The answer to this question depends on what substrate you are working over. If you are installing adhesives over soft surfaces like plywood, then a trowel can last quite a while. If you are installing over a concrete or hard, abrasive surface, then a trowel may last about 2,000 square feet (186 m2) before the notches wear down. An installer may think that this is a good thing because his coverage will get better per gallon of adhesive, but in the end this is not a good situation as there may not be enough adhesive on the floor for proper bonding. Some trowels may last longer, but this is always something to check before getting started on any given flooring project: Make sure that your trowel is in good condition and will deliver the right amount of adhesive required for the project.
It is the trowel used that will determine how much mortar is needed.
On average, a 1/4" x 1/4" x 1/4" (6 x 6 x 6 mm) square trowel covers 80-100 sq. ft. (7.43 - 9.29 m²) per per 50 lb. (22.7 kg) bag.
A 1/4" x 3/8" x 1/4" (6 x 10 x 6 mm) square trowel covers 60 to 80 sq. ft. (5.57 - 7.43 m²) per 50 lb. (22.7 kg) bag.
A 1/2" x 1/2" x 1/2" (12 x 12 x 12 mm) square trowel covers 40 to 50 sq. ft. (3.72 - 4.64 m²) per bag.
The amount may vary from one mortar to another. Consult the product calculator for tile mortars and adhesives on our website.
Replacing grout is certainly one way to fix the problem. Instead, use UltraCare Grout Refresh, a water-based color seal, available in 40 standard grout colors. It’s made for refreshing the look of old, discolored grout, or completely changing the color of the existing grout. Don’t replace it, Grout Refresh it!
You can use Topcem Premix or Mapecem 102 to level your concrete slab. If you have freeze/thaw cycles in your area, substitute the mixing water for Planicrete AC to Topcem Premix or use Mapecem 202.
UltraCareGrout MAXimizer is not a sealer. It is a polymer additive, formulated specifically for use in standard cement-based grout mixtures to fortify the grout and help resist staining caused by water borne contaminants. Some premium sealers repel both water and oil-based staining.
Anyone with basic painting skills can use UltraCare Grout Refresh. The product container has a cone shaped applicator tip that easily directs the sealant to the grout joint. All it takes is a toothbrush, or similar nylon brush to spread it on the grout, plus a bucket of clean water and a clean damp sponge to remove the excess.
No, this grout requires no sealer and cures naturally from evaporation of the low level of water in the formulation; in any event, sealants do not adhere well to Flexcolor CQ grout, due to its formulation.
Cement based grouts have been around for decades and are very reliable, but are also the most porous and stain susceptible of all the grouts. Instead of using just plain water to mix the grout, use UltraCare Grout MAXimizer, a water-based additive for grout that fortifies the flexibility and stain resistance of the grout.
Yes, you can apply Flexcolor CQ grout over existing Flexcolor CQ grout on deeper grout joints. The key is to leave only a thin layer on the joint surface.
For details, see our “Grout Troubleshooting Guide.”
Yes, on deeper grout joints, you can re-apply Kerapoxy grout over an existing layer of Kerapoxy grout (or Kerapoxy CQ over Kerapoxy CQ). The key is to leave only a thin layer on the joint surface.
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