Mapei, a leader in the manufacturing of mortars and grouts for commercial and residential tile installations, has just introduced two new products that help property owners maintain and update the grout joints in their tile — Grout Maximizer and Grout Refresh.

Grout Maximizer is a premium latex-based additive for mixing with the company’s Keracolor™ S Portland-cement-based grout to increase resistance to water- and oil-based stains. When added to the grout at the time of installation, Grout Maximizer is easier to apply than epoxy grouts, but still provides reduced absorption of water, dirt and spills, reports Mapei. “The fact that the grout in the tile joints will now have reduced absorption gives the consumer increased stain resistance and easier maintenance,” said Brian Pistulka, Business Manager for Mapei’s Tile & Stone Installation Systems division. Use of this additive does not affect the grout color, and the extra sealing step is no longer necessary.

Grout Refresh offers a quick way to freshen up dingy grout lines at a very small cost. This polymer-modified colorant allows the user to change or refresh grout colors and seal the joints at the same time. It is easy to apply and quickly revitalizes the look of an older tile installation. This product also comes in 36 popular colors.

www.mapei.com