Mapei Keracolor SF

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

Keracolor SF is used for internal and external grouting of floors and finishes in all types of ceramic (single-fired, double-fired, klinker, porcelain, etc.), stone material (natural stone, marble, granite, agglomerates, etc.), and glass and marble mosaic. Some application examples

• Grouting narrow tile joints in all types of tiles on floors and on walls in buildings for domestic use.

• Grouting tile joints in glass mosaic and pre-finished marble.

• Grouting joints in finishes with a particularly smooth and shiny surface (polished porcelain, polished marble, etc.).

TECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS

Keracolor SF is made up of a blend of cement, fine-grained inert materials, synthetic resins, special admixtures and pigments. Keracolor SF is characterised by its special rheological behaviour, which makes it particularly suitable for grouting narrow tile joints. When mixed with water in the proportions recommended and correctly applied, it forms a grouting mortar with the following characteristics:

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

• smooth, compact finished surface with a very fine grain structure, with low water absorbency and therefore easy cleaning;

• very good resistance to abrasion;

• low shrinkage rate, therefore free of cracks and crevices;

• good resistance to acids with pH > 3;

• excellent cost-performance ratio. By mixing Keracolor SF with Fugolastic, a special synthetic resin-based polymeric admixture, its final characteristics are further improved and it reaches a level of strength which makes it suitable for even the most severe in-service conditions (grouting façades, swimming pools, bathrooms and even floors subject to intense traffic). Keracolor SF together with Fugolastic admix may also be used for grouting joints in marble to be polished after laying. For further information, please refer to the Fugolastic Technical Data Sheet.

RECOMMENDATIONS

• Do not mix Keracolor SF with cement or other products, and never add water once it has started to set.

• Do not blend different colours of grout together as there is a risk of colour inconsistency and non-uniform final shade once the grout has set.

• Never mix Keracolor SF with salt-water or dirty water.

• Use the product at a temperature of between +5°C and +35°C. • The water used for mixing the product must be very carefully dosed. Too much mixing water and residual humidity in the adhesive or mortar which have not completely hydrated, or in substrates which have not dried sufficiently or which are not adequately protected against rising damp, may cause unsightliness due to the formation of salts on the surface.

• Expansion and movement joints on walls and floors must never be filled with Keracolor SF.

• In the case of tiles or slabs of stone material which have micro-porosity or a rough surface, carry out a preliminary test on a small piece to check whether it may be easily cleaned. If necessary, treat the surface with a protective treatment to the surface, ensuring that it does not run into the tile joints.

• Do not use Keracolor SF to grout tile joints wider than 4 mm (use Keracolor FF or Keracolor GG).

• With particularly absorbent tiles and thin tile joints, we recommend that the finish is dampened before grouting.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

Preparing the joints Before grouting the joints, wait until the installation mortar or the adhesive is completely set. Make sure that the waiting times indicated in the Technical Data Sheets are strictly adhered to. The joints must be clean, free from dust and empty down to at least 2/3 of the thickness of the tiles. Any adhesive or mortar which has seeped into the joints while laying the tiles must be removed whilst still fresh. With particularly narrow tiles, or in the case of high temperatures or in windy conditions, dampen the joints with clean water.

Preparing the mix

Pour the Keracolor SF into a clean, rust-free container of clean water or Fugolastic (if required for the application) while mixing, at a ratio of 33-34% by weight. Stir the mix, preferably with a low-speed mixer to avoid drawing in air, until a smooth paste is obtained. Let the mix stand for 2-3 minutes, and stir again briefly before use. Use the mix within 2 hours of its preparation.

Application

Fill the joints with the prepared Keracolor SF mix using a special MAPEI trowel or rubber squeegee, without leaving any gaps or steps. Remove any excess of Keracolor SF from the surface, by moving the trowel or squeegee diagonally across the joints while the mix is still fresh.

Finishing layer

When the mix loses its flexibility and becomes opaque, which usually takes place after 10-20 minutes, clean the residual Keracolor SF with a hard, damp sponge (e.g. a MAPEI sponge), working in a diagonal direction with respect to the joints. Rinse the sponge frequently, using two different containers of water: one to remove the excess mix from the sponge, and the other, containing clean water, to rinse the sponge. This operation may also be carried out with a special machine with a sponge belt. To make removal of the hardened product from the tiles easier, a dampened Scotch-Brite® pad or a rotating, single-head polisher with a felt disk may be used before cleaning with the sponge. If the cleaning operation is carried out too soon (the mix is still too runny), some of the mix may be removed from the joints which makes them more subject to changes in colour. On the other hand, if the grout has already set, it will have to be cleaned mechanically which may cause scratching on the surface of the tiles. If grouting is carried out in extremely hot, dry or windy weather, we recommend damping the joints filled with Keracolor SF after a few hours. Damp curing of Keracolor SF improves its final characteristics in all cases. Final cleaning of the powdery film of Keracolor SF from the surface may be carried out with a clean, dry cloth. After the final cleaning operation, if the surface still has traces of Keracolor SF, it may be cleaned down with an acidic cleaner (e.g. Keranet), by following the relevant instructions, at least 10 days after grouting the joints. Only use Keranet on surfaces which are resistant to acid, and never use it on marble or limestone material.

SET TO LIGHT FOOT TRAFFIC

Floors are ready for light foot traffic after approx. 24 hours.

READY FOR USE

The surfaces are ready for traffic after 7 days. Water basins and swimming pools may be filled up 7 days after grouting. Cleaning Tools and containers may be cleaned using plenty of water if the Keracolor SF is still fresh.

CONSUMPTION

Coverage of Keracolor SF varies depending on the width of the joints, the size and thickness of the tiles.

PACKAGING

22 kg bags and boxes containing 4x5 kg alupacks.

COLOURS AVAILABLE

Keracolor SF is available in white (100). STORAGE Keracolor SF may be stored for up to 12 months in its original packaging in a dry place (22 kg bags); 24 months for 5 kg bags. Please always refer to the packaging instructions. The product complies with the conditions of Annex XVII to Regulation (EC) N° 1907/2006 (REACH), item 47.

SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS FOR PREPARATION AND APPLICATION

Keracolor SF contains cement, which when in contact with sweat or other body fluids, may cause an irritant alkaline reactions and allergic reactions to those predisposed. It may cause damage to the eyes. During use, wear protective gloves and goggles and take the usual precautions for handling chemicals. If the product comes in contact with the eyes or skin, wash immediately with plenty of clean water and seek medical attention.

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.