Replies

1. 
   Guest_ | May 20, 2000 03:03am | #1

   *
   Alice,

   Although the company has discontinued that particular color you could expand your search to distributors both in and out of your area. Someone might have a bag or two left on the shelf.

   If you picked that color based on a color sample chart rather than an actual grout sample, the grout color you expect may not be what you get. Printed colors are not perfect matches and sometimes there is a noticeable difference between lot numbers of the product.

   Yes, grout can be colored before installation, that's how they come up with all those different shades but I feel it is something you would not want to do. You have to have the right mix of the different primaries to get good results (ever watch a custom paint match?). Grout can also be dyed after installation but the results may not meet your requirements and you ruin the job.

   Your best bet would be to go to a distributor and look at the real samples. Some will give you a complete sample box to take home, others will have the samples in the showroom so bring some of your tiles with you. Some will order special grout samples from their suppliers and a very few will actually break a bag and mix a sample for you. You could also just buy a couple of bags (they're not that expensive) and mix your own samples. Finally,a little plain white mixed with a color will wash or tone down the color, for instance, mustard could become goldenrod.

   Hope this helps.

2. 
   Alice_K | May 20, 2000 03:49am | #2

   *
   Ralph,

   Thanks for your response. I chose the color from what I think is called a slider, an actual grout sample, not a color chart. Tinting plain white grout sounds interesting, but what kind of colorant would I use for this?

1. 
   megan | May 20, 2000 07:10am | #3

   *Aliceare you ready for this idea? i am learning how to do mosaics and true to my personality have researched the $&#@( out of the procedures and techniques. the How-to books often speak of a powder that can be added to make your own colors (they stress to add more than you think you need as it dries a lighter shade and they stress that you should test it first.) (also, wear a mask and gloves as some of these chemicals are a wee bit toxic!) i also agree with Ralph's warning that mixing colors can be a bit tricky. so here's the idea: these books sometimes mention adding artist's acrylic paint to White grout (grout is naturally grey, so you'll want white to start color expiraments with). it is possible that you may find the color you are looking for. you can buy these acrylics in small jars or tubes, at an art supply store or a crafts store. caveat: i haven't tried it yet myself, but plan to do so tomorrow on a small mosaic project. i am going to try for a dark stormy grey!! wish me luck!-megan

3. 
   Guest_ | May 20, 2000 08:48am | #4

   *
   Or, go to that same art supply store and ask for powdered paint or dry pigments.

   :..)

4. 
   Alice_K | May 20, 2000 07:26pm | #5

   *
   Megan,

   Thanks for the suggestion. I just might try this out. There are several art supply stores around where I could try to get these acrylics. Good luck with your mosaics!

5. 
   Alice_K | May 20, 2000 10:57pm | #6

   *
   After finally choosing a grout color for my torquoise handmade tiles for a fireplace surround, I am told the color is discontinued. The grout was made by Durabond No.316 Golden Rod. Does anyone know where I can locate some? I have looked at color charts from other grout makers, but I still like this color the best. Can grout be dyed before installation? Or painted or tinted after installation? What is my best solution, other than having to settle for another color?

6. 
   Guest_ | May 20, 2000 10:57pm | #7

   *
   Alice and Megan,

   Colorants used in cementious products (grout) are iron oxide pigments and unlike pigments found in paint and dyes are insoluble.

   These pigments can be obtained in large amounts and certain special orders and samples from manufacturers such as BAYER http://www.bayerus.com or by asking (maybe) at end users such as paver manufacturers like TARMAC http://www.tarmac.com or local supply houses or contractors specializing in colored concrete.

   I don't know if the pigments used in ceramics, which are surface applied, would be useful but you could try U.S. Pigment Corp. http://www.uspigment.com

   I believe the quantity of product required to experiment and actually complete a substantial grouting project, when purchased from an arts supply or craft store, will cost an arm and a leg simply because the packaged amounts are so small and the unit cost is so high. For example: 2 oz of acrylic craft paint = $1.29 and up, that's $20.64 (and up) per quart. Same paint, by the quart in paint stores or Home Depot is about $8.00 or, if you aren't fussy, $1.00 per quart, $3.00 per gallon for the mis-tints. (Just info for future use for everone).