MAPEI Flexcolor 4 LVT Ready-to-Use Grout for Luxury Vinyl Tile Instructions

MAPEI Flexcolor 4 LVT Ready-to-Use Grout for Luxury Vinyl Tile Instructions

DESCRIPTION

MAPEI Flexcolor 4 LVT [NA] is formulated with a very fine aggregate to simulate a non-sanded finish in floor and wall installations. The fine aggregate technology also ensures proper packing of tight grout joints commonly found in installations of luxury vinyl tile (LVT) and luxury vinyl plank (LVP).

FEATURES AND BENEFITS

• For grout joints ranging from 1/16″ to 1/4″ (1.5 to 6 mm) in width
• Resistant to mold and mildew
• High level of stain resistance
• Wear-resistant
• Easy to use

INDUSTRY STANDARDS AND APPROVALS

• ANSI: Although ready-to-use grouts do not yet have ANSI requirements, MAPEI Flexcolor 4 LVT [NA] meets or exceeds specific tests in ANSI A118.3 and A118.6 covering other grout types.

WHERE TO USE

For grout joints ranging from 1/16″ to 1/4″ (1.5 to 6 mm) in width

• For use in interior installations only
• Use for groutable LVT and LVP.
• Use for glass tile/mosaics as well as porcelain, ceramic tile, natural-stone tile (such as granite, travertine, slate, marble and polished marble), quarry and cement-based terrazzo.
• Use for grouting areas with intermittent wet conditions such as bathtub surrounds, shower walls and shower floors.

LIMITATIONS

• Use only at temperatures between 50°F and 95°F (10°C and 35°C).
• Drying time will vary depending on temperature, humidity, tile porosity and grout joint depth/width.
• MAPEI Flexcolor 4 LVT [NA] cures via dehydration, curing faster in lower humidity conditions. Less than 50% humidity is ideal.
• Do not use for water-submersion installations such as pools and hot tubs.
• Do not use in areas exposed to continuous high surface temperatures – greater than or equal to 140°F (60°C) – such as areas near fireplaces and wood stoves.
• Some types of sensitive tiles such as glass mosaic and marble can be
  permanently stained, scratched, dulled or damaged when grouting. Always test the grout on a separate sample area before grouting to determine the suitability of the tile with the grout color selected.

SUITABLE SUBSTRATES

• Groutable LVT and LVP
• Glass tile/mosaics as well as porcelain, ceramic tile, natural-stone tile (such as granite, travertine, slate, marble and polished marble), quarry and cement-based terrazzo

Consult MAPEI’s Technical Services Department for installation recommendations regarding substrates and conditions not listed.

SURFACE PREPARATION

• Before grouting, make sure that tiles are firmly set and the adhesive or mortar is completely dry.
• Remove all tile spacers.
• Grout joints must be clean and free of standing water, dust, dirt and foreign matter.
• Remove excess adhesive or mortar from the joint area s that 2/3 of the tile depth is left available for grouting.
• Clean the tile surface thoroughly to remove dust, dirt and
  other contaminants that may cause grout discoloration. See the “Surface preparation requirements” reference guide in the Tile & Stone Installation Systems section of MAPEI’s Website.

MIXING

Before product use, take appropriate safety precautions. Refer to the Safety Data Sheet for details.

• No mixing is required.

PRODUCT APPLICATION

Read all installation instructions thoroughly before installation.

1. To aid in spreading the grout, slightly moisten the tile surface with a damp, rounded grout sponge just before application. For vertical/wall applications, do not pre-wet the tile but ensure that it is clean before grouting.
2. Force the grout into the joints with a medium- to hardrubber float held at a 45-degree angle to the tile surface. Float or spread the grout in an area within arm’s reach, typically 10 to 15 sq. ft. (0.93 to 1.39 m2 ), using a “cleanas-you-go” approach to spreading and washing the grout.
3. Make sure all joints are well-compacted and are free of voids and gaps. Remove excess grout from the tile surface, holding the float at an almost 90-degree angle to the surface and moving the float diagonally to the joints while the grout is still fresh.
4. The grout surface should be flush with the tile edge.

CLEANUP

1. Cleaning should begin after the surface develops a dry, skinned-over appearance – within 5 to 10 minutes,  depending upon the temperature, humidity and absorption rate of the tile. Use a “clean-as-you-go” approach to spreading and washing this grout, to ensure that cleaning begins before the grout skins over and dries on the tile surface. Grout small areas of between 30 to 40 sq. ft. (2.79 to 3.72 m2 ) at a time, so that cleaning can begin before the grout skins over and dries on the tile surface.
2. Move a damp grout sponge or white scrubpad across the tile surface in a circular motion to loosen grout and to shape the joints. Drag a clean and damp sponge diagonally across the tile joints, applying slight pressure. Use one side of the sponge for each pass over the tile, rinsing the sponge after the second pass. Note: Under certain conditions, a milky film can appear on the grout surface. This film will dissipate in 20 to 30 minutes after the washing step is completed.
3. Change the water bucket frequently to prevent the development of a haze on the tile surface. 4. If residue is observed on the tile surface, a final wash can be performed (if needed) about 1 hour after the initial wash. If needed in the cleaning process, add 1 U.S. oz. (30 mL) of a clear dishwashing soap to a pail containing 3 U.S. gals. (11.4 L) of clean water; then use a clean,   white, moistened scrubpad to loosen any remaining grout residue and a moistened sponge to remove the residue.
4. If joints are not fully flush, MAPEI Flexcolor 4 LVT [NA] can be re-applied after 24 hours of drying by repeating steps 1 through 4. The product will bond to itself.
5. Clean tools and the surface with fresh water while the product is wet.

PROTECTION

• Light foot traffic is acceptable 24 hours after grouting.
• To develop stain resistance and for a full cure, allow 7 days before water exposure.
• Protect the product from freezing. However, if product does freeze, allow the product to return to room temperature before use.
• If haze residue or “picture framing” is experienced after installation, use MAPEI’s UltraCare ® Epoxy Grout Haze Remover or UltraCare Heavy-Duty Stone, Tile & Grout Cleaner.
• Although sealing is not required, MAPEI’s UltraCare products can be used for care and maintenance of the grout surface. MAPEI’s UltraCare water-based products are fully compatible with MAPEI Flexcolor 4 LVT [NA].

Product Performance Properties

Shelf Life and Product Characteristics before mixing

Protect containers from freezing in transit and storage. Provide for heated storage on site and deliver all materials at least 24 hours before work begins.

Packaging

Size
Plastic pail: 1 U.S. qt. (946 mL)

*Approximate Coverage per 1 U.S. qt. (946 mL)**

mm)
2″ x 2″ x 1/4″**

(5 cm x 5 cm x 6 mm)

| 25 sq. ft.

(2.33 m2)

| 13 sq. ft.

(1.21 m2)

| 8 sq. ft.

(0.74 m2)

| 6 sq. ft.

(0.56 m2)

6″ x 6″ x 1/4″

(15 cm x 15 cm x 6 mm)

| 71 sq. ft.

(6.60 m2)

| 35 sq. ft.

(3.25 m2)

| 27 sq. ft.

(2.51 m2)

| 18 sq. ft.

(1.67 m2)

8″ x 8″ x 3/8″

(20 cm x 20 cm x 10 mm)

| 67 sq. ft.

(6.22 m2)

| 33 sq. ft.

(3.07 m2)

| 22 sq. ft.

(2.04 m2)

| 16 sq. ft.

(1.49 m2)

24″ x 6″ x 3/8″

(61 cm x 15 cm x 10 mm)

| 79 sq. ft.

(7.34 m2)

| 40 sq. ft.

(3.72 m2)

| 26 sq. ft.

(2.42 m2)

| 20 sq. ft.

(1.86 m2)

12″ x 12″ x 3/8″

(30 cm x 30 cm x 10 mm)

| 100 sq. ft.

(9.29 m2)

| 50 sq. ft.

(4.65 m2)

| 33 sq. ft.

(3.07 m2)

| 25 sq. ft.

(2.32 m2)

24″ x 12″ x 3/8″

(61 cm x 30 cm x 10 mm)

| 131 sq. ft.

(12.2 m2)

| 66 sq. ft.

(6.13 m2)

| 44 sq. ft.

(4.09 m2)

| 33 sq. ft.

(3.07 m2)

48″ x 6″ x 0.125″

(122 cm x 15 cm x 1/8″)

| 262 sq. ft.

(24.3 m2)

| 135 sq. ft.

(12.5 m2)

| 90 sq. ft.

(8.36 m2)

| 68 sq. ft.

(6.32 m2)

36″ x 6″ x 5/8″

(91 cm x 15 cm x 16 mm)

| 540 sq. ft.

(50.2 m2)

| 255 sq. ft.

(23.7 m2)

| 167 sq. ft.

(1.55 m2)

| 127 sq. ft.

(11.8 m2)

Coverage shown is for estimating purposes only. Actual coverage will vary according to substrate profile and tile type.

RELATED DOCUMENTS

Reference guide: “Surface preparation requirements” for tile and stone installation systems*

• At www.mapei.com
  Refer to the SDS for specific data related to health and safety as well as product handling.
  For information on MAPEI’s commitment to sustainability and transparency, as well as how MAPEI products may contribute to green building standards and certification systems, contact sustainability_USA@mapei.com (USA) or sustainability-durabilite@mapei.com (Canada).

LEGAL NOTICE

The contents of this Technical Data Sheet (“TDS”) may be copied into another project-related document, but the resulting document shall not supplement nor replace requirements per the TDS in effect at the time of the MAPEI product installation. For the most up-to-date TDS and warranty information, please visit our website at t www.mapei.com. ANY ALTERATIONS TO THE WORDING OR REQUIREMENTS CONTAINED IN OR DERIVED FROM THIS TDS SHALL VOID ALL RELATED MAPEI WARRANTIES. Before using, the user must determine the suitability of our products for the intended use, and the user alone assumes all risks and liability. ANY CLAIM SHALL BE DEEMED WAIVED UNLESS MADE IN WRITING TO US WITHIN FIFTEEN (15) DAYS FROM DATE IT WAS, OR REASONABLY SHOULD HAVE BEEN, DISCOVERED.

We proudly support the following industry organizations:

MAPEI Headquarters of North America

• 1144 East Newport Center Drive
• Deerfield Beach, Florida 33442
• 1-888-US-MAPEI (1-888-876-2734) /
• 954-246-8888

Technical Services
1-800-992-6273 (U.S. and Puerto Rico)
1-800-361-9309 (Canada)

Customer Service
1-800-42-MAPEI (1-800-426-2734)

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Edition Date: October 3, 2022
MK 3007702 (22-2858)

References

• Mapei - adhesives, sealants, chemical products for building

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