Mapei Keracolor FF

Differences between Keracolor SF and Keracolor FF

KERACOLOR SF is unsanded formula for tile joint width of 1 to 4mm.

KERACOLOR FF is with fine sand for tile joint width of 1 to 6mm.

WHERE TO USE

Grouting interior and exterior floor and wall tiling (single fired, double fired, klinker, porcelain tile, etc.), stone material (natural stones, marble, granite, agglomerates, etc.), glass and marble mosaics. Some application examples

• Grouting floor and wall ceramic tiles in interiors.

• Grouting swimming pools.

• Grouting particularly smooth and glossy floor surfaces (smooth and polished porcelain, pre-smoothened and polished marble, glazed tiles).

• Grouting ceramic tile industrial flooring where resistance to chemical agents is not required (garages, warehouses, etc.).

TECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS

Keracolor FF is a blend of cement, very fine-graded aggregates, special polymers, additives and pigments. The use of special hydrophobic additives (DropEffect® technology) gives grouting mortars highly waterrepellent properties, making them less prone to dirtiness and with excellent durability. The following features are obtained when mixed with the right water ratio and used correctly:

• water-repellent and droplet-effect;

• good compressive and flexural strength, good resistance to freeze/thaw cycles, and therefore good durability;

• a smooth final surface with low water absorption, therefore easy to clean;

• very good abrasion resistance;

• low shrinkage, therefore absence of cracks and fissures;

• good resistance to acids with pH >3;

• excellent value for performance. When mixing Keracolor FF with Fugolastic, a special synthetic resin-based polymeric additive, the final characteristics are improved for use even under harsh conditions (grouting façades, swimming pools, bathrooms, floors with heavy traffic). For further information consult the Fugolastic technical data sheet.

RECOMMENDATIONS

• Do not mix Keracolor FF with cement or any other products. Never add water to the mixture that is beginning to set.

• Never mix Keracolor FF with salty or dirty water.

• Use the product in temperatures between +5°C and +35°C.

• The amount of mix water must be precisely measured. Excess water could induce the appearance of a whitish coat over the surface (efflorescence). Different colour tones could result if mixtures with different water ratios are prepared. Efflorescence over the surface is due to the formation of calcium carbonate and could also be caused by residual moisture contained in adhesives, not fully hydrated grouts, in substrates not adequately dried, or in substrates not adequately protected from rising damp.

• After filling the joints, do not sprinkle Keracolor FF powder onto the grout as this can cause uneven colour and reduce the mechanical strength.

• Expansion joints and movement joints in floors and walls should never be filled with Keracolor FF, but with the appropriate flexible MAPEI sealant.

• The surface of some ceramic tiles or stone materials are rough or contain micro-porosities. It is recommended to carry out a sample test to verify cleanability and when necessary, apply a protective treatment over the surface, but avoiding penetration into the joints. When grouting a swimming pool which is due to be disinfected through saline electrolysis please use Ultracolor Plus or Kerapoxy.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

Preparing the joints Before grouting, wait until the installation mortar or the adhesive has completely hardened. Verify that the waiting time indicated on the relevant technical data sheet has elapsed. The joints must be clean, free of dust and raked back to at least 2/3 of the tile thickness. Excess adhesive or mortar should be removed whilst still fresh. Wet the joints with clean water when using very porous ceramic tiles in high temperatures and in the presence of wind.

Preparing the mix

While stirring, pour Keracolor FF into a clean, rust-free container containing 23-30% by weight, dependant on grout colour, of clean water or Fugolastic (if required in the application). When grouting floors, the mixture can be made thinner by adding more water (approx. 25-32% by weight). Mix with a low speed mixer to avoid excess formation of air bubbles, to a smooth consistency. Wait 2-3 minutes and briefly re-stir before use. Use the mixture within 2 hours of preparation. Applying the grout Fill the joints completely with Keracolor FF using the appropriate MAPEI trowel or rubber float, making sure the joints are completely compacted, with no unevenness. Remove excess Keracolor FF, while still fresh, from the surface moving the float diagonally across joints. Finishing When the mixture loses its plasticity and becomes matt, usually after 10-20 minutes, clean excess Keracolor FF with a damp hard cellulose sponge (e.g. MAPEI sponge) working diagonally to the joints. Rinse the sponge frequently using two separate buckets of water: one to remove the excess from the sponge and the other with clean water for rinsing out the sponge. Cleaning can also be carried out with a power float. To aid removal of the hardened product from the tiles, use a dampened Scotch-Brite® pad or a disc-type power float with special abrasive-felt discs. If cleaning is carried out too early (when the mixture is still plastic), the grout may be dragged from the joint leading to colour variation. On the other hand, if the grout has already hardened, it is necessary to clean the surface mechanically, which could scratch the surface of the tiles. When applying Keracolor FF in extremely hot, dry or windy climates, it is recommended to wet the joints after several hours. Wet curing of Keracolor FF always improves its final performance. Any residual powdery haze can be cleaned from the surface with a clean dry cloth. After the final cleaning, if the surface of the floors or walls are still contaminated with Keracolor FF, an acid cleaner can be used (e.g. Keranet), following the relevant instructions, at least 10 days after grouting the joints. Use Keranet only on acid-resistant surfaces and never on marble or limestone materials.

SET TO LIGHT FOOT TRAFFIC

Floors are set to light foot traffic after approximately 24 hours.

READY FOR USE

Floors are ready for traffic after approx. 7 days. Swimming pools can be filled 7 days after grouting. Cleaning Clean tools and containers with plenty of water before Keracolor FF hardens.

CONSUMPTION

Coverage of Keracolor FF varies depending on the width of the joints, the size and thickness of the tiles. Some examples of coverage in kg/m² are shown in the chart overleaf.

PACKAGING

20 kg bags, 4x5 kg boxes depending on the colour.

COLOURS

Keracolor FF is available in 17 colours from the MAPEI range. STORAGE Keracolor FF can be stored 12 months as for 20 kg bags and 24 months as for 5 kg bags in a dry place in original packaging. Always refer to what is written in the packaging. The product complies with the conditions of Annex XVII to Regulation (EC) N° 1907/2006 (REACH), item 47.

SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE PREPARATION AND INSTALLATION

Keracolor FF contains cement that when in contact with sweat or other body fluids causes irritant alkaline reactions and allergic reactions to those predisposed. It can cause damage to eyes. It is recommended to use protective gloves and goggles and to take the usual precautions for handling chemicals. If the product comes in contact with the eyes or skin, wash immediately with plenty of water and seek medical attention. For further and complete information about the safe use of our product please refer to the latest version of our Material Safety Data Sheet.

PRODUCT FOR PROFESSIONAL USE.

WARNING

Although the technical details and recommendations contained in this product data sheet correspond to the best of our knowledge and experience, all the above information must, in every case, be taken as merely indicative and subject to confirmation after long-term practical application; for this reason, anyone who intends to use the product must ensure beforehand that it is suitable for the envisaged application. In every case, the user alone is fully responsible for any consequences deriving from the use of the product.