This video dropped just in time. I recalled watching your first grout test two years ago. That was my first shower project. I'm now on my fourth thanks to you.
Isaac, thanks again for another great product testing video. I trust your tests on products and no one else does this. I also appreciate your appeal to people to enter the tile trade, maybe especially the younger generation that might not have experience with this type of work. Some people naturally excel at building and making and get great satisfaction from that. I am one, as you are, and the money is good.
I’ve used that same Polyblend sanded for most of my tile projects. (Im a carpenter but I’ve done a dozen or so tile jobs, mostly my own diy projects). Not had any issues including an 8 year old shower. I think given full set up time AND be sure to use a sealer then most issues are avoided. I will look into prism.
Isaac I want to start off by say I am a Mapei fan! Hold onto those samples and retest after 7/24/24 or longer. The Prism is like hydraulic cement and probably has an earlier cure time! The Prism is designed to set up in the tile joints of tile that do not absorb water like typical ceramic body tile. It's my understanding that the Prism will yield more color consistency and not require a sealer, and the standard grout is just the opposite. After you have wiped the grout with the sponge, the yellow micro fiber rag when soaked in water and rung of all it's water will clean far better than the sponge and leave less water residue on the joints and grout surface. Some times eliminating the need for multiple rinses.
Very interesting. My belief is that mixing ratios are critical, and the primary source of poor grout performance. I watched your earlier grout testing video with the group, and I thought the grout mix was visibly too wet and soft. Not so in this case. Totally agree about the ratios stated on bags, I invariably add more than standard recommended amounts to make the thinset or grout workable with my increasingly arthritic old hands. Plus you need softness for complete contact, and for full proper grout filling. It’s a fine line though, you want the minimum amount of water necessary to make the install smooth. I’ve had polyblend which slow cured in cool conditions to a hardness I could scarcely believe - I could hardly scuff it with my knife, and it took full on hammer and chisel to make a mark. Thanks, great work continuing on this channel.
Great channel. Great tests. So many more variables in real world applications. I’m die hard polyblend plus. Sorry haters. I repair too many floors done with hybrid grouts. Also sealing grout is a misconception, just like stain proof grout. 99% of grout issues are topical and sealer has no bearing on that. Big waste of money. As a matter of fact it’s actually a negative, because most are silicone based and attract dirt
Whenever we have used Polyblend or the Polyblend Plus in hotels, we are sometimes asked if we sealed it with a chemical spray because of the sand. You can always tell when the sealant wasn't used because within that first month tiny chunks will sometimes come out and it'll have to be re-done. It really depends on weather (temperature near the front entrance) and moisture (mopping by hotel staff or soaking wet floor mats) specially in heavy foot trafficked areas like the lobby and other entrances.
I had tile done in 2016 with TEC and I’m not sure if it was installation error or product error, but the grout can be scrubbed out during cleaning. I could take my fingernail in the shower wall and dig into the grout. I had it removed and redone with Prism and it is very hard. No scratching out with a brush or fingernail. That TEC Power Grout from 2016 at least was no good.
Prism is what I use. Over time it’s just lasted better. But the 1 thing I did years ago. Rino lined a shower stall ( yes spray in bed liner ) actually 2. 1 with tile. 1 without. And DAM. I’d say it’s better than anything out there. Hot mop. Anything. A few hours later you can set tile. Crazy
Prism is my go to in a pinch. Polyblend has let me down a few times. When we get a custom job we hit the tile shops in my area. By far though epoxy grout is my preference
Prism has been my go to grout for the past 10-12 years. I've found the same thing as you did with your test, Prism gets harder and in my opinion the color is more consistent than Polyblend.
Can you do a battle of the pre mixes? Laticretes spectralock 1 vs flexcolor cq vs prism scg etc. A lot of installers that care about their work buy the expensive premix, but im curious how they would test against eachother and then test against a cheaper prism/FA
Great video! I am taking a quick break from regrouting my entire house using Prism. The outcome of this test makes me so thankful we chose Prism. Q: Prism indicates it does not require sealing. What do you think?
I am just doing a repair for a small area and did buy prism. Do I really need to wait 7 days. Not what is on the package. They actually printed walk time 4 hours. I am doing a small repair to shower floor near the drain. Thank you.
Great videos... Do i need a pvc pan liner over a dry pack pre slope or can I just use a waterproof membrane then tlle over it????Thank you for your time
Love mapei FA, it was one of the best I remember in Isaacs testing from years ago. Just gotta be careful and not let it get away from you. You gotta work pretty fast with it
@@remodz6385 Yes, it kicks off pretty fast, which I knew beforehand. I went extreme... mixing water in the fridge overnight, then the grout bucket set inside another bucket full of ice. That bought me an hour of work time. I did this back in 2019, and my grout still looks great with even color in the shower.
I agree, I primarily use Mapei f/a as it is super consistent in color. My callbacks tend to be on inconsistency of grout color but never had that problem with this product. I use the Mapei flexcolor cq on shower pans as well when I think grout might problematic, 100% when it's a river rock shower pan with huge joints. Little more of a learning curve with the flexcolor cq.
Great grout video. I recently grouted my first tile job and used the Custom Poly Blend Plus un-sanded grout with 2 x 8 subway tile. My next job will have natural stone 2 x 2 mosaic floor. The tile manufacturer recommends using grout applicator. Can you please do a video for a floor like this? Thanks, your tile student
Love your videos, on an off topic have your ever used Redi Poxy - Epoxy Adhesive ? I bought a Redi base & thought I would go with it. any hints I should look for ? Or any suggestions would be great.
Mapei Flexcolour CQ I have installations that are 10+ years old, grout looks like the day installed. Behind cooktops in the back splash , is one tough place for grout, it is the only one I use there. Don't use it everywhere, but sometimes wonder why not. Cleanup maybe ,,
I use Mapei CQ everywhere and haven’t had any issues yet. I like that the color is consistent and it’s easier for me to apply. I use it in showers , floors and backsplashes . It’s easy to clean for sure.
I've seen that epoxy grout in the tubes, I assume it's very pricey, but wouldn't it be the strongest and most durable? Might be a good option for the tiles on the floor vs the walls, Since they just hold / see more water.
Curious if you have any thoughts on Fusion Pro. I'm a diyer and have been watching your videos for a couple of years. I'm finally starting a bathroom remodel in my house. I've demoed a bath shower surround and I'm installing 24x24 porcelain tile from Deltile. I've decided to use Goboard and Multi Max lite. I've used Fusion pro on smaller projects and it seems good. I'm hoping to get some insight from you or others. Love your videos! Very informative. Thanks
What happened to the 7$ bag of C-Cure! Lol... It also matters how the grout is mixed! I will say the Mapei FA is the way to go over all others. Mixed correctly & dosn't need any "SLAKE" not "SLACK" time b4 application. It does have a faster work time 1hr but when completed & does have the time to cure, it's bulletproof! Metal Marshalltown/Barwalt margin trowels will definitely scratch natural stone if used vs. grout float.
Hello 👋I’ve been sub with your channel for maybe 4-5 months now and I really learn from them👨💻…. Also what do you think 🤔 about the prism saying that we don’t need to seal the grout? Have you tried to check to see if that’s true or not? Anyways love your videos 📼 I pray 🙏 you and your family have a great life
I will never use anything Custom Products. Their grout is garbage.I learned to avoid that. Their, LFT mortar put me off from ever buying any of their products again, mortar cracked so bad it catastrophically ruined the job. Big surprise they came out with a "new" crack inhibiting mortar of course at higher cost, They obviously cut corners and put the junk on market. Now they say, they are now making a professional line😁,.They are trying to push into professional distributors. No thanks Fool me once. Mapei, Ardex, etc for me from now on.
It is easy to test a 4 Sq inch spot but what about test a whole entire bag at the specs they give doing 900 maybe 1500 Sq feet. Do the test on a big job then do a video 🙏
Great video both these are trash Grouts. Mapei Flexcolor Cq Grout pre mixed is hands down best there is on the market. You can't even scratch out the grout with a screw driver let alone cleaning it. Try a video with the Mapei Flexcolor Cq pre mixed compared to these style grouts youll be amazed.
Been a tile setter 26 years. And I like prism. Never had an issue. Easy clean up. Used everything under the sun. Still like prism
Exactly prism Is awesome
Eagerly waiting for your testing of the new Prism SCG!!
This video dropped just in time. I recalled watching your first grout test two years ago. That was my first shower project. I'm now on my fourth thanks to you.
I’m glad to see Prism performed well. I like Prism and have not had issues with it.
Thank you for this test Isaac. Good to know. Glad I used the prism. First time I had used prism and really liked the way it applied.
Wow, what a difference! I'll be recommending Prism for all my cement grout jobs. Thanks for the comparison.
Isaac, thanks again for another great product testing video. I trust your tests on products and no one else does this. I also appreciate your appeal to people to enter the tile trade, maybe especially the younger generation that might not have experience with this type of work. Some people naturally excel at building and making and get great satisfaction from that. I am one, as you are, and the money is good.
I only use Prism. Easily my favorite grout. Easy to work with and dries rock hard.
I used the polyblend for my front yard tiles after 5 yrs. It is still holding.
Thank you for all that you do, I had very low expectations from the old grout testing video, this was surprising.
I’ve used that same Polyblend sanded for most of my tile projects. (Im a carpenter but I’ve done a dozen or so tile jobs, mostly my own diy projects). Not had any issues including an 8 year old shower. I think given full set up time AND be sure to use a sealer then most issues are avoided. I will look into prism.
Prism is really great grout! Awesome video you did here Isaac!
Isaac
I want to start off by say I am a Mapei fan!
Hold onto those samples and retest after 7/24/24 or longer. The Prism is like hydraulic cement and probably has an earlier cure time! The Prism is designed to set up in the tile joints of tile that do not absorb water like typical ceramic body tile.
It's my understanding that the Prism will yield more color consistency and not require a sealer, and the standard grout is just the opposite.
After you have wiped the grout with the sponge, the yellow micro fiber rag when soaked in water and rung of all it's water will clean far better than the sponge and leave less water residue on the joints and grout surface. Some times eliminating the need for multiple rinses.
Thanks for this demo, Steve and I enjoyed it and learned much,😊
Wow Tilecoach in the orange store. Now I've seen everything.
Very interesting. My belief is that mixing ratios are critical, and the primary source of poor grout performance. I watched your earlier grout testing video with the group, and I thought the grout mix was visibly too wet and soft. Not so in this case.
Totally agree about the ratios stated on bags, I invariably add more than standard recommended amounts to make the thinset or grout workable with my increasingly arthritic old hands. Plus you need softness for complete contact, and for full proper grout filling. It’s a fine line though, you want the minimum amount of water necessary to make the install smooth. I’ve had polyblend which slow cured in cool conditions to a hardness I could scarcely believe - I could hardly scuff it with my knife, and it took full on hammer and chisel to make a mark.
Thanks, great work continuing on this channel.
Great channel. Great tests. So many more variables in real world applications. I’m die hard polyblend plus. Sorry haters. I repair too many floors done with hybrid grouts. Also sealing grout is a misconception, just like stain proof grout. 99% of grout issues are topical and sealer has no bearing on that. Big waste of money. As a matter of fact it’s actually a negative, because most are silicone based and attract dirt
Whenever we have used Polyblend or the Polyblend Plus in hotels, we are sometimes asked if we sealed it with a chemical spray because of the sand. You can always tell when the sealant wasn't used because within that first month tiny chunks will sometimes come out and it'll have to be re-done. It really depends on weather (temperature near the front entrance) and moisture (mopping by hotel staff or soaking wet floor mats) specially in heavy foot trafficked areas like the lobby and other entrances.
I had tile done in 2016 with TEC and I’m not sure if it was installation error or product error, but the grout can be scrubbed out during cleaning. I could take my fingernail in the shower wall and dig into the grout. I had it removed and redone with Prism and it is very hard. No scratching out with a brush or fingernail. That TEC Power Grout from 2016 at least was no good.
This grout test is like watching Project Farm
Are you still using spectrolock 1? How have your results been specifically on shower floors?
Just started the video. Couple minutes in. I do wish you also bought the pre mixed grout. They advertise that’s the best grout use.
Prism is what I use. Over time it’s just lasted better.
But the 1 thing I did years ago. Rino lined a shower stall ( yes spray in bed liner ) actually 2. 1 with tile. 1 without. And DAM. I’d say it’s better than anything out there. Hot mop. Anything. A few hours later you can set tile. Crazy
Prism is my go to in a pinch. Polyblend has let me down a few times. When we get a custom job we hit the tile shops in my area. By far though epoxy grout is my preference
Doctor of Tiles. Great test!
Prism has been my go to grout for the past 10-12 years. I've found the same thing as you did with your test, Prism gets harder and in my opinion the color is more consistent than Polyblend.
Can you do a battle of the pre mixes? Laticretes spectralock 1 vs flexcolor cq vs prism scg etc. A lot of installers that care about their work buy the expensive premix, but im curious how they would test against eachother and then test against a cheaper prism/FA
I would like to see another test with polyblend plus with Add MIx???
Great video! I am taking a quick break from regrouting my entire house using Prism. The outcome of this test makes me so thankful we chose Prism.
Q: Prism indicates it does not require sealing. What do you think?
Can you please do a testing video for kiesel royal grout?
I am just doing a repair for a small area and did buy prism. Do I really need to wait 7 days. Not what is on the package. They actually printed walk time 4 hours. I am doing a small repair to shower floor near the drain. Thank you.
Great videos... Do i need a pvc pan liner over a dry pack pre slope or can I just use a waterproof membrane then tlle over it????Thank you for your time
I really like mapei ultracolor F/A
another plus one for ultracolor plus FA. Wish I had started using it a year earlier than I did last year. I had zero difficulty with it from day one.
Love mapei FA, it was one of the best I remember in Isaacs testing from years ago. Just gotta be careful and not let it get away from you. You gotta work pretty fast with it
@@remodz6385 Yes, it kicks off pretty fast, which I knew beforehand. I went extreme... mixing water in the fridge overnight, then the grout bucket set inside another bucket full of ice. That bought me an hour of work time. I did this back in 2019, and my grout still looks great with even color in the shower.
I agree, I primarily use Mapei f/a as it is super consistent in color. My callbacks tend to be on inconsistency of grout color but never had that problem with this product. I use the Mapei flexcolor cq on shower pans as well when I think grout might problematic, 100% when it's a river rock shower pan with huge joints. Little more of a learning curve with the flexcolor cq.
I use it only. I feel guilty passing all the other grouts, always using ultra color. But hey, if it ain’t broke
This video really helped. Great Example.
Very good video. Prism is the grout to use.
Can you make a video on different grout floats?
Great grout video. I recently grouted my first tile job and used the Custom Poly Blend Plus un-sanded grout with 2 x 8 subway tile. My next job will have natural stone 2 x 2 mosaic floor. The tile manufacturer recommends using grout applicator. Can you please do a video for a floor like this?
Thanks, your tile student
I'm really liking the Mapei FlexQ apoxy...Might very well be my go to grout🤟
Thank you for the video 👍
Prism with out looking at your test!!
Natural gray grout has always been a problem, in shady. Good demo.
Prism says it doesn't need sealing. Is it just for the first year or no need to seal at all?
Have you tried Mapei Kerapoxy grout for shower floors? I love using it
I would love to see your opinion of Simple Grout.
My grout is old and not great. Can I just remove it and replace it? Thanks Declan
Since Prism doesnt soak up water ( after cured), it is probably more stain resistant.
Love your videos, on an off topic have your ever used Redi Poxy - Epoxy Adhesive ? I bought a Redi base & thought I would go with it. any hints I should look for ? Or any suggestions would be great.
Can you do grout test with Sika’s new grout
What are your feelings on epoxy grout?
I have it installed in 2 of my bathroom showers. Absolutely amazing stuff. The issue is finding soon who can install it.
Used spectralock on my shower 5 years ago. Looks and performs the same as day one.
Epoxy grout is fabulous, the only thing I'll use in a shower. It's a lot more involved to put in though.
Mapei Flexcolour CQ I have installations that are 10+ years old, grout looks like the day installed.
Behind cooktops in the back splash , is one tough place for grout,
it is the only one I use there.
Don't use it everywhere, but sometimes wonder why not.
Cleanup maybe ,,
I use Mapei CQ everywhere and haven’t had any issues yet. I like that the color is consistent and it’s easier for me to apply. I use it in showers , floors and backsplashes . It’s easy to clean for sure.
I've seen that epoxy grout in the tubes, I assume it's very pricey, but wouldn't it be the strongest and most durable? Might be a good option for the tiles on the floor vs the walls, Since they just hold / see more water.
Curious if you have any thoughts on Fusion Pro. I'm a diyer and have been watching your videos for a couple of years. I'm finally starting a bathroom remodel in my house. I've demoed a bath shower surround and I'm installing 24x24 porcelain tile from Deltile. I've decided to use Goboard and Multi Max lite. I've used Fusion pro on smaller projects and it seems good. I'm hoping to get some insight from you or others. Love your videos! Very informative. Thanks
Glad to know the custom made Prism harder.
Awesome test.
Is epoxy grout used by your company, it's advertised as waterproof. If not why?
Shouldn't you seal the grout before doing that test?
Did I miss where you sealed the polyblend??
What thin set for laying tile is best at the box office store, or do they have it?
flexbond is good, just depends on your tile size..
@@nailbndr9869 it's 12by12 with little hexagons
Does grout sealer improve durability?
I'm looking for a video comparing epoxy grout and sealer products!?!??
🙏🏼🤔🤞🤷
?????
What grout do you use on your jobs
Can you test TSG by custom?
What happened to the 7$ bag of C-Cure! Lol... It also matters how the grout is mixed! I will say the Mapei FA is the way to go over all others. Mixed correctly & dosn't need any "SLAKE" not "SLACK" time b4 application. It does have a faster work time 1hr but when completed & does have the time to cure, it's bulletproof! Metal Marshalltown/Barwalt margin trowels will definitely scratch natural stone if used vs. grout float.
Thank you, appreciated
Hello 👋I’ve been sub with your channel for maybe 4-5 months now and I really learn from them👨💻…. Also what do you think 🤔 about the prism saying that we don’t need to seal the grout? Have you tried to check to see if that’s true or not? Anyways love your videos 📼 I pray 🙏 you and your family have a great life
Also I did however try to for a bit check the comments to see if others asked the question 🙋 before I did and couldn’t find anything
How does Spectralock 1 compare to Prism?
You should test PCI Nanofug grout from Germany
Polyblend requires more water then specified because of the sand
I hate custom products. The efflorecense is crazy. I never had a problem with laticrete or mapei.
I will never use anything Custom Products. Their grout is garbage.I learned to avoid that. Their, LFT mortar put me off from ever buying any of their products again, mortar cracked so bad it catastrophically ruined the job. Big surprise they came out with a "new" crack inhibiting mortar of course at higher cost, They obviously cut corners and put the junk on market. Now they say, they are now making a professional line😁,.They are trying to push into professional distributors. No thanks Fool me once. Mapei, Ardex, etc for me from now on.
I had a color problem with mapei mixed, one bag, no over wash but still inconsistent color. Used mastic on a back splash . Should have used thinset.
I bought Prism for my kitchen floor and it's awful. It just rubs right out of the grout lines like it never fully hardened.
I almost always use Prism now. You gotta be quick, it goes off fast
Only ultracolor. Always. Be sure to use distilled water for always perfect results
stronger than spectralock?!
❤ science, I love it
I call that place the BORG. Big Orange Retail Giant.
Awesome
Wish the test was with lighter color. Light tan seems to never hold its color.
I need you to build a bullet proof shower in san jose please!! I've tried messaging through your site
Dude what about Fusion Pro the best epoxy grout you never ever have to water seal it and it is the best.
It is easy to test a 4 Sq inch spot but what about test a whole entire bag at the specs they give doing 900 maybe 1500 Sq feet. Do the test on a big job then do a video 🙏
Laticrete Sprectralock Pro
Temp is the final determination.
Great video both these are trash Grouts. Mapei Flexcolor Cq Grout pre mixed is hands down best there is on the market. You can't even scratch out the grout with a screw driver let alone cleaning it. Try a video with the Mapei Flexcolor Cq pre mixed compared to these style grouts youll be amazed.
the video is really shaky
I usually just take tiling supplies from my neighbor's homes under construction, its free.
I am still waiting to see the headlamps
I'll tell you where I'm not buying it. Home Depot.
Slake
You seemed like your were all in with RSS, now you never use them. Is there something we should know?
Home Depot shopping clown
I use prism nice to see this test though-good job ty