Grout - sand or no sand

Patio flagstones (slabs), concrete flags, stone flags including yorkstone and imported flagstones.
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roystond
Posts: 1
Joined: Wed Sep 17, 2014 10:28 am
Location: Wirral

Post: # 100897Post roystond

Flagstone Grout
I have an Indian flagstone patio which needs re-grouting and I have done some of this with a MULTIPURPOSE MORTAR from Homebase. I was disappointed to note that on inspecting the dried grout a fairly strong SAND finish was showing - OK this was part of the grout (i.e. not loose) but I wanted it to appear as a smooth grout. I have read through the site but am confused. What is the alternative to sand based grout which gives a smooth appearance and is this advisable for a patio that gets a fair amount of use.

Render on walls.
I know that render may not strictly be a forum topic but would appreciated some help. I am renovating a garage wall which is the old concrete slabs construction but the outside is styled to look like brick and has a smooth finish . So you think you can see the outlines of the bricks but in fact there are none and you can see the impression of the grout in between but again this is just an illusion to make it look like a wall that that has been covered over. Chunks are falling off. I can replace them with purpose built render repairers such as U-CAN RENDER WALL but this again appears to be sand based and dries out with the sand showing whereas I want it smooth. Is there a render that gives a smooth finish, please? (The garage is so old I cannot trace the manufacturer's to ask them.) Help would be appreciated.
A R Davies

higgness
Site Admin
Posts: 255
Joined: Mon Jan 30, 2012 8:10 pm
Location: ireland

Post: # 100898Post higgness

Others better than me will post later.
Put up some pictures of the grouting, highlight your concerns. I think that the top of the grouting could have been finished better, need to show pictures to get some answers.
About the render, you can get a basecoat to go on first, then get a smooth finish render, can be got in white.
try k-rend.co.uk for info,

r896neo
Posts: 521
Joined: Wed Feb 22, 2012 9:38 pm

Post: # 100902Post r896neo

To get a real tight smooth finish you need to use a fine sand like building sand and you need to iron it properly with a striker or trowel.

As for the render a smooth render would usually be done with a wooden float to tighten the surface.

Both these are more to do with skill and technique than the materials used.

On your patio you could use an exterior grout but it will be mega bucks.

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