Tiling

Grout & Tile Additives

Liquid polymer additives that replace part or all of the gauging water in cement adhesives and grouts, improving flexibility, bond strength and water resistance.

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Grout & Tile Additives products

Grout & Tile Additives buying guide

What an additive actually changes

Replacing water with a latex or acrylic additive raises the polymer content of the mix, which improves adhesion to difficult substrates, increases flexural strength, and reduces water absorption through the cured grout. It is how a standard adhesive is upgraded to handle a slightly flexible substrate. It does not turn a standard adhesive into a highly deformable one — where the spec calls for a specific deformability class, use the product rated for it.

Dosage and mixing

Additives are dosed by replacing a specified proportion of the gauging water, not by adding to it. Over-dosing produces a sticky, slow-setting mix that stays soft far longer than expected and can trap moisture under an impervious tile. Under-dosing gives none of the intended benefit. Measure it rather than pouring by eye, and mix the liquid first before adding powder so the polymer disperses evenly.

Where additives are worth using

The clearest cases are tiling over existing tiles, over painted or sealed substrates, on plywood and fibre cement sheet, and in externally exposed areas where water absorption through the grout causes efflorescence. In wet areas, an additive in the grout meaningfully reduces water passing through the joints into the bed, which reduces both efflorescence and the mould that follows it.

Compatibility

Additives are formulated against particular powder chemistries. Mixing one manufacturer's additive with another's adhesive is unpredictable — it can affect set time, colour and final strength, and it voids the warranty on both products. Stay within one system, and check whether the adhesive you are using is already polymer-modified, in which case a further additive is usually unnecessary and can be counterproductive.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use an additive with any brand of grout?
Stay within one manufacturer's system. Additives are formulated for specific powder chemistries and mixing brands can affect cure and colour.
Do I still add water when using an additive?
Usually the additive replaces some or all of the water. Follow the dosage table exactly — adding both gives a weak, over-wet mix.
Will an additive change the grout colour?
It can slightly deepen it. Mix a sample and let it cure before committing on a visible area.

stocked at both jaden services trade counters — fairfield heights and prestons — with australia-wide delivery and trade pricing for regular accounts. Get in touch