(BPT) - Whether you're a professional or DIYer, laying tile is one of those skills that looks easy when it's well done, but can be complicated and physically demanding. The fun part is choosing the beautiful tile, but it's a lot harder to install it. One of the best-kept secrets of the trade is that when it comes to laying tile, using great grout matters.
To ensure your tile installation goes smoothly, looks perfect and lasts for years, it's crucial to choose the right grout, gather your tools ahead of time and read the installation instructions before you begin.
A smarter choice than traditional grout
Want grout that requires no mixing, no guesswork, is ready to use and easy to clean? Prism® SCG Ultimate Performance Pre-Mixed Single Component® Grout is your best bet. It uses a proprietary acrylic formulation that cures as hard as cement grout, but is the easiest to install. It also offers superior performance, with unsurpassed stain resistance and color consistency from bucket to bucket. Prism SCG is a professional-grade grout that's crack-resistant and efflorescence free, with MicroBan® protection to inhibit mold and mildew growth.
This grout is great for DIYers and pros alike because it's easy to spread and clean -- and requires no sealing. Best yet, you'll have 40 designer-inspired colors to choose from, so your kitchen, bath or other project can achieve the desired look.
Not sure what color will best complement your tile choice? Contractors, architects, designers and DIYers can discover the perfect grout color before installation with the new web app from CUSTOM. You can also see examples of the product being used in this video.
Note: It's normal for grout to appear lighter in color directly out of the bucket, but as it dries, it will darken to match the expected color, shown on the color chart or grout stick.
Applications
Prism SCG grout works well with porcelain, glass, ceramic, mosaic, quarry, terrazzo, polished natural stone and grout-able luxury vinyl tile with joint widths between 1/16 inch and 1/2 inch. You can use the grout with interior and most exterior residential, commercial, high-traffic and intermittently wet areas including countertops, backsplashes, tub surrounds, shower walls and floors.
Note: Prism SCG Grout is not for use in industrial applications or areas subjected to harsh or continuous chemicals (high or low pH), high heat or high-pressure cleaning. For heavy industrial tile installations, use CEG-IG 100% Solids Epoxy Grout.
Tools for the job
After you've selected your tile and grout color, you'll want to gather your tools. Fortunately, with Prism SCG Grout you'll only need a solid urethane float, margin trowel, bucket of water and microfiber towels to remove grout haze. It's ready to use right from the bucket, with a resealable lid.
Read the Installation Guide before you begin.
Tips for best grout usage
Prism SCG is designed to be installed at surface and ambient temperatures between 50°F (10°C) and 90°F (32°C). You can expect longer or shorter working times depending on the temperature conditions of your environment and tile porosity.
You'll use a solid urethane float to apply the grout. Start with small areas (about 10-20 square feet) at one time, then you can expand the area as your proficiency grows. Professionals or anyone comfortable with the process can control up to 100 square feet at a time. The advanced formulation prevents this grout from drying out during extended open times.
Residual grout is easiest to clean while still wet, using a damp microfiber towel or cloth. One of the biggest advantages of Prism SCG is that it's cleanable immediately -- or within 30 minutes of applying -- which means no more waiting for grout to set before you can clean grout haze. And you don't have to come back later to seal it.
It's recommended to do a final drag with a damp microfiber towel to pick up leftover grout haze immediately after installation. However, for up to three days following installation, grout haze can be removed with water and a sponge. After three days, grout haze should be removed using a neutral PH tile or grout cleaner like Aqua Mix® Concentrated Stone & Tile Cleaner. Prism SCG Grout will cure by the next day for light traffic applications, and after three days for shower applications. Curing time will be longer in high humidity conditions.
Note for professionals: Prism SCG meets ANSI A118.19 and aligns with ANSI A118.7 and A118.3 performance characteristics.
More questions? You can find answers to frequently asked questions here.
It's time to step up your grout game! Use the new revolutionary Prism SCG, available at tile distributors and coming soon to The Home Depot near you. For more information about this or other CUSTOM Building Products, visit CustomBuildingProducts.com.