FAQs

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.

Before removing the heating cable from the packaging, measure and confirm the intended square footage of your heated area. Use the coverage chart on the cable box to determine which cable spacing will yield the desired square footage. Note that consistent spacing between the cable and across the room must be maintained for even heat distribution. If you have too much cable left over, double-check that you have purchased the right cable based on the square footage of the area. If the wrong cable was purchased, contact the distributor to see if a return is possible. Otherwise, install any excess heating cable in buffer zones (such as behind the toilet) or in areas not previously calculated; or, install the cable tighter to the perimeter.

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.

MAPEI recommends using UltraCare Penetrating Plus Stone, Tile & Grout Sealer or UltraCare Penetrating Plus SB Stone & Porcelain Tile Sealer on all cement-based grouts, porous natural stone, clay tile, cement-based tile, quarry tile, brick and polished porcelain tile. UltraCare Penetrating Plus Stone, Tile & Grout Sealer leaves the surface unchanged in appearance, is breathable, and does not peel, flake or darken the tile or grout. Once fully cured, UltraCare Penetrating Plus SB Stone & Porcelain Tile Sealer helps protect against the absorption of both water and oil-based contaminants, making the surface easier to clean and maintain.

Both sealers and grout releases protect the tile surface from staining that is caused by grouting. The difference is, a grout release, such as UltraCare Grout Release, is designed to be washed away during the grouting process, leaving no protection behind, while a sealer, such as UltraCare Penetrating Plus Stone, Tile & Grout Sealer or UltraCare Penetrating Plus SB Stone & Porcelain Tile Sealer, stays behind, providing continued protection after grouting. For more details, click here.