White cement pointing is the most traditional grouting method in Hong Kong, but plain white cement slurry is extremely prone to mould, cracking, and efflorescence (white bloom) in high-humidity environments. Modern tile grout (polymer-modified grout) contains polymer modifiers, offering far superior waterproofing, anti-mould, and crack resistance compared to white cement, plus dozens of colour options. Simply put: white cement is the old way of doing things; tile grout is today's standard.
Note: While grouting is not considered high-risk work, different products have varying mix ratios, open times, and cleaning methods. Please refer to the product's Technical Data Sheet (TDS) before application and follow the manufacturer's instructions.
What Is White Cement Pointing?
White cement pointing simply means mixing pure white Portland cement with water into a slurry, then sweeping it into the gaps between tiles. This method has been used in Hong Kong for decades, and many experienced tradespeople still use it today.
Why Do People Still Use White Cement?
- Already on site: Tiling work already requires cement and sand, so white cement is a readily available material
- Habit: Tradespeople with decades of experience are reluctant to switch to something new
- Low cost: Bulk white cement costs far less per kilogram than tile grout
- Quick if you know how: No need to read TDS or calculate ratios — just add water, mix, and apply
But the problem is: white cement is just cement, with no waterproofing, anti-mould, or flexibility additives. It fills the joint, but that does not mean the joint is protected.
What Is Tile Grout?
Tile grout (cementitious grout) has the same cement base, but manufacturers add polymer modifiers, anti-mould agents, pigments, and functional additives, making the cured grout a low-absorption, high-abrasion-resistance, mould-resistant joint-filling material.
CG2WA Standard
The European standard EN 13888 classifies cement-based grouts into different grades. You will see CG2WA on many grout packaging labels:
- CG = Cementitious Grout
- 2 = Improved — higher abrasion resistance and flexural strength
- W = Reduced water absorption — this is the key to "waterproofing"
- A = High abrasion resistance
In other words, CG2WA-rated grout is certified for low water absorption, high abrasion resistance, and mould resistance — the professional-grade grouting standard.
Comparison Table
| Comparison | White Cement Pointing | Tile Grout (CG2WA Grade) |
|---|---|---|
| Composition | Pure white Portland cement + water | Cement + polymers + anti-mould agents + pigments |
| Water absorption | High (porous sponge-like structure) | Low (polymers seal the pores) |
| Anti-mould performance | None (extremely prone to mould) | Yes (contains anti-mould agents, e.g. BioBlock technology) |
| Crack resistance | Poor (cracks easily with thermal expansion and contraction) | Good (polymers provide flexibility) |
| Colour options | White only | Up to 40+ colours |
| Abrasion resistance | Low (chalks easily) | High (A-grade abrasion certified) |
| Efflorescence resistance | Poor (severe white bloom issues) | Good (low water absorption reduces salt migration) |
| Application difficulty | Simple, but high shrinkage | Requires following TDS, but consistent results |
| Suitable joint width | 1-3mm (wider joints will crack) | Depends on product, 1-20mm available |
Problems with White Cement Pointing in Hong Kong
Hong Kong's subtropical climate amplifies the drawbacks of white cement pointing. The average annual relative humidity is 70-80%, and during spring's humid season it can reach 90-95%. In such conditions, white cement pointing is essentially racing against time — problems are inevitable.
1. Deep Mould Growth
The microstructure of cured white cement is full of capillary pores, allowing moisture to easily penetrate. In prolonged high-humidity environments (such as bathrooms), mould does not just grow on the surface — it takes root deep inside the white cement. You can clean it with bleach, but it comes back within days because the fungal hyphae inside remain alive.
This is the biggest pain point for many homeowners: bathroom tile joints that never look clean, getting darker with each cleaning.
2. Cracking and Chalking
White cement has a high shrinkage rate. Daytime sun, nighttime cooling, and temperature fluctuations from air conditioning cause different thermal expansion rates between tiles and white cement, leading to repeated expansion and contraction that causes cracking. Once cracked, moisture penetrates even more easily, creating a vicious cycle.
White cement pointing on floors also chalks from foot traffic, producing visible white powder when swept.
3. Efflorescence (White Bloom)
When moisture penetrates white cement, it dissolves soluble salts (such as Ca(OH)2) and carries them to the surface where the water evaporates. The salts remain on the surface as white crystalline deposits — this is efflorescence or "white bloom."
The combination of dark tiles with white cement pointing shows this most clearly: white streaks that are both unsightly and difficult to clean.
4. Discolouration and Yellowing
White cement has no UV resistance. In areas exposed to sunlight (window sills, balconies), white cement gradually oxidises and yellows. Combined with oil fumes and dirty water absorption, the joints turn grey-yellow after a few years, making the whole surface look worn out.
Is Tile Grout Waterproof?
Yes, but you need to choose the right grade.
Not all tile grouts are waterproof. Look for the W designation on the packaging (the W in CG2WA), which stands for "reduced water absorption" — certified through EN 13888 standard testing.
Examples from Wah Hing's product range:
- Mapei Ultracolor Plus — CG2WA grade, extremely low water absorption, the industry benchmark for waterproof grout
- Optimix TG410E — CG2WA grade, also certified for low water absorption
- Weber Webergrout Fine — CG2 grade, basic waterproofing performance
Simply put: grouts labelled CG2WA offer waterproofing performance several levels above white cement. For bathrooms, kitchens, balconies, and other areas exposed to water, always choose CG2WA grade.
For fully waterproof environments (such as swimming pools and water features), consider epoxy grout (such as Mapei Kerapoxy), which provides a different level of waterproofing — a detailed comparison will be covered in a follow-up article.
How Many Colours Does Tile Grout Come In?
This is one of the most obvious advantages of tile grout over white cement.
- Mapei Ultracolor Plus: offers over 40 standard colours, from pure white to charcoal black, with beige, grey, brown, and blue tones in between. You can find a matching colour for virtually any tile
- Optimix TG410E: offers multiple popular colours covering white, grey, beige, and other mainstream choices
- Weber Webergrout Fine: also offers a range of colour options
Why Does Colour Matter?
Many people assume grouting means white, but choosing the right colour can completely transform the tile effect:
- Matching colour grout: creates a more unified, cohesive tile surface
- Contrasting colour grout: highlights the geometric tile pattern, adding design interest
- Dark-coloured grout: far more stain-resistant than white, especially suitable for floors and kitchens
White cement? Sorry — only one colour available, and it is the kind of white that yellows over time.
Tile Grout Brand Comparison
The three most common professional tile grout brands in Hong Kong are: Mapei, Weber, and Optimix. Each brand has different positioning and strengths.
Mapei
An Italian brand and one of the world's largest construction chemical manufacturers. Mapei tile grout is highly regarded in Hong Kong's construction industry.
- Ultracolor Plus: flagship model, CG2WA grade, BioBlock anti-mould technology, 40+ colours, rapid-setting formula (walkable after 24 hours). The most frequently specified grout by designers and high-end renovation projects
- Keracolor GG: economy model for wide joints (4-15mm), excellent value for money
- Keracolor FF: economy model for narrow joints (1-6mm), commonly used in everyday home renovations
Weber
A brand under the French Saint-Gobain group, with a complete tiling system product line in Hong Kong.
- Webergrout Fine: narrow-joint grout for 1-6mm joint widths, good workability, easy to maintain. Weber tile grout has a high market share in Hong Kong's home renovation sector
Optimix
A Hong Kong local brand with a product line covering cement mortar to tile grout, with an established user base in local construction projects.
- TG410E: high-performance anti-mould coloured grout, CG2WA grade, multiple colours, particularly suited to Hong Kong's climate conditions. Optimix tile grout offers excellent value for money in local projects
Quick Selection Guide
| Need | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Most colours, highest specification | Mapei Ultracolor Plus |
| Budget-friendly, wide joints | Mapei Keracolor GG |
| Narrow joint home renovation | Weber Webergrout Fine / Mapei Keracolor FF |
| Local brand, CG2WA certified | Optimix TG410E |
| Fully waterproof (pools/water features) | Mapei Kerapoxy (epoxy resin) |
Wah Hing Recommended Products
Below are the professional tile grouts supplied by Wah Hing. Most products are typically in stock. Enquire via WhatsApp:
Cement-Based Tile Grout
| Product | Grade | Suitable Joint Width | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mapei Ultracolor Plus | CG2WA | 2-20mm | 40+ colours, BioBlock anti-mould, rapid-setting |
| Optimix TG410E | CG2WA | 2-15mm | Multiple colours, anti-mould, local brand |
| Weber Webergrout Fine | CG2 | 1-6mm | Narrow joint specialist, good workability |
| Mapei Keracolor GG | CG2 | 4-15mm | Economy choice for wide joints |
| Mapei Keracolor FF | CG2 | 1-6mm | Economy choice for narrow joints |
| Ronacrete Color Grout | CG2 | 2-12mm | UK brand, multiple colours |
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FAQ
Is tile grout waterproof?
Tile grout itself is not completely waterproof (not waterproof in the absolute sense), but CG2WA-grade grout has extremely low water absorption (water resistant), effectively preventing everyday water from seeping through. CG2WA-grade grout is sufficient for bathrooms and kitchens. For swimming pools, water features, or other permanently submerged environments, epoxy grout is required.
How long does white cement pointing last?
It depends on the environment. In high-humidity areas such as Hong Kong bathrooms, white cement pointing typically begins showing mould, cracking, and efflorescence within 1-3 years. It lasts somewhat longer in dry environments but will eventually deteriorate due to shrinkage cracking.
Can tile grout be applied directly over white cement?
This is not recommended. If the existing white cement pointing has become loose, mouldy, or cracked, it is best to remove the old material with a grout removal tool and re-grout with tile grout. Applying new grout directly over old white cement will result in poor adhesion, and the new grout will peel off quickly.
When can tile grout be used after application?
Most cement-based grouts (such as Ultracolor Plus) allow light foot traffic after 24 hours and fully cure within 48-72 hours. Exact times depend on the product and ambient temperature and humidity — refer to the product's TDS.
What is the difference between tile grout and beauty grout?
Tile grout is a cement-based joint filler with a surface containing fine pores; beauty grout (epoxy grout / epoxy resin joint filler) has a completely sealed surface with superior waterproofing and stain resistance, but is significantly more expensive and harder to apply. For a detailed comparison, see our article on Tile Grout vs Beauty Grout.
