Ardex Flex FS Coloured Tile Grout (2.5Kg)

Ardex-Flex FS Tile Grout is a flexible cement-based tile grout with built in admix, which negates the need to add a separate admix. It's most commonly used for grouting narrow grout joints up to 4mm wide. Ardex FS Tile Grout is suitable for use on a range of substrates, including porcelain tiles, ceramic tiles, non-moisture sensitive natural stone and quarry tiles, as well as extruded tiles and glass block work.

Ardex FS Tile Grout has excellent water resistance and flexibility properties. Once hardened, the grout is weather resistant and completely unaffected by water, making it the perfect tile grout for a range of internal and external tiling projects. It's even suitable to use in areas of complete water submersion like swimming pools!

Ardex FS Tile Grout is available in 35 distinct colours, and has been formulated to blend to a uniform shade, ensuring a consistent and streak-free finish every time. You can use Ardex Flex FS Tile Grout for both commercial and domestic locations including swimming pools, showers and kitchens. It can be applied to both wall and floor tile joints and can receive foot traffic after 5 hours at 20°C.

Features & Benefits of the Ardex FS Tile Grout (2.5kg)

DESCRIPTION

ARDEX-FLEX FS is a cement-based grouting compound with excellent flexible and water repellent properties, without the need to add a separate admix.

Available in 2.5kg, 5kg, 10kg: Brilliant White, Dove Grey, Silver Shimmer, Fresh Snowdrop, Ocean Grey, Cast Iron, Antique Ivory, Black, Slate Grey, Spring Jasmine, Stormy Mist, Gentle Dawn, Winter White, Stone Beach, Natural Almond, Blossom White, Classic Vanilla, Floating Driftwood, Gentle Blush, Grey Dusk, Coffee Bean.

Available in 2.5kg, 10kg: Organic Earth, Wild Mushroom, Weathered Ash, Barley Sugar, Pebble Drift, Woodland Taupe, Oyster Pink, Ground Cocoa, Burnt Orange, Spring Green, Summer Yellow, Autumn Red, Pecan Syrup, Fresh Magnolia

USE

The BS EN 13888 classification for ARDEX-FLEX FS is CG2 WA, an “improved cementitious grout with additional characteristics of reduced water absorption and high abrasion resistance”.

ARDEX-FLEX FS is suitable for grouting joints up to 4mm wide, between porcelain, ceramic, non-moisture sensitive natural stone and quarry tiles, as well as extruded tiles and glass blockwork. The hardened grout is weather resistant, unaffected by water, and can be used for internal and external tiling in dry and wet locations, including swimming pools with non-aggressive water conditions. ARDEX-FLEX FS can be applied to both wall and floor tile joints and can receive foot traffic after 5 hours at 20C.

Where chemical spillages or corrosive liquids are likely to be in contact with the tile joints, use either ARDEX WA Epoxide Adhesive and Grout or ARDEX EG 18 PLUS Epoxide Adhesive and Grout.

PREPARATION

Ensure the tiles are firmly fixed and the tile joints are clean, free of dust, excess adhesive or bedding mortar etc.

MIX PROPORTIONS

Mix proportions by volume are approximately:-

1 part water : 23/4 parts ARDEX-FLEX FS powder.

A 10kg bag of ARDEX-FLEX FS requires approximately 3 litres of water.

A 5kg bag requires approximately 1.5 litres of water.

A 2.5 kg bag requires 0.75 litres of water.

MIXING

Add the ARDEX-FLEX FS powder to the required amount of clean water in a clean container, whilst stirring thoroughly until a creamy, easily worked mortar is obtained. Allow the mixed grout to stand for at least 2 minutes before use to allow the grout to reach the correct consistency. The mixed grout has a working time of approximately 21/2 hours at 20°C and will be walkable after approximately 5 hours. Higher temperatures will shorten, and lower temperatures will extend the working time.

APPLICATION

Using a rubber squeegee or rubber backed trowel, work the grout mortar thoroughly into the joints, ensuring that they are completely filled. Excess grout should be removed as work proceeds, any residues left on the tile face can be removed by wiping off with a damp sponge, up to 30 minutes after application. If an area is left for more than 30 minutes prior to cleaning. The use of a fine mist from a suitable spray bottle will help in emulsifying the grout residues on the tile surface. Any dry film left remaining on the tile surface after cleaning can easily be removed by polishing off with a dry cloth when the grout has hardened in the joints. Apply at temperatures above 5°C.

NOTE: Some ceramic, vitrified, porcelain and natural stone tiles, or tiles with textured, matt glazed or porous surfaces, may be susceptible to surface discolouration during grouting. A trial application should be carried out to ascertain if discolouration is likely. For natural stone that may be susceptible to water staining, ARDEX MG Rapid Drying Marble and Natural Stone Grout should be considered. Where necessary, particularly when using intense grout colours, apply a protective treatment to the tile face to ensure the grout is not retained in the surface porosity/texture of the tile. Guidance on the application of coloured grouts can be found in clause 6.5 of BS 5385-1: 2018. If in any doubt, please contact the tile manufacturer or distributor for information and advice.

PACKAGING

ARDEX-FLEX FS is packed in paper sacks incorporating a polyethylene liner - net weight 2.5kg, 5kg or 10kg.

STORAGE AND SHELF LIFE

ARDEX-FLEX FS must be stored in unopened packaging, clear of the ground, in cool dry conditions and be protected from excessive draught. If stored correctly, as detailed above, the shelf life of this product is 12 months from the date shown on the packaging.

PRECAUTIONS

ARDEX-FLEX FS contains more than 20% Portland cement and, therefore, in line with current legislation, is classified as irritating to eyes and skin. For this reason the following precautions should be observed:-

Avoid contact with skin and eyes; in case of contact with the eyes, rinse immediately with plenty of water and seek medical advice; wear suitable gloves and keep the product out of the reach of children. Avoid generation of airborne dust during mixing.

DISPOSAL

Dispose of waste and residue in accordance with local authority guidelines. For further information, consult the relevant Health and Safety Datasheet.

NOTE: Where acid based cleaning products are to be used on the hardened grout, we recommend that the product is first tested on the wetted grout before application.

Where acidic cleaners are routinely used, consideration should be given to using ARDEX EG 18 PLUS Epoxide Adhesive and Grout.

*Due to the production process all colours are approximate. Grout colours may vary when dry, depending on the type of tile installed, substrate and installation conditions.

COVERAGE

This will depend upon the tile size, joint width and depth and the grout coverage figure, which for ARDEX-FLEX FS is 1.5.

Use the following to estimate the approximate grout requirements for square or rectangular tiles:-

Stage (all measurements in mm)

1. 1. ADD length and breadth of tile together.
2. 2. MULTIPLY result by joint width.
3. 3. MULTIPLY result by joint depth.
4. 4. MULTIPLY result by Grout Coverage Figure (i.e. for ARDEX-FLEX FS, this is 1.5).
5. 5. DIVIDE result by length of tile.
6. 6. DIVIDE result by breadth of tile.

The result is the material requirement in kg per sq. metre.

Example

Tiles 150mm x 150mm x 5mm; joints of 3mm:- 300 x 5 x 3 x 1.5 ÷ 150 ÷ 150 = 0.3kg/m² - thus one 10kg bag of ARDEX- FLEX FS will grout up to 33m² of tiling.

These figures will differ when using other tile joint dimensions.

Quick and easy grout coverage can be calculated using the ARDEX grout calculator online at: www.ardex.co.uk/calculator.asp

NOTE: For the latest technical or health and safety information on this product, consult the current technical or health and safety datasheet online at www.ardex.co.uk

TECHNICAL DATA

BRINELL HARDNESS

Information supplied by Ardex UK