Tile Grout vs Plaster

lawnangel · #1 (**permalink**) 06-20-2002, 03:44 PM

Does anybody know if there is a difference between tile grout and plaster of paris? I was going to make chalk with the kids and realized I only have tile grout on hand and didn't want to make yet another trip to the craft store. (As much as I love the craft store, I end up with a whole store full of stuff myself!)

Thanks!

pita1213 · #2 (**permalink**) 06-21-2002, 05:19 PM

yes they are different. they are made up of different ingredients. grout is tougher than plaster of paris which is why it can stand up to hot humid areas like bath rooms and can take the wear and tear of being walked on. i don't think that you can substituted tile grout for plaster of paris.

lawnangel · #3 (**permalink**) 06-21-2002, 06:55 PM

Hi Pita,

Thanks again for posting a reply. Well, I couldn't wait! I went ahead and used the tile grout. It came from the craft store in a cute little box for mosaic type crafts, I don't know what I was thinking, it just looked "crafty". I was going to use it for a mosaic craft. But anyway..............didn't mean to carry on, I couldn't wait and used it, well, after a few hours, it was very wet so I added more grout and still now, about 8 hours later we are still waiting. Maybe in a few days it will be hard enough to "chalk" with, outside. I even added artificial flavor so it would be scented chalk!

Well, thanks Pita.................I guess if anybody is interested, I'll post the results in a couple of days or so.

pita1213 · #4 (**permalink**) 06-22-2002, 05:48 AM

i'd be interested to find out if they set up.you still maybe able to use them if they set up. but the results would definatly be better with plaster of paris.

it never hurts to try to substitute what you have on hand. sometimes you get a better end product.

lawnangel · #5 (**permalink**) 06-22-2002, 05:02 PM

AAhhhhh...........still waiting but will let you know. I've had to take them out of the mold so they would get more air while still retaining the chalk stick shape. I'll keep posting............

lawnangel · #6 (**permalink**) 06-25-2002, 07:03 AM

O.K., it finally got hard but I would NOT recommend tile grout. It is soft and I'm sure it will not hold up in kids hands.........should have saved the grout for that mosaic project!!

:mad: