Mapei Flexcolor CQ User Manual

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Version: May 20, 2019

MAPEIMAPEI

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Ready-to-Use Grout
with Color-Coated
Quartz

DESCRIPTION

MAPEI Flexcolor CQ is a professional-grade, ready-to-use specialty grout
for precision commercial and residential installations with porcelain, ceramic
and natural-stone tiles. MAPEI Flexcolor CQ can be used to grout interior/
exterior tile, and its dense composition helps to prevent water-based stains
by providing water repellency to the grout surface. MAPEI Flexcolor CQ
is formulated with the latest innovation in quartz aggregate, which ensures
color consistency, ease of cleanability and improved workability. In addition,
this grout can be used on sensitive tile surfaces once tested, requires no sealer
and cures naturally from evaporation of the low level of water in the formulation.

Comparison testing of MAPEI Flexcolor CQ versus traditional Portland-cement
grout has verified that MAPEI Flexcolor CQ is 30% more cost-efficient (based
on typical rates of installers) and requires 65% less time to install.

FEATURES AND BENEFITS

• Stain- and chemical-resistant grout formulation with no sealing required

• Easy cleanability, color consistency and improved workability

• Dries to a hard, uniform color surface in 24 hours and will not stain
surfaces

• Crack-resistant and shrinkage-controlled formulation, with no efflorescence

• BioBlock

• Is used straight from the pail, without the need to add water

• Specialized pail design with flip-top hinged lid

®

technology for mold and mildew resistance

CQ

CQ

INDUSTRY STANDARDS AND APPROVALS

• ANSI: Although ready-to-use grouts do not yet have ANSI requirements,
MAPEI Flexcolor CQ meets or exceeds specific tests in ANSI A118.3 and
A118.6 covering other grout types.

Green certifications

• Living Building Challenge (LBC) Red List Free: This product has been
verified per the most current Red List on the LBC’s Website.

WHERE TO USE

• For grout joints from 1/16" to 1/2" (1.5 to 12 mm)

• Use for grouting interior and exterior floor, walls, countertops and
backsplashes.

• Use for groutable luxury vinyl tile (LVT) and luxury vinyl plank (LVP).

• Use for glass tile/mosaics as well as porcelain, ceramic and natural-stone
tile (such as granite, travertine, slate, marble and polished marble), quarry,
and cement-based terrazzo.

• Use for grouting intermittent wet conditions such as bathtub surrounds,
shower walls and shower floors.

• Multiple uses of steam cleaners or power washers on MAPEI Flexcolor CQ
is not recommended.

• Use for interior/exterior commercial and residential installations under
Res 1, 2, 3 and 6 and Com 1, 2, 3 and 6 per TCNA Environmental
Classifications. MAPEI Flexcolor CQ is not for installations in submerged
areas or areas hotter than 125°F (52°C).

MAPEIMAPEI

CQ

Flexcolor

Flexcolor

CQ

®

®

• For heavy industrial installations where fatty acids are
present, such as commercial kitchens, use MAPEI's

Kerapoxy

®

IEG CQ.

LI MITATION S

• Use only at temperatures between 50°F and 95°F
(10°C and 35°C). Drying time will vary depending
on temperature, humidity, tile porosity and grout joint
depth/width.

• MAPEI Flexcolor CQ cures faster in lower humidity
conditions (less than 50% is ideal).

• Do not use in water submersion installations such as
pools and hot tubs.

• Concrete surfaces should be dry, fully cured and free of
hydrostatic pressure and/or excessive moisture vapor
transmission rates (MVERs).

• MAPEI Flexcolor CQ is not recommended for
installation in steam rooms or saunas.

• Do not use in areas exposed to continuous high surface
temperatures (greater than or equal to 140°F [60°C]),
such as areas near fireplaces or wood stoves.

• Some types of sensitive tiles such as glass mosaic or
marble can be permanently stained, scratched, dulled
or damaged when grouting. Always test the grout on a
separate sample area before grouting to determine the
suitability of the tile with the grout color selected.

• Do not use for distressed or tumbled travertine tiles
if no grout is desired in the pits of these tiles.

• Do not use with pebble-stone or river-rock tile or mosaics,
irregularly shaped tile or stone, or any time the grout joint
width or depth equals or exceeds 1/2" (12 mm).

• Do not use for commercial kitchen floors or environments
where “no-rinse” enzymatic cleaners will be used.

Consult MAPEI’s Technical Services Department for
installation recommendations regarding substrates and
conditions not listed.

SURFACE PREPARATION

• Before grouting, make sure that tiles are firmly set and
the adhesive or mortar is completely dry.

• Remove all tile spacers.

• Grout joints must be clean and free of standing water,
dust, dirt and foreign matter.

• Remove excess adhesive or mortar from the joint area
so that 2/3 of the tile depth is left available for grouting.

• Clean the tile surface thoroughly to remove dust,
dirt and other contaminants that may cause grout
discoloration.

• See MAPEI's “Surface preparation requirements”
reference guide in the Related Documents section of
the Tile & Stone Installation Systems page on MAPEI’s
Website.

MIXING

Before product use, take appropriate safety precautions.
Refer to the Safety Data Sheet for details.

• No mixing is required.

PRODUCT APPLICATION

Read all installation instructions thoroughly before installation.
Using consistent application procedures will produce consistent
results.

1. To aid in spreading the grout, slightly moisten the
tile surface with a damp, rounded grout sponge just
before application. For vertical/wall applications, do
not pre-wet the tile but ensure that it is clean before
grouting.

2. Force the grout into the joints with a medium- to hard­rubber float held at a 45-degree angle to the tile surface.
Float or spread the grout in an area within arm’s reach,
typically 10 to 15 sq. ft. (0.93 to 1.39 m
you go” approach to spreading and washing the grout.

3. Make sure all joints are well-compacted and are free
of voids and gaps.

4. Remove excess grout from the tile surface, holding the
float at an almost 90-degree angle to the surface and
moving the float diagonally to the joints while the grout
is still fresh.

5. The grout surface should be flush with the tile edge.

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), using a “clean as

CLEANUP

1. Cleaning should begin after the surface develops a dry,
skinned-over appearance – within 5 to 10 minutes,
depending upon the temperature, humidity and absorption
rate of the tile. Use a “clean as you go” approach to
spreading and washing this grout, to ensure that cleaning
begins before the grout skins over and dries on the tile
surface. Grout small areas of between 30 to 40 sq. ft.
(2.79 to 3.72 m
before the grout skins over and dries on the tile surface.

2. Move a damp grout sponge or white scrubpad across
the tile surface in a circular motion to loosen grout and
to shape the joints. Drag a clean and damp sponge
diagonally across the tile joints, applying slight pressure.
Use one side of the sponge for each pass over the tile,
rinsing the sponge after the second pass.

Note: Under certain conditions, a milky film can appear

on the grout surface. This film will dissipate in 20 to 30
minutes after the washing step is completed.

3. Change the water bucket frequently to prevent the
development of a haze on the tile surface.

4. If residue is observed on the tile surface, a final wash
can be performed (if needed) about 1 hour after the
initial wash. If needed in the cleaning process, add
1 U.S. oz. (30 mL) of a clear dishwashing soap to a pail

2

) at a time, so that cleaning can begin

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