 09:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by R&D Tile

Pre-mixed is garbage.

Have you ever used urethane grout to make such a statement?
What's next, epoxy sucks?

R&D Tile · 10-21-2009, 02:28 PM

Quote:

Have you ever used urethane grout to make such a statement?

The verdict is still out on it, till I hear more about I'll stick with what I can trust, as far as the other pre-mixed grouts, they are garbage.

Oh and, the prise of that grout is Outrageous

Seen it at a showing at Dal-Tile.

angus242 · 10-22-2009, 02:37 AM

I've used quite a bit of StarQuartz and I can say with actual experience, it's awesome. I've used it on ceramic, travertine, porcelain and glass. I've used it on floors, walls, counters and in showers. As with ANY tile setting material, follow the directions. I have and not a single negative issue has arisen. There are new formulas available which have taken care of some of the "additive" situations.

No matching color issues when you pause or start a new bucket because, well, it's already mixed. No pigment staining. Super easy sponge off. Final cleaning is a breeze. Dries very hard. Actually, a "negative" is if you don't clean your tools in time, you're not removing it from them.

As for cost, if you'd consider epoxy, this is actually cheaper. A medium kit (Mapei) or full kit (Laticrete) covers around 150(ish) sq ft for 12x12 with 1/8" joint. The price for either kit is close to $90....give or take. A comparable bucket of QuartzLock covers 250(ish) sq ft and costs about $110.

I will agree with you, typical premixed is garbage. However, if urethane is garbage, I'll gladly keep using it, thank you very much.

angus242 · 10-22-2009, 02:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by orson

Another piece of info:

TruColor is actually licensed from Starr by Hydroment.

So basically it is the exact same thing, presumably in a different color line.

http://www.bostik-us.com/resource-ce...q/default.html