Grout going off too quickly.

[ray99]

Never used powdered before but on the advice of Richard C , tictic etc have done so this time.
Using Mapei Buildfix flexible wall and floor grout. Instructions say 0.65 litre of water for a 2.5 kg bag and proportionately less for smaller quantity. I don't work fast so measured out 700g of powder and added 200ml of water. This was far too dry, nowhere near creamy so added more although I think I still had it a bit dry.
Trouble is I have to do a stupidly small area at a time. Packet says do not grout more than can be washed off in 10 to 20 minutes but I am having to wash off after about 2 minutes.
Am I using it too dry?
Thanks.

 

[gregers]

i would say so,whenever ive done grouting i normally use a lid from an adhesive tub and pour enough to cover roughly a m2,mix up a bit to a consistancy similar to thick ice cream,and then try your best in continuing the same consistancy.

 

[jctilingservices]

sounds very much like you have the grout to dry, also you stated that you added water to the mixed grout, this will help the grout go off FASTER (believe it or not) always add powder to water not the other way around, grout should be a creamy consistency, but not so that it will fall/run off your squeegy