ARDEX FL Rapid-Set Flexible Sanded Grout Instruction Manual

: June 9, 2024
: ARDEX

ARDEX FL Rapid-Set Flexible Sanded Grout

FL Rapid-Set Flexible Sanded Grout

Suitable Substrates

All common building substrates (concrete that has cured for at least 28 days, plywood in interior, horizontal applications, CBU in accordance with manufacturer guidelines, etc.)
Existing tiles (tile over tile)
Metal (Interior only and non-aluminum. Contact ARDEX
Technical Service for instructions.)

Suitable Applications

Interior or exterior
Dry or damp substrates (no standing water)
Pools and other submerged areas that are properly balanced in accordance with pool industry standards
Use with most common tile types (Not for moisture sensitive tile and stone)
Not for high chemical resistance or specialized applications

Job Conditions

During installation and cure, substrate and ambient temperatures must be a minimum of 50°F / 10°C and a maximum of 85°F / 29°C.

Step 1: Proper Prep™

The existing tiles / stone must be set firmly. Tile joints must be clean and free of all setting materials, dust, moisture and foreign matter. Clean the tile surface to remove contaminants that may discolor the grout.

Highly absorbent, textured or porous tiles may require sealing or treating with a grout release before grouting to prevent permanent staining.

Following preparation, thoroughly vacuum to remove all excess dirt and debris.

Step 2: Mixing and Application

Recommended Tools

Mixing container · ARDEX T-2 Ring Mixing Paddle 1/2″ (12 mm) heavy-duty drill (min. 650 rpm) high-quality rubber float ARDEX sponge (or similar) white Scotch-Brite® pad

Safety and OSHA Compliance

Handle each bag with care, emptying it in a manner that avoids creating a plume of dust. While mixing, use a standard “gutter hook” vacuum attachment in combination with a heavy-duty, bucket-style vacuum (Shop-Vac® or similar) and HEPA dust extraction vacuum system.

Application Data

Times based on 70°F / 21°C. Drying time is a function of jobsite temperature and humidity conditions. Low substrate temperatures and/or high ambient humidity will extend the drying time. Adequate ventilation and heat will aid drying.

Water ratio:| 25 lb (11.3 kg).: 2 1/4 – 2 1/2 quarts (2.1 – 2.3 L) of clean water per unit; 10 lb (4.5 kg).: 28 – 32 fl. oz. (0.8 – 0.9 L) of clean water per unit; or 4 parts powder to 1 part clean water by volume (small batches)
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Pot life / Working Time:| Approximately 30 minutes
Firm Set Time:| Approximately 30 – 45 minutes
Minimum Cure Time Prior to Traffic:| 90 minutes
Minimum Cure Time Prior to Water Submersion:| 72 hours

Color Variance

Actual grout color may vary when dry, depending on installation conditions, substrate, type of tile installed and other factors. To minimize the possibility of color variance between units of the same color used on the same installation, mix all grout using the same amount of water.

Mixing

Starting with the lowest amount of water specified above, pour the water in the mixing container first, and then add the powder. Gradually add additional water as needed to achieve the desired consistency. Do not exceed the highest amount of water specified above. To obtain a stiffer grout consistency, use slightly less water.
NOTE: Less water may cause the material to set faster.
For best results for full-unit batches, mix with an ARDEX T-2 Ring Mixing Paddle and 1/2″ heavy-duty drill (12 mm, min. 650 rpm) and mixing paddle. Mix at a low speed until a creamy, smooth, lump-free consistency is achieved.
Small batches may be mixed by hand. Use a margin trowel, and mix vigorously. Just prior to application on the substrate, the mixture should be stirred again to ensure a creamy, smooth, lump-free consistency.

Application

Some types of tiles may be prone to scratching and surface discoloration when using grout. In accordance with industry standards, and to determine the suitability of the products for the intended use, always install an adequate number of properly located test areas.

Jobsite conditions and temperature may affect pot life. If the material begins to harden within published pot life / working time, retemper with a drill.
Installation should proceed in accordance with ANSI A 108.10. Using a high- quality rubber float, work the grout into the joints until they are filled completely. Mix only as much as can be applied within working time specified above.
As work proceeds, remove all excess grout from the face of the tile using the rubber float, working at a 45° angle to avoid removing grout from joints.

Joint Forming and Tile Cleanup

Once the grout has taken a firm set in the joints (see firm set time above), the joints can be formed, and the residual grout on the face of the tile can be removed easily by using a lightly dampened sponge. Do not use excessive water.
Any dry film (haze) remaining on the tile surface can be removed easily by finishing or polishing with a dry or slightly damp terrycloth towel or sponge after the grout has hardened completely in the joints.
In extremely warm conditions where the residual grout is left on the tile for too long to re-emulsify, the residual grout can be loosened using a white Scotch-Brite pad. Apply gentle pressure to the pad, and work in a circular motion to loosen the grout. Carefully remove the slurry with a barely damp sponge, rinsing the sponge with clean water after each pass.

Sealing

While not required, a penetrating grout sealer can be applied. Follow sealer manufacturer’s recommendations for preparation, application and cure.

Important Maintenance Notes

Although this product will resist staining and clean more easily than virtually all other cement-based grouts, it is not stain-proof and should be cleaned and maintained regularly to keep the installation looking its best.

Notes

FOR PROFESSIONAL USE ONLY by licensed, bonded contractors who are trained in the application of this product and/or similar products. Not sold by ARDEX through home improvement centers. For information on ARDEX Academy trainings, visit ardexamericas.com.
Never mix with cement or additives outside of our written recommendations. Observe the basic rules of concrete work, including the minimum surface and air temperatures detailed above. Install quickly if the substrate is warm, and follow the warm weather installation guidelines available on our website. Observe the basic rules of tile work.
Dispose of packaging and residue in accordance with prevailing regulations. Do not flush material down drains. Do not reuse packaging.
For high chemical resistance and specialized applications, please refer to the ARDEX WA technical data sheet.

Technical Data According to ARDEX Quality Standards

All data based on a partial, in-lab mix. Mixing and testing completed at 70°F / 21°C Physical properties are typical values and not specifications.

Brinell Hardness:| 8,700 psi (611.6 kg/cm2; 60 MPa) at 28 days
8,000 psi (562.4 kg/cm2; 55.2 MPa) at 7 days
6,500 psi (457 kg/cm2; 44.9 MPa) at 3 days
5,000 psi (351.5 kg/cm2; 34.5 MPa) at 1 day
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VOC:| 0
Packaging:| 25 lb. (11.3 kg) bag
10 lb (4.5 kg) box
Storage:| Store in a cool, dry area. Do not leave units exposed to sun.
Shelf Life:| 1 year, if unopened and properly stored
Warranty:| ARDEX L.P. Standard Limited Warranty applies. Also eligible for ARDEX SystemOne® Warranty when used in conjunction with select ARDEX tile and stone installation materials. See ardexamericas.com/services/warranties for full warranty details.

Precautions

Carefully read and follow all precautions and warnings on the product label. For complete safety information, please refer to the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) available at ardexamericas.com.

Made in the USA.

Copyright 2022 ARDEX, L.P. All rights reserved. Content updated 2022-01-13. Supersedes all previous versions.
Latest version available at ardexamericas.com. For technical updates, visit ardexamericas.com/services/technicalservices/techupdates.

Coverage

Coverage based on a 25 lb. (11.3 kg) unit. Actual coverage may vary based on jobsite conditions, tile textures and installation methods.

Tile Size (inches)	Grout Joint Size (inches)
Width	Length
7/16	1/2
0.0625	0.125
1	1
2	2
2	2
4 1/4	4 1/4
4	8
6	6
8	8
12	12
13	13
16	16
18	18
24	24
Tile Size (mm)	Grout Joint Size (mm)
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Width	Length

12.0
25| 25| 6| 9.0| 4.7| 3.2| 2.5| 2.1| 1.8| 1.6| 1.4
51| 51| 6| 17.8| 9.0| 6.1| 4.7| 3.8| 3.2| 2.8| 2.5
51| 51| 10| 11.9| 6.0| 4.1| 3.1| 2.5| 2.1| 1.9| 1.7
108| 108| 8| 29.9| 15.1| 10.1| 7.6| 6.2| 5.2| 4.5| 3.9
102| 203| 13| 23.5| 11.8| 7.9| 6.0| 4.8| 4.0| 3.5| 3.0
152| 152| 13| 26.4| 13.3| 8.9| 6.7| 5.4| 4.5| 3.9| 3.4
203| 203| 10| 46.9| 23.5| 15.8| 11.9| 9.5| 8.0| 6.9| 6.0
305| 305| 10| 70.3| 35.2| 23.5| 17.7| 14.2| 11.9| 10.2| 8.9
330| 330| 10| 76.1| 38.1| 25.5| 19.2| 15.4| 12.8| 11.0| 9.7
406| 406| 10| 93.6| 46.9| 31.3| 23.5| 18.9| 15.8| 13.5| 11.9
457| 457| 10| 105.3| 52.7| 35.2| 26.5| 21.2| 17.7| 15.2| 13.3
610| 610| 10| 140.4| 70.3| 46.9| 35.2| 28.2| 23.5| 20.2| 17.7

Visit www.youtube.com/ARDEX10l to watch ARDEX product demonstration videos.
For recommended installation tools, visit OTA USA at www.dtausagroup.com. For easy-to-use ARDEX Product Calculators and Product Information On the Go, download the ARDEX App.

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