In a recent project, I was able to try a new grout product. The project - a large version of a koi fish - is now swimming in my front yard. The piece is approximately 30-inches wide fin-to-fin and approximately three-feet long. I used glass tiles in three colors along with three coordinating shades of grout to keep the continuity in the piece. Having used this grout product in a big way, I'd like to pass on the pros and cons of working with it.



PRODUCT INSTRUCTIONS/USE SUMMARY

This grout is for use on glass/ceramic tile and is recommended for interior projects with grout lines of up to 1/8-inch wide. The package instructions indicate you should apply the grout after your adhesive is set, wait 20 to 30 minutes, wipe off excess, allow to dry and then polish the surface to remove any residue. Triangle Crafts Mosaic Grout cleans up with water and is available in 8 or 32 ounces.

NOTE: The situation for using this product was slightly different for me because my piece had roundness to it, so as the tiles fit the curves, the actual gaps between tiles were sometimes wider than 1/8 inch. Due to the shape of a glass tile, sloping back at the underside, I feel the gap that grout needs to fill and grip in is inherently larger than 1/8 inch anyway. In the case of curves, that gap will also be larger.

LESSONS LEARNED FROM ACTUAL USE OF THE PRODUCT

I tried to follow the directions fully in the beginning, but as an artist who creates new types of pieces all the time, you know as well as I do that you frequently have to improvise and do what works for you? and the piece. Keep in mind that I was only working in areas that were two- to three-inches wide by six- to eight-inches long at a time. Also keep in mind that due to the curves and shape of this piece, I found I couldn't productively use a grout float in the normal way. In fact, I wasn't able to use one at all. This was a large piece, but a regular size float seemed awkward and useless. (I WISH someone would invent a tiny rubber float for art pieces that would allow you to get into odd shapes/niches!) Trying to be as accurate with the product as possible, I used my grout sponge, which worked fine.

I found that applying the product and waiting the 20 to 30 minutes made for much more work in the next step (wiping to remove the excess). Doing it in this way, the grout dried quickly, sticking to the tops of the tiles and would not wipe off. I actually had to use a smooth-blade knife and scrape the layer of grout off the tile. I learned that it was better to apply it quickly, cramming the lines well and wiping it off with a damp sponge, as soon as I was done with each little patch. It didn't seem to pull grout out of the lines, and it made for a much cleaner surface. All I had to do then was to wait for 10 to 15 minutes for a harder set of the grout and go over it once or twice more with a clean sponge. Buffing was left until later.

The next day, after it set well, I did notice hairline cracks and pockmarks here and there with this product, so I was left to go over the entire piece, patching a bit here and there, to ensure complete sealing and coverage of the product. I ended up using more grout than anticipated during the initial grouting and had to use even more for the touchups.

I've made this fish piece for the outdoors even though the company states its grout is for interior use. My plan is to bring it in and out of the weather in winter even though we have relatively mild winters. The other seasons are no different than a bathroom environment.

RECOMMENDATIONS

>> Work in small patches for complete effectiveness and ease of use with the product.

>> ALWAYS plan on more grout than you anticipate for any project.

>> Go over your piece twice, double-checking for hairline cracks and pockmarks.

PROS

>> Application tube tip on eight-ounce size aids control in aiming majority of product into grout lines.

>> Packaging on eight-ounce size is easily handled and can be rolled up like a toothpaste tube as it is used.

>> Packaging sizes are good for art projects that tend to be smaller. They store easily.

>> Smaller package size seals up well, saving leftovers for another project.

>> Water cleanup.

>> Great assortment of colors!

>> Pre-mixed with a very good consistency to work with.

CONS

>> Dries quickly, so you need to work in small areas and avoid allowing large amounts to dry on tile surface.

>> Frequency of hairline cracks and pockmarks.

>> Packaging of 32-ounce jar is tall and thin, making it hard to reach the product. A shorter, wider mouth package would be better.

OVERALL ASSESSMENT OF THIS PRODUCT

I would purchase and use this product again. The results were very good, and the extra handling of the product was well worth it. I love the assortment of colors. I like the smaller size package attributes even though most of my pieces are quite large. I'd rather be able to use a couple packages fully than have the waste of grout that dries up between uses. I've tried other companies' ?pre-mixed? grouts, and they leave a lot to be desired: nothing more than caulk.

Triangle Crafts has finally come up with a product that is easy to use, meets an artist's needs and delivers easy cleanup requirements.

Wholesalers USA making something like this available is a key advantage for artists to be able to realize their creative visions.