This would definitely be an installer mistake. They either didn't mix the grout with the correct proportions and it looks like they definitely didn't seal the grout afterwards. I use Laticrete Permacolor in all of my projects and this has NEVER happened.

My recommendation is to call another tile installer who is familiar with working with laticrete (or call laticrete directly) and explain what's happening to understand what went wrong. Then talk to your original installer and have them come back and redo the grout job. At the end of the day, it's his responsibility to make it right.

I'm also confused as to why there is still grout outside of the grout lines? That is definitely not right!

That is likely an improper mix problem as stated above, but nothing to do with sealing. Fortunately, that sounds like that can all be easily removed and grouted properly. There are RARE cases of a bad batch from the manufacturer, but not likely.

Hi Elliot - can you please have your installer contact our Technical Services Department directly so that we can gather some additional information? He can reach us at 1.800.243.4788. Thank you!

Here's the backstory on my grout nightmare. I had the kitchen and bathroom tiled and grouted towards the end of December. The weather conditions was cold & rainy when the grout was installed. We used permacolor and added the Laticrete Stonetech product for stain resistancy and lastly they applied the Miracle 511 impregnator/ sealer. I have dogs and accidents happen and I wanted to make extra sure my grout joints didn't stain from their messes.

Fast forward end of January 2017 .... I was cleaning the grout joint after my hardwood floors were installed and I noticed that I was removing grout when I was scrubbing the joints with a wet rag. And then the grout just caved in. I contacted the installer and he blamed it on the material and said this has never happened before to him. I did a little research and both Laticrete and Miracle listed on the instructions that sealers should not be applied less than 72 hours after grout installation. The grout caving in was most likely due to it not being packed in during install. So I chalked it up to the installer applying the 511 sealer less than 24 hours after grout installation which compromised the integrity of the grout

The picture above with th powder is a 2x2 test area that the installer did about 1 1/2 weeks ago. He removed the grout and applied just the Laticrete Permacolor select with no sealer. He didn't want to install Laticrete permacolor if the powdering issues occur again. He was pushing me to use the Customs Pro Fusion grout. I'm a reviews type of person and that grout had gotten some bad reviews, which is why I'm reaching out to figure why the Permacolor grout is not hardening and I'm able to scrape it off with my fingernail.

Is it the grout??? Is the installer mixing the grout wrong ... too much water? Not enough water?? Or is there an addictive that he needs to me mixed with the grout so it turns rock hard?? I need HELP!!! The installer was quick to blame the products, but he is willing to redo the grout. I would like to identify what's causing the problem before he regrouts. He's already told me if he regrouts and we get the same results he's not going to do it again.

I've also contacted Laticrete about the issue.

Hi Elliot, I'm considering using Laticrete permacolor select nonsanded grout and wondering what ended up happening with your grout? Thanks.