Search says...

Dear East,

The magic 8-Ball Search Box at top right of this page says....

https://forum.mrhmag.com/post/sanded-grout-12189941

https://forum.mrhmag.com/post/use-of-grout-sanded-and-unsanded-for-ground-cover-and-ballast-12206137

https://forum.mrhmag.com/post/testing-grout-for-ballast-on-my-cnj-bronx-terminal-layout-12189912

https://forum.mrhmag.com/post/dirty-ballast-in-yards-12192588

https://forum.mrhmag.com/post/dirt-and-mud-between-ties-12191015

https://forum.mrhmag.com/post/trying-to-achieve-this-look-12195615

Happy Modelling,
Aim to Improve,
Prof Klyzlr

Sanded grout would be too

Uh oh, looks like you poked the bear!  ^  

Sanded grout would be too fine for HO but probably great for N scale.  I bought a bag of the Polyblend Sanded Grout for desert scenery based texture.  Nice thing about using it for ballast is it already has cement adhesive built in.  After you are happy with how it is applied, wet it and it sets up.

It might be slightly coarse for HO ground texture but after other layers of scenery are applied, it should be ok.

I haven't look at any of the

I haven't look at any of the links that the Prof. has supplied, that's for you to research, but, I think you'll still need to use "wet water" ( water & alcohol or dish detergent) for setting,  as I'm thinking  plain tap water, or bottled water will just "roll off" the surface.

As far as ripping the track back up again, since your just sealing the top, I don't see a problem, as it's about the same way you would set regular ballast in place.

I'd take a close look at the non sanded, that might be too fine, and too "powdery" for what you want to do.

I've never used grout, except for paved areas, but I model in HO.

Mike.

@jim

Depends on where you use it, in my opinion.  HO mainline, well-used sidings, you're probably right.  Filling in a long-since-built, never renewed yard area, I think it will do fine.  Time will tell.

Blair

I blend it with my track

I blend it with my track ballast. Proper color of course. It helps fill spots and works well around switch points.

Sieves and Real Rock

I've been down the grout road before but wasn't impressed. Due to the nature of the cement and adhesive in it, you get more of a glop look and lose the definition of real rock. Just look at any tile you may have and you'll see that grout doesn't look like rock.

I'd highly recommend you invest in some standard sieves and go down to your local landscape place.

https://www.amazon.com/KimLab-Economy-Sieve-Stainless-Diameter/dp/B07KXWS67S/ref=sr_1_5?keywords=sieve+%2350&qid=1555084816&s=gateway&sr=8-5

I use a #50 sieve and crusher fine material to make my own ballast, and it doesn't take long at all. I get real rock, with great texture, proper size, and gradation. I go one step further and wash my rock to make sure there isn't any dust on it, but that is optional.

The pictures below are on my N scale diorama with real rock ballast that has been sieved between a #30 and #50 pan; rock between the two sizes is what's used.

don't forget to run a magnet through it

Which landscaping place?

Hi Doug,

Great recommendation on collecting your own ballast.  Do you mind sharing which landscaping place you went to find your ballast?  I'm in the Denver area and I notice you're not too far South.

Thanks,

loddie

Sanded grout can work well in

Sanded grout can work well in N scale, especially if you mix it with a fine commercial ballast. I use grout to make compacted dirt roads in HO scale.

The trick is that I don't mix the group. I wet the surface, then apply the grout, then mist the surface lightly and vacuum when dry. The grout will stick and maintain a realistic texture. 

Denver Landscape

Hi Ioddie,

I went to Pioneer Sand and Gravel here in Parker, I know they have locations across the Denver area. I just visited their website and it appears that the exact material I got was Grey Breeze/Minus. At Parker, they had the grey, a red and a tan color. Funny enough, I use the tan color for my desert ground cover.

Doug

Grout Roads

Agreed with YoHo, grout is a great material for dirt roads and parking lots. 

When I use it in this application I follow the same method. The only difference is that I take a dense paint roller, a foam roller would probably work well too, across the top to keep the surface smooth

Thanks Doug! This info is

Thanks Doug! This info is very helpful.

title updated

Since the thread topic drifted more toward roads & parking lots, I edited the title to reflect that.

LATICRETE SPECTRALOCK GROUT PART C

I have used Laticrete Spectalock Grout Part C for fine cinders in my HO scale yard. It is used with a epoxy grout that you mix together. I use the Part C by itself and it may work well for N scale ballast. It comes in a variety of colors. You can find it at most tile stores.