Cracks appearing as grout dries
#1
07-06-07, 09:22 PM
Cracks appearing as grout dries
I'm grouting 3x6 wall tiles in my bathroom. As I'm doing it, small cracks are appearing in the grout as it begins to dry. I can't figure it out...am I mixing the grout improperly, or doing something wrong as I'm applying the grout?
Any help is appreciated!
Any help is appreciated!
#2
07-06-07, 09:44 PM
Banned. Rule And/Or Policy Violation
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: USA
Posts: 7,754
Upvotes: 0
Received 0 Upvotes
on
0 Posts
It should not be cracking.
Has it cured?
Did you mix it to manufacturers specs?
What type of wall is this tile on? What type of grout? What's your grout spacing?
It's hard to apply grout improperly. Do not apply it going in the same direction as the grout line, but apply it going sideways or diagnal to the grout line.
If it isn't cured and still "wet", you may not have added enough water to the mix.
Has it cured?
Did you mix it to manufacturers specs?
What type of wall is this tile on? What type of grout? What's your grout spacing?
It's hard to apply grout improperly. Do not apply it going in the same direction as the grout line, but apply it going sideways or diagnal to the grout line.
If it isn't cured and still "wet", you may not have added enough water to the mix.
#4
07-07-07, 06:38 AM
Thanks guys. I'm using unsanded grout. The tile edges are uneven (to give it an old fashioned look, I guess) so the joints vary, but they tend be around 1/8th inch...3/16 max. I thought maybe i used too much water, but it was even happening after I'd been working for a while and the grout had become a thicker paste.
#5
07-07-07, 08:50 AM
Banned. Rule And/Or Policy Violation
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: USA
Posts: 7,754
Upvotes: 0
Received 0 Upvotes
on
0 Posts
You need sanded grout. You can use unsanded grout for 1/8" or smaller, but anythign 1/8" or bigger, you need sanded.
Only option would be to remove all that old grout and start over.
Only option would be to remove all that old grout and start over.
