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Mapei Keracolor FF: A Product Overview
Secure a first-time-right finish with Mapei Keracolor FF, a high-performance, polymer-modified cementitious grout designed for joints up to 6 mm. Engineered with DropEffect® technology, this grout creates a highly water-repellent surface that forces water to bead off, significantly reducing dirt pickup and ensuring long-term durability. Whether you're grouting a high-traffic commercial floor or a residential bathroom, Keracolor FF eliminates the doubt often associated with standard grouts by providing a dense, smooth finish that stands up to the elements.
For areas prone to dampness, the integrated BioBlock® technology acts as a proactive shield, blocking the formation of micro-organisms that cause mould damage. This makes it a smart choice for swimming pools, bathrooms, and exterior façades where hygiene and aesthetics are non-negotiable. If you're a capable home user looking for a professional result, you'll find the mixing and application straightforward, resulting in a clean, crack-free finish that protects your investment.
By choosing Keracolor FF, you’re investing in predictable performance that protects your margins and builds professional pride. No costly callbacks, just a smooth, uniform result that lasts.
CG2WA
Classification per AS ISO 13007-3: High abrasion resistance and reduced water absorption for zero-doubt reliability.
Key Features of Mapei Keracolor FF
- DropEffect® Technology: Creates a water-repellent "droplet effect" that keeps joints cleaner for longer and simplifies maintenance.
- High Compressive Strength: Built to withstand heavy traffic and freeze/thaw cycles, ensuring the grout won't crumble under pressure.
- Low Shrinkage Formula: Minimises the risk of cracks and fissures as it sets, providing a smooth, continuous surface.
- Very Low VOC (EC1 Plus): Rated for extremely low emissions, making it safe for indoor use and sensitive environments.
- 14 Colour Options: Provides a wide range of indicative shades to match or contrast perfectly with your tile selection.
The Mapei Keracolor FF Advantage
- Reduced Maintenance: The smooth finish and water-repellent properties mean less scrubbing for the end-user and a finish that looks new for years.
- Versatile Application: One product for interior, exterior, walls, floors, and even swimming pools—streamlining your van inventory.
- Enhanced Flexibility: Can be mixed with Fugolastic to improve performance on façades or high-vibration areas, removing the risk of bond failure.
- Professional Finish: Specifically designed for smooth, glossy tiles like polished porcelain or marble without scratching the surface.
Adheseal tips for using Mapei Keracolor FF
Scenario: Inconsistent Colour Tones or Efflorescence
Potential Outcome: A patchy, whitish coat (efflorescence) appearing on the surface, leading to client dissatisfaction and rework.
Adheseal Best Practice: Precisely measure your mix water (25-29% by weight). Excess water or inconsistent ratios between batches are the primary causes of shade variation. Always ensure the adhesive is fully cured and the substrate is dry before grouting to stop rising moisture from pulling salts to the surface. Success means a uniform, vibrant finish with no callbacks.
Scenario: Grout Being Dragged from Joints During Cleaning
Potential Outcome: Uneven joint depths and colour variation if the cleaning process starts while the grout is still too plastic.
Adheseal Best Practice: Wait 10-20 minutes until the mix becomes matt and loses its plasticity. Use a damp hard cellulose sponge (like the MAPEI sponge) and work diagonally to the joints. Rinse your sponge frequently using a two-bucket system to keep the surface clean without washing out the joint. Holds first time so you can move on.
Applications in Practice: Trade Scenarios
For Tilers: High-End Bathroom Installations
The Professional's Challenge
Ensuring a mould-free, water-tight finish on expensive stone or polished porcelain where standard grouts might fail or look grainy.
The Adheseal Solution
Use Keracolor FF for its very fine-graded aggregates, which produce a smooth finish ideal for polished surfaces. The BioBlock technology prevents mould growth in the shower recess, while DropEffect keeps the stone looking pristine. Apply with a MAPEI float, ensuring joints are compacted to $2/3$ of the tile thickness for maximum bond. Success means a spotless inspection and a happier client.
Best Practice Note
In hot or windy Australian conditions, wet the joints with clean water before application to prevent the grout from drying too fast, ensuring full strength and even colour.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mapei Keracolor FF compliant with Australian standards for swimming pools?
Yes, Mapei Keracolor FF is classified as CG2WA under AS ISO 13007-3, making it an improved cementitious grout with high abrasion resistance and reduced water absorption. For swimming pool applications, it is recommended to mix the grout with Fugolastic to enhance durability and chemical resistance. This ensures your pool joints remain intact and vibrant even under constant water immersion.
How long do I need to wait before walking on floors grouted with Keracolor FF?
Floors are ready for light foot traffic after approximately 24 hours when cured at standard temperatures (23°C). The grout reaches full readiness for heavy use after 3 days, and if the area is to be immersed in water (such as a swimming pool), you must wait a minimum of 7 days. This predictable performance allows you to schedule handovers with confidence.
Can I use Keracolor FF on wide joints in outdoor pavers?
Keracolor FF is specifically designed for joints up to 6 mm wide. For wider joints typically found in large outdoor pavers, this product may experience excessive shrinkage. For joints exceeding 6 mm, a coarser grout specifically formulated for wide joints should be used to prevent cracking and ensure structural integrity. Always check your joint width before starting to avoid rework.
Applications & Benefits
| Application / Use Case | Key Benefit | Primary Trades |
|---|---|---|
| Swimming Pools & Spas | Water-repellent DropEffect® reduces dirtiness and increases durability. | Tilers, Pool Builders |
| Bathroom Wall & Floor Tiling | BioBlock® technology prevents mould growth in high-moisture joints. | Tilers, Bathroom Renovators |
| Polished Porcelain & Natural Stone | Fine-graded aggregates ensure a smooth finish without scratching surfaces. | Tilers, Stone Masons |
| Commercial Garages & Warehouses | High abrasion resistance (CG2WA) stands up to heavy traffic. | Commercial Tilers, Builders |
Applying Mapei Keracolor FF: Enhanced Protocols & Best Practices
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Preparation & Mixing
Achieve a smooth, lump-free paste for consistent colour and strength.
Mixing Ratio
Pour Keracolor FF into a clean container with 25-29% clean water (by weight). Use a low-speed mixer to prevent air bubbles.
Timing: Let the mix stand for 2-3 minutes, then re-stir briefly. Pot life is approx. 2 hours.Pro Tip: Never add extra water once the mixture begins to set; this will weaken the grout and cause colour variation. -
Grouting & Finishing
Fill joints completely to ensure no voids or weak points remain.
Application
Use a MAPEI float or rubber squeegee to pack the grout into the joints diagonally. Remove excess immediately while fresh.
Pro Tip: Clean with a damp sponge only after the grout has turned matt (10-20 mins). If a hazy residue remains after drying, use a clean dry cloth or UltraCare Keranet once fully cured.
Limitations & Safety
Product Limitations
Not suitable for movement or expansion joints. Always use a flexible sealant such as Mapesil AC.
For joints wider than 6 mm, Keracolor FF is not recommended due to shrinkage risk.
Where high acid resistance (pH < 3) or sterile conditions are required, use an epoxy grout from the Kerapoxy range.
Safety & Handling Requirements
Personal Protective Equipment
Wear protective gloves (nitrile or rubber), safety glasses, and protective clothing to prevent skin and eye irritation. Use a dust mask when mixing to avoid inhaling respirable crystalline silica.
Emergency First Aid
Eyes:
Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses if easy to do. Continue rinsing and seek medical attention.
Skin:
Wash with plenty of soap and water. If irritation or rash occurs, seek medical advice.
Swallowed:
Do not induce vomiting. Seek medical attention immediately and show the SDS.
Mapei Keracolor FF Application Guide
Ceramic, Porcelain & Natural Stone Tiles
Surface Preparation
Before grouting, ensure the tile adhesive has completely hardened (typically 24 hours for normal setting, 3-4 hours for fast setting). Joints must be clean, free of dust, and raked back to at least 2/3 of the tile thickness. For very porous tiles in hot or windy weather, pre-wet the joints with clean water.
Additive Requirements
Additive recommended for harsh conditions
For swimming pools, façades, or heavy traffic floors, replace mix water with Fugolastic synthetic resin to improve adhesion and durability.
MAPEI Fugolastic- Choosing a selection results in a full page refresh.