FAQs

Replacing grout is certainly one way to fix the problem. Instead, use UltraCare Grout Refresh, a water-based colorant and sealer that is available in MAPEI’s full palette of grout colors. UltraCare Grout Refresh is 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! To learn more, watch the video below.

UltraCare Grout Maximizer is not a sealer. It is a polymer additive that is formulated specifically for use in standard cement-based grout mixtures to fortify the grout and help resist staining that is caused by water-borne contaminants. To learn more about MAPEI sealers, watch the video below.

Anyone with basic painting skills can use UltraCare Grout Refresh. The UltraCare Grout Refresh bottle 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 UltraCare Grout Refresh over the grout, and a bucket of clean water and a clean, damp sponge to remove the excess. To learn more, watch the video below.

Ultratop Terrazzo System can be less expensive than terrazzo that is made with epoxy resin, based on the product cost. Designers can also increase the amount and the size of aggregates with less of an increase in price because cementitious products will always be less expensive than epoxy products.

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 MAPEI’s UltraCare Grout Maximizer, a water-based additive for grout that fortifies the flexibility and stain resistance of the grout.

Products identified with MAPEI's BioBlock logo have been developed in such a way that they do not support mold/mildew/fungi growth after product installation, as certified by external laboratories per industry standard ASTM G21: Standard Practice for Determining Resistance of Synthetic Polymeric Materials to Fungi. Common cleaning and maintenance practices are still needed.

ASTM G21 is an industry standard that uses an intensive testing protocol for determining if fungi, including mold and mildew, can grow on a polymeric material. MAPEI uses a third-party lab and the ASTM G21 standard for testing the antifungal effectiveness of MAPEI products containing polymer that incorporate BioBlock technology. The ASTM G21 test uses a mix of mold and mildew spores that are commonly found in household environments. Product samples are placed on nutrient-containing plates and sprayed with a mixture of these fungi. For 28 days, the test plates are kept at a constant temperature of 84.2°F (29°C) and exposed to high humidity, which are excellent conditions for fungal growth. The samples are then examined for fungal growth. If no growth is present, the product is considered to not support mold/mildew/fungal growth.

For homeowners and building owners, the advantage is after installation. MAPEI’s BioBlock products will not support the growth of mold/mildew/fungi – with adequate cleaning and maintenance practices.

The advantage for contractors and installers is that MAPEI’s BioBlock products do not support the growth of mold/mildew/fungi – with adequate cleaning and maintenance. Therefore, their use can increase the life of an installation, resulting in fewer callbacks for installers and contractors.

There are several types of cleaners that are used for a variety of different reasons. Alkaline cleaners (high pH) – such as UltraCare Heavy-Duty Stone, Tile & Grout Cleaner – is best used to “deep clean” the surface and remove ground-in dirt, cooking oils, etc. These cleaners are safe for occasional use on all natural stone, tile and grout, but are not recommended for regular use. Watch the video below.