grout cure time


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Old 09-22-18, 08:33 AM
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grout cure time

I just got done grouting the new tile in my shower. The label on the unsanded grout says it can't be flooded with water for 21 days. What does that mean? I know the wall tiles won't be under water but expect water would run down them during a shower. How long do I need to wait before using the shower?

If I remember the last tub surround/shower I did [only one] I used the shower the next day although that was close to 35 yrs ago.
 
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Old 09-22-18, 09:47 AM
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We just regrouted ours a few months back and I think we just waited a couple days. I think it said to wait 24 hours to put the sealer on and then another day after that, altho not 100% sure if we had to wait after the sealer. Anyways, the grout did fine.
 
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Old 09-22-18, 11:42 AM
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The label on the unsanded grout says it can't be flooded with water for 21 days.
Seems excessive, concrete drive sure, grout?
 
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Old 09-22-18, 06:14 PM
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It was premixed grout, I assume? Not the powder you mix yourself?
 
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Old 09-22-18, 07:13 PM
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Grout needs to cure 72 hours before sealing. Seal with a quality grout sealer. Test, if the grout darkens when moisture is applied, then you need to reseal.
 
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Old 09-23-18, 02:53 AM
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This is the grout I used - https://www.lowes.com/pd/MAPEI-10-lb...-Grout/1119247 [not premixed]
 
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Old 09-23-18, 02:24 PM
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Yep, 72 hours and then seal. You used the right stuff, Mapei makes excellent grouts and mortars. My go to brand for most all projects.
 
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Old 09-23-18, 02:34 PM
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I think by immersion they must mean "submerged in water" like the bottom of a pool or tub would. Says in the instructions right before that its ok for residential use after 72.
 
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Old 09-24-18, 02:35 AM
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Thanks, if the instructions [or my perception of them] had been a little clearer I wouldn't have had to ask. Any preferences on which sealer to use?
 
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Old 09-24-18, 01:51 PM
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You won't like the price, but this is my go to sealer. Can be found at that big orange store.

https://aquamix.com.au/products/seal...ld-rapid-cure/
 
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Old 09-24-18, 02:01 PM
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You are right, don't like the price .... surely I don't need that much grout sealer ??
 
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Old 10-01-18, 07:51 AM
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48 hours cure time.

I've been regrouting tile for 27 years and 48 hours is ample time for grout to harden, if you use a good admix, not water.
 
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Old 10-01-18, 09:11 AM
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I had used water. I found out after the fact that there is a liquid you can mix with the grout so you don't need to seal. I waited 72 hrs for the grout to dry, sealed and waited another 72 hrs before putting the shower in service. I bought a 6 oz bottle of grout sealer at Lowes which was enough to do both the shower and the bath rm floor.
 
 

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