I have a situation where I am replacing grout in a commercial kitchen…. actually just regrouting where the previous grout has deteriorated away.
This kitchen is only closed from midnight until 6 am. Our plan involves degreasing and rinsing the area and then grouting. afterwards, we will cover with cardboard sheets to protect for the first 24 hours from too much exposure to the goings on of a busy restaurant kitchen cook line.
I’d like to be able to seal this but by the time I am able to, based on standards, this stuff will have been grease coated quite thouroughly, I am sure.
Any thoughts?
Edited 3/3/2007 3:58 pm ET by PeteDraganic
Replies
I get the feeling this floor does not need to be on the cover of Architectural Digest. The grout is there for structural reasons, it supports the tile and fills the gaps so your toes don't get stuck. Sealer would certainly help keep it cleaner, but who's looking?
If you keep it really well covered with cardboard, come back after 48 hours and seal it, then put fresh cardboard down. I don't see that you have anything to lose by trying.
I thought about this but I don't know that it'll be in too good of condition even with covering as this is a high activity kitchen...
Also, having to work nights is a premium cost that isn't something the client wants to pay for repeatedly.
Ideally, this has to be done in one night. The cardboard will be removed by the restaurant manager at the appropriate time.
When you're this good, EVERYONE wants a crack at you!
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Pete,
Laticrete Spectralock. The stuff is bulletproof and is much easier to work with than the old epoxies. Once it is set there is no need for sealing.
Bruce
The reason I do not want to use Spectra-Lock or other epoxy grouts is that I have 6 hours total to complete the task of regrouting 200-250 sf of floor.
In this situation, the floor is very soiled and greasy. It has to be cleaned very well with degreaser and then copious amounts of fresh water rinse.
Then we have to grout and have enough time to allow to cure initially before kitchen activity resumes.
The water can have a terribly adverse affect on epoxy grouts.... even Spectra-Lock. I do not want to risk this as I don't have a ton of time to clean and rinse and dry and then apply grout.
If I am wrong about my assumptions, please let me know.
Furthermore, the epoxy grouts are not ready for heavy foot traffic for a few dyas and I don't know how badly the kitchen activities will affect the epoxy grouts.
I know that standard grouts are fairly forgiving.
This kitchen is prone to spills of liquids, oils etc.... and will encounter HEAVY traffic all day, everyday.
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Epoxy
A great place for Information, Comraderie, and a sucker punch.
Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.
http://www.quittintime.com/
Epoxy is not an option.
When you're this good, EVERYONE wants a crack at you!
http://www.petedraganic.com/
Hey Cal and everyone else...
I found a product that is designed for exactly what I am going to do.
It is made by Mapei. The product is called Ultracolor and it can take foot traffic in 3 hours! It is also copmes in 30 different colors and has antimicrobial features.
You only need to mix it with water. It has the accelerant built in.
Anyhow, I thought this might be usefull info for the rest of you too.
When you're this good, EVERYONE wants a crack at you!
http://www.petedraganic.com/
Mapei makes good stuff.
I would cover the floor with doorskins (1/8" plywood) taped together. Still easy for them to remove, but tougher and less spongy than cardboard.zak
"When we build, let us think that we build forever. Let it not be for present delight nor for present use alone." --John Ruskin
"so it goes"
It would take time to do it and cost more, but you could cover the whole floor with masonite and tape the seams. That might give you more grease protection than the cardboard.
The cardboard will give more traction and the masonite may become too slippery in that situation... no?
Also, the masonite cannot be as easily removed by the manager afterwards and any spills will probably just work there way back under the masonite..... just don't know if it is worth the effort.
When you're this good, EVERYONE wants a crack at you!
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http://www.summitville.com/pdfs/S-776.pdf
speed set grout additive.
never used it myself ... always wanted to try.
U go first!
Jeff
Buck Construction
Artistry In Carpentry
Pittsburgh Pa
I like it.... I think I'll look into it Monday. There is a Summitville nearby.
When you're this good, EVERYONE wants a crack at you!
http://www.petedraganic.com/
Do your cleaning with a carpet shampooer and powdered dishwasher detergent premixed in almost boiling water. Add powder till no more will disolve, let settle a minute, then pour off and use the clear diluted about 6:1 with fresh water.
Add a smidgeon of trisodium phosphate to the final rinse run. Not TSP brand, get the real stuff.
smidgeon = 1 tsp to 2 gal.
What're ya gonna do if ya pops a tile? Not that I care, just taut I'ld give sumpin else to preworry 'bout (|:>)SamT
Anyone who doesn't take truth seriously in small matters cannot be trusted in large ones either. [Einstein] Tks, BossHogg.
What're ya gonna do if ya pops a tile?
Throw it under the stove!
When you're this good, EVERYONE wants a crack at you!
http://www.petedraganic.com/
Funny, that's exactmently what I woodah done.
LOLSamT
Anyone who doesn't take truth seriously in small matters cannot be trusted in large ones either. [Einstein] Tks, BossHogg.