I definitely like the Mapei grouts over Custom's (Polyblend). As for the color, though I'd be leaning toward the Platinum from Custom, only because it's a much lighter grey. I don't know if you're going for a sharp contrast. If that's the case, stick with the Silver. If you want something pale, but different enough to make the pattern stick out, you might want to go to Mapei's Warm Grey.

Now for the floors. For the black floor, if you want to have just a bit of contrast to again, show the pattern, look at Mapei's Pearl Grey. It's a darker grey that'll show up somewhat light against the black tile. As for the white hex, Again, I'd go with the Warm Grey, OR, if you want something a little darker to hide the dirt, THEN you could try the Silver. The pictures below are Dal's white hex with Warm Grey Grout:

Yes, the Warm Grey is more of the look that I'm going for on the walls, and looks closest to Custom's Platinum. I like that it shows the pattern of the tiles, but isn't a huge contrast. And, the Pearl Grey looks perfect. Just what I was wanting for the black floor, and I think I'll even use it on the shower floor with the white hex. I know that will have a lot of contrast, but I googled some pics of white hex with darker grout and like the look (and, cleaning will be easier!).

For the floors, do you recommend sanded or unsanded?

And, do I really not need to seal any of this grout (walls & floors)?

Thanks Bill!

Definitely sanded grout, and as far as I'm concerned, no, you don't.

Thanks, Bill!

Since you said definitely go with the sanded for the floors, now I'm worried whether unsanded will be ok for the walls?

Yes, you want unsanded for the subway tile.

Thanks for all the help! I picked up the Mapei grout in Warm Grey and Pearl Grey today. We're still several days out from tiling, but I'll try and post pics when it's all done.

Our tile has been finished and now we're waiting for everything to dry.

BUT, I'm noticing that some of the grout (warm grey) is darker than other parts. The tub surround was done on Sunday, which means it should be dry now, right? I thought the dark parts would lighten up when they dried but now I'm worried that I have splotchy grout lines. What's the deal?

It could be a couple of things. First, It could very well be that it's still drying. Sometimes it'll take a week or more to completely dry out initially. Another possibility would be if you mixed it with a trowel, and there were lumps in the grout, that could cause what you're seeing, as well.

well, i've waited longer than a week to see if the grout color would even out, but it hasn't. this is so irritating because it's completely noticeable to me and i feel like anything i pay someone to do should be done correct.

so do i have the contractor scrape out the darker grout and re-do it? what are the chances that the color still won't match up? or that they'll mess up some of the tile in the process?

for those of you who are paid tilers, is it out of ordinary if a customer asks you to fix something like this?

is it out of ordinary if a customer asks you to fix something like this?

No, it's not. How much of it is discolored? Is the whole floor uneven, or is it just a few spots?

the floor is great, love the floor. it's the shower and tub that are uneven. the few spots around the tub are less noticeable and i can deal with them. in the shower, there are at least six different spots - some that run the length of up to 6-7 tiles. i'll try to get some pictures of it later so you can get a better idea.

If you're fond of crazy glue, use Mapei grout. Colors are fine...but company needs to cut the drying additive by about half. *Package says to allow 15-30 min before washing off excess...not true, you've got maybe 4-6min. Sets up way too quick. Won't be responding to any nay-sayers...just trying to help those considering it.

"just trying to help those considering it." Mapei produces several quality grouts. Some are designed to set quickly. Normally grout will set quicker if you don't mix it with cold water or the grout was in the sun prior to mixing , improperly measured liquid to powder ratio, perhaps the sun heated the tiles prior to grouting or several other installer controlled variables that required consideration prior to beginning the grouting process. Guidelines are usually based on 75 degree air temp and cold water mixed according to manufacturers instructions. Instructions can't possibly account for daily job-site conditions.

Grouting, a seemingly simple not so simple task that has a myriad of ways to go wrong...

Does anyone out there have experience with Mapei's grout colorant?

Really love white grout, makes it seem very sleek and clean.

cdgalo-- I've used it several times. Takes a little bit of elbow grease, but once done, it's a terrific product.