Description BAL Absolute Grout is a high strength epoxy grout suitable for grouting wall and floor tiles for applications in which cement-based adhesives and grouts do not have sufficient chemical resistance or where increased adhesion strengths are required. Suitable for most types of tiles including ceramic, porcelain and fully vitrified tiles, mosaics and glass. BAL Absolute Grout is available in the following BAL Colours: White, Smoke, Ebony. All colours are supplied in 2kg tubs. BAL Absolute Grout can be used an adhesive for fixing wall and floor tiles where high levels of adhesive and/or chemical resistance are required. BAL Absolute Grout can be used for grouting wall and floor tiles in environments where chemically resistant joints are required or where a hygienic, durable, abrasion-resistant, waterproof finish is required. Whilst BAL Absolute Grout is not recommended for direct food contact, it’s use is recommended for food preparation areas where a hygienic, easily cleaned surface is required. BAL Absolute Grout is suitable for use on internal and external walls and floors in dry and wet environments. It is recommended for: Domestic kitchens and worktops Bathroom, domestic and commercial showers including power showers Swimming and hydrotherapy pools Commercial food preparation areas Sports Centres Hospitals and industrial/chemical plants Breweries and Dairies Mixing: Thoroughly mix the hardener and the resin into the empty larger outer bucket until a uniform mixture is produced. Add all the filler and then continue to mix until a smooth, homogeneous mortar is produced. The use of a propeller type stirrer in a slow speed drill is advantageous. Mix slowly and thoroughly to a uniform colour. Avoid entraining air by mixing at too high speed or by over-mixing. Note: Back-mix resin and hardener pots to ensure that no un-reacted resin and hardener remains before disposing, after curing, as non-hazardous waste. Mixed epoxy adhesive or grout working time/Pot life at 20°C: approx. 60 minutes. This is reduced at higher temperatures and extended at lower temperatures. At high temperatures it is recommended that the mortar is spread out immediately after mixing as self-heating in the container will reduce the working time/pot life. Application: Adhesive procedure: Depending on substrate and tile type. Apply using an appropriate wall or floor tiling trowel. Apply BAL Absolute Grout to a suitably prepared wall or floor surface and comb out with a notched trowel to give a ribbed adhesive bed. Press tile firmly into the ribs of the adhesive and into position, with slight twisting/sliding action to ensure optimum adhesive contact. For floor applications, solid bed fixing should be achieved, ensuring that any voids beneath the tiles are eliminated. The minimum bed depth for floors is 3mm. Fix tiles before adhesive forms skin, typically 10 minutes at 20°C (this is reduced at higher temperature and extended at lower temperatures). At high temperatures it is recommended that the mortar is spread out immediately after mixing as self-heating in the container will reduce the working time. If adhesive is no longer wet, remove adhesive and apply fresh layer. Remove any excess adhesive residue from tile surface as work proceeds. Suitable for grouting after 16 hours at 20°C. Grouting procedure: Before grouting wall and floor tiles with BAL Absolute Grout, ensure that: Surface and joints are clean, dry and free from contamination or loose debris. Check potential staining risk: apply BAL Absolute Grout to a few tiles in small trial area. If discolouration occurs or difficulties are encountered with cleaning off (surplus grout), apply BAL PROTECTIVE SEALER – and repeat trial. For glass, some natural stone, profile trims, absorbent, textured or soft ceramic tiles which may be vulnerable to surface scratching, test in a small inconspicuous area to ensure compatibility, or consult the tile manufacturer/ distributor for further advice. See also BS 5385: Part 1 2018 for further information. Work in small areas using a Hard Rubber/ Grout Float. Completely fill tile joints with mixed grout and compact well, removing excess grout from tile surface as work proceeds. Clean off within the working time; usually 15-60 minutes. Using a white emulsifying pad or fine Scotchbrite pad with a little water (clean cold water) and applying gentle pressure, working in circular movement to emulsify the residues on the face and provide uniform grout joints. Using a clean damp sponge, remove emulsified epoxy/water residue, cleaning diagonally to grout lines. To avoid surface discolouration, do not allow excess water to pool/sit on the grout joints after cleaning off. Clean any remaining light haze from the surface next day, using a damp sponge or if required a white emulsifying pad or Scotchbrite pad. NOTE: Do not allow any surplus BAL Absolute Grout or haze to remain on the surface for more than 24 hours. NOTE: If completing a shower, do NOT use for at least 2 weeks (as required by BS 5385 Part 4 2015 clauses 7.2.1). Protection (food preparation/ storage areas): Tiles/mosaics to be kept dry and not brought into service until the epoxy grout has cured and hardened. Not recommended for grouting tiles with soft-glazed wall tiles or tiles with metal décor or lustre. NOTE: As for all epoxy grouts, BAL Absolute Grout may yellow on exposure to sunlight or UV light or strong heat. Where strong exposure is anticipated, consider the use of black or dark coloured grout. NOTE: Ensure that when installing in large areas that the grout is from the same batch to ensure consistency. Spillages of e.g. coffee and fruit juices may stain the surface of the grout if not cleaned immediately. NOTE: Chemical resistance is achieved approximately 7 days after application at 20°C. Product Datasheet Click here to view this product on the Manufacturers website.
