Trying to find a grout that works with my tile and it is difficult. I want to see the tile, not the grout. These are 3 grouts (same in all the photos. Laticrete Slate Blue in top left, Laticrete Sterling Silver in bottom left, and Custom Delorean Gray in bottom right. The sample was made this morning so it has only been about 8-10 hours and maybe they are not completely their final color? The latter two are quite similar. I don't know if I should try another grout color (suggestions?) or select one of these. I wish I didn't have to see the groutlines but I guess that really isn't possible. Thoughts?
Grout color help
- Thread starter saralines
- Start date
And, on a separate note, I would also love to know if I should go with Spectralock or stick with Permacolor. The tile store rep said Spectralock to avoid cleaning issues later and the PB said ok that is fine, but the installer originally had wanted to use Permacolor and I wanted to know if there are any pros/cons.
Hi. I like the slate blue based on the pics. But it also helps that it looks like the neatest grout application. Surprised how the Sterling and Delorean look so alike despite looking different on the color bars.
Thanks. I'm so sorry, it is actually Slate Gray - not Slate Blue (for anyone who is considering grout in that color). You don't think it makes the tile look cold/dark?
And yes, the other two are quite similar, which is weird considering the comparison charts don't place them as equals.
Hi. It does make the tile appear darker. And yes it appears a cooler tile color vs a warmer tone. I like it the best based on the in the sun shot. Even though it’s a gray it does look bluer than the others. If your tile is also along the spa walls which ones matches the coping the best? And honestly I wish I’d done a color board like this cause it’s really helpful!
The sample was sadly done on a piece of my extra bluestone, sadly. I am still torn. I am slightly leaning towards the Sterling Silver (lower left in 1st photo, lower right in 2nd photo) because it does blend better with coping - the Slate Gray seems so cold and dark, but from far away, the Slate Gray does blend in better with the tile.
Attachments
- May 3, 2014
- 62,726
- Pool Size
- 6000
- Surface
- Fiberglass
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Pentair Intellichlor IC-40
Remember that water line calcium scale build up and efflorescence are white. So white grout has its advantages.
Either one the tile looks impressive. But the more gray ones (2&3) match your coping the best. They blend with it. But the slate one I think matches your pebble a bit more. For your spa wall tops water will be moving atop so the grout might appear slightly darker wet. The white pops if you want a contrast and clean look. Hope this helps!
I was told that epoxy grout is easier to clean for that purpose of removing calcium scale and avoid staining. Would you recommend the Spectralock? Or am I being misled?
- May 3, 2014
- 62,726
- Pool Size
- 6000
- Surface
- Fiberglass
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Pentair Intellichlor IC-40
Epoxy grout may reduce those issues. But you are in an arid, high calcium water area.
Flashy finishes and tiles are pretty when new. How they look in a few years depends on water chemistry, climate, and maintenance.
Flashy finishes and tiles are pretty when new. How they look in a few years depends on water chemistry, climate, and maintenance.
Very political response
. I may try to custom mix something that actually does go with the pebble - a grayer gray that is slightly darker than 2&3 but not as dark as the Slate Gray. The Slate Gray stick is good, but the actual grout they did has purple-blue undertones and the pebble paster is green-blue undertone and so I feel like it somewhat somewhat clashes. And is sooo dark against the tile. I may look into a custom gray, but can't decide if it is worth the hassle.So I may be ripping it all out and replacing with my original plan of gray slate look tile, ha. I will do my best to follow TFP instructions but also need to find a very good maintenance pool guy!
- May 3, 2014
- 62,726
- Pool Size
- 6000
- Surface
- Fiberglass
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Pentair Intellichlor IC-40
You are the best one to maintain your pool. You will be sadly disappointed if you are not the one doing it.
Do realize that tile does fall off. Hopefully not a lot of it, but it does. So be sure you can match the grout color you use. That is why white is so popular.