Tired of scrubbing dirty grout? This advanced grout keeps joints clean, water repellent, and mould-free. It ensures a lasting fresh look for fine-jointed tiles. You get superior resistance to water, dirt, and mould without constant maintenance.

Why this product exists

ARDEX FS-DD is a non-sanded, cement-based grout engineered to protect tile joints from everyday grime. It integrates advanced hydrophobing agents for water and dirt repellency, ensuring a cleaner surface. ARDEX Grout Shield is included to actively combat mould growth, crucial for wet areas. This formulation ensures tiled surfaces maintain their appearance without the common battle against discolouration and mildew, especially in fine joints up to 4mm.

The numbers that matter

  • Joint width up to 4mm: This non-sanded formula delivers a fine, smooth finish. It prevents shrinkage and maintains crisp joint lines. Its non-sanded nature also protects delicate tile surfaces, such as porcelain, from scratching during application.
  • Flexural Strength of 6 MPa (28 days): This indicates resistance to bending and cracking, crucial for floor applications and areas with minor substrate movement. Combined with its CG1 classification, it provides a durable, long-lasting finish.
  • Initial set in 5 hours: Floors can be walked on quickly, reducing downtime on commercial projects or in busy residential areas. Heavy traffic can resume after 24 hours.
  • 2.5 hour pot life: This extended working time allows for efficient application across larger areas. It reduces material waste and allows for careful tooling to achieve a professional finish.

What it's like to use

ARDEX FS-DD is simple to mix and apply, designed for ease on site. Mix the powder with clean water to a lump-free, creamy consistency. For enhanced performance on timber floors or in swimming pools, dilute ARDEX Grout Booster with water first, then mix the powder with this solution. The extended pot life provides flexibility during application. Work the grout firmly into the joints using a rubber trowel, ensuring full compaction and minimal residue on the tile surface.

Cleaning is straightforward: allow the grout to firm up in the joint before wiping the tile surface with a damp sponge, moving diagonally across the joints. Use minimal water to avoid efflorescence or shade variation. Any dry film can be polished off with a dry cloth once the grout has hardened. Tools clean up with water immediately after use.

Where this product excels

  • Tiled wet areas: Its water repellent and dirt resistant properties are ideal for showers, laundries, and kitchens. It prevents water ingress into the substrate and makes cleaning easier, while ARDEX Grout Shield combats mould growth for hygiene.
  • Porcelain, ceramic, and glass tiles: The non-sanded formula prevents scratching delicate surfaces during application. It ensures the aesthetic integrity of high-end finishes.
  • Internal and external floors and walls: Suitable for both domestic and commercial applications, it maintains its appearance longer due to its dirt resistance, even in higher traffic areas.
  • Moisture-insensitive natural stone: Provides a reliable, stain-resistant grout for materials like slate or quarry tiles, where cleanability and appearance are critical.

How it fits in a real system

ARDEX FS-DD serves as the final, protective layer in a tiling system. It follows substrate preparation and adhesive application, ensuring the structural integrity of the tile installation. For wet areas, it works in conjunction with a compliant waterproofing membrane. In specific applications like timber floors or swimming pools, it forms a system with ARDEX Grout Booster. The Grout Booster improves flexibility and water resistance, accommodating substrate movement and enhancing durability in submerged conditions. Always ensure the adhesive has fully cured before grouting, and remove all spacers for optimal joint filling.

Choose this when

  • When grouting fine-jointed (up to 4mm) porcelain, ceramic, glass, or moisture-insensitive natural stone tiles.
  • For internal or external wall and floor applications where lasting cleanliness and aesthetics are critical.
  • In wet areas like showers, kitchens, and laundries, where mould resistance and water repellency are essential.
  • When needing to grout on timber floors or in swimming pools, ensuring it is mixed with ARDEX Grout Booster for enhanced performance.

Don't use this when

  • Not for: Joints exceeding 4mm in width. For wide joints, use ARDEX WJ 50 Non-Shrink Coloured Wide Joint Grout.
  • Not for: Chemically resistant joints. In these demanding environments, consider ARDEX WA or ARDEX Abapoxy.
  • Not for: Expansion or movement joints. These require a flexible silicone sealant, such as an ARDEX silicone sealant.
  • Not for: Public swimming pools without specific consideration. While suitable for domestic pools with ARDEX Grout Booster, for public pools, ARDEX Abapoxy is the recommended product.

ARDEX FS-DD is classified as CG1 according to AS 4992. This signifies a cementitious grout with standard performance, suitable for general tiling applications. Its extremely low VOC content supports indoor air quality standards.

ARDEX FS-DD vs. ARDEX Grout Booster

ARDEX FS-DD is a high-performance grout with inherent water and dirt repellency and mould resistance for joints up to 4mm. It provides a superior, low-maintenance finish on its own for most standard applications. ARDEX Grout Booster, however, is an additive designed to enhance the performance of cement-based grouts. When mixed with ARDEX FS-DD, it specifically improves flexibility and further boosts water resistance, making the system suitable for challenging applications like timber floors or swimming pools where additional movement accommodation and enhanced durability are required.