After grouting my tile I sponged the tile several times to clean it, then let it dry for 3-4 hours, then buffed it with a dry t-shirt (as the instructions showed on the grout package) All of the grout turned a silver/gray color after drying even though it was supposed to be a dark gray.
So I went to HD and bought some tile lab grout haze remover. I figured I could use a small grout brush to clean it with this before sealing it. It seemed to work as I was doing it as the grout turned dark gray. However, again, after all dried it was silver gray again.
I’m lost as how to clean this grout properly before I seal it. Please help.
upnorthframer
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It sounds like you didn't let the grout set up enough before you started sponging it and maybe it was too watered down to begin with.
The result of that is usually what you describe. It's pretty hard to get the grout to turn back to a darker color. You see the dark color when it's wet, but then it dries out and looks the same.
I would wait at least a week and then try something stronger (masonry cleaners) on the grout lines. The problem with this approach is that it can affect the color of some grouts or it can be blotchy or irregular.
Some grouts are just plain bad when it comes to your problem. They seem to turn a lighter color no matter how you handle the cleanup.
I have had great success with Custom brand grouts. They seem to be color true, dry fast, and are very easy to clean up, but you have to use a barely wet sponge to clean grout or you will experience the problem you had.
Any other thoughts/ideas? Will the grout seal just as good if it turned this color? (it is in two showers as well)
upnorthframer
>>"....I sponged the tile several times to clean it, then let it dry for 3-4 hours...."
There's your problem. You should have waited 24, or more.
Also, I've never triede to judge the final color of grout until a week after putting it in. Some grouts, some environments, some kinds of water (when mixing grout) seem to take forever to finally cure.
It is also possible that you simply bought the wrong color. Do you have a grout color chart from the maker of the grout?
The grout bag says natural gray and has a color sample on it. I followed the directions on the back of the grout bag for it's installation. The grout has been there for at least a month, so i'm sure it's dry.
What about the sealing, the color shouldn't affect proper sealing correct?
upnorthframer
The color patches on bags and containers are notoriously off-color.The color will not affect the sealer -- in general, grout sealers are just a silicone product (like camping-gear waterproofing is).But it is possible that the sealer will affect the color. Maybe you should try it in a corner or hidden spot? If it does, it might give it the wet (darker) look that you wanted in the first place.
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Yeah, to much water will cause the color to lighten. Even when you think you're doing to correctly, it's so easy to use too much.
No worries.
Did you like the grout color when it was wet (wet with water)? If so, then consider using an enhancer on the grout. An enhancer essentially gives you the "wet look". You can wet your grout with water to see if the color works for you, and to see if it takes water evenly. Your grout is new, so it should. In older installation, pre-wetting with water can show blotchy areas, in that case it's best to give the grout a good cleaning before you enhance.
So wet the grout, if it looks good, then let it dry. Then use an enhancer. Two good ones are Aquamix and StoneTech.
I prefer Aquamix.
Oh another alternative...Aquamix Grout Colorant.
If the enhancer doesn't work for you color-wise, the colorant is epoxy based and pretty much bullet-proof.
The colorant is so good it can make white grout black and black grout white with one application. No bleed through.
The enhancer should work for you, though.