Category: Grout

The house you build reflects your personality. It is not every day you build a new house, so you want to use the best possible material and also the most durable one. The kitchen and bathrooms of the house are the mirrors of the house which enhance or ruin the image of your house, tiling is one of the most important aspects of the new house. A tile job done properly can add life and give a refreshing look to your bathroom or kitchen for years to come. Then comes the selection of the right kind of grout, which is as important as the choice of the right tiles because it seals the joints between the tiles to create a watertight tile surface. There are two types of epoxy grout for tiles available in the market – the conventional cement grout and the high-end epoxy grout. We will focus on Epoxy Grout in this article.

Characteristics of Epoxy Grout for tiles

Epoxy Grout for tiles is hygienic and stain-resistant epoxy resin-based grout with three components and a very high degree of resistance to chemicals, abrasion, and impact. The cured grout does not transfer taints to the food products, prevents the entry of bacteria or dirt, and can be easily maintained in a sterile condition. Epoxy Grout for tiles is perfectly suitable for grouting a wide range of tiles and stones like glazed tiles, mosaic, vitrified and fully vitrified tiles, ceramic tiles, industrial tiles, granites, marbles & other natural stones, etc. Grouting is done in tiles to give the flooring a very clean and interesting finish. Epoxy grout forms a strong seal between the tiles. The primary ingredients of epoxy grout are epoxy resins and a filler material, which chemically react with one other to form the grout material.

Epoxy grout for tiles is considered more suitable for indoor tiles and not usually recommended for the outdoors because the grout may discolor from exposure to sunlight and its UV rays over a period of time.

Laticrete Epoxy Grout

Laticrete Epoxy grout is a great and easy epoxy grout to use. It is very easy to mix, you have to just follow the directions. It is very easily applicable also. You just have to make sure to follow up with the proper cleanup rinses and then your tiles will not have any residue. This is an ultimate and lightweight one-step, polymer fortified tile mortar for interior and exterior installation of ceramic tile, porcelain tiles, glass tiles, stones, quarry tiles, pavers, and bricks. It is more suitable for interior tiles and not usually recommended for exterior tiles because the grout may discolor from prolonged exposure to sunlight and its UV rays.

Epoxy Grout for Tiles

Our Shawar epoxy grout for tiles is a two-part epoxy-based formulation that is manufactured with the utmost care and precision to make it resistant to wear and tear. It is the highest quality grouting material that provides excellent effect and durability to your tiles. It also prevents staining, spillage, and chemical attacks in filled grooves of tiles, and stones. It consists of two parts- part A and part B, and it has to be used after properly mixing both the parts homogeneously.

The advantage of these two parts is that it becomes unbreakable and tough after they are combined together and applied to the groove. When applied, it gives a nice smooth finish, which is due to an ingredient that provides a crystalline sheen effect with ease of cleanability. It can be used for both residential and commercial installations which include those with total hygiene control, and damp and wet environments.

Where can Epoxy Grout be Applied?

Epoxy Grout for tiles is suitable for installation and grouting of floor and wall tiles, artificial and natural marbles, granite, mosaics, pavers, etc with grout joints thickness ranging between 2 to 15 mm. It can be used in the following:

• Floor and wall tiles in showers and bathrooms.
• Floor and wall tiles in general areas.
• Kitchen countertops.
• Balconies and Terraces.
• Processing plants.
• Warehouses.
• Restaurants and other places that are submitted to direct contact with meat, dairy products, etc.
• Suits surfaces that are exposed to aggressive chemical substances.
• A perfect fit for grouting in swimming pools, tanks, etc.

Benefits of using Epoxy Grout

• It is easy to apply and clean compared to normal cement sealants.
• It comes in a variety of colors, so can be used for all types of tiles.
• It has high mechanical strength and hardness
• It has very low water absorption.
• It is resistant to chemicals.
• It has excellent bonding properties.
• It is stained and UV-resistant.
• It provides uniform colors and is resistant to weathering agents.
• It does not crack during hardening.
• It has high strength and the ability to withstand heavy traffic.

Surfaces Suitable for the Use of Epoxy Grout

• Brick Masonry
• Concrete Masonry
• Gypsum Wall Board
• Ceramic Tile And Stone
• Cement Mortar Beds
• Steel
• Cement Plaster
• Plastic Laminate
• Vinyl

How to Apply Epoxy Grout

• Shawar epoxy grout must be applied evenly on the tile coverings.
• Seal the joints properly by completely grouting them, and applying the filler diagonally to the tiles.
• Remove most of the excess grout immediately using the spreader, leaving only a thin film or layer on the tile.
• Immediately after this clean up the surface properly.
• To clean the tiles use a thick, hard and large sponge dipped in clean water to avoid removing grout from the joints.
• Rinse frequently to ensure clean water is used at all times, if required, replace the sponge when it gets saturated with epoxy grout.
• Finish up cleaning by moving the sponge diagonally across the tiles to avoid going into the joints.

How long does it take for Epoxy Grout to cure?

Since epoxy grout doesn’t require sealing, it is cured and ready for use much quicker than cementitious grout. Once you have finished installing your new set of tiles and applied the grout. Then comes the question: how long should you wait before you can use the bathroom/kitchen with the newly grouted tile? How long does it take for epoxy grout to dry?

It usually takes 24-72 hours for the grout to dry once you have applied it. Epoxy Grout often takes 48 hours to dry, but you must read the label on the product that you use properly. It takes around 48-72 hours for the grout to dry if it is outdoors, and as little as 24 hours if it is indoors. However, the exact drying time depends on a few factors like the type of grout, humidity levels, and whether your grout is being used indoors or outdoors. Most manufacturers put advice waiting three to seven days before exposing grout to moisture but the average drying time for epoxy grout is 24 hours. Epoxy grout consists of epoxy resin and hardener, so it’s perfect for tiles that will have exposure to harsher materials like acid and grease. This grout along with being a durable grout is also resistant to stains, cracks, chemicals, and weather changes. It needs more spent and is slightly difficult to apply since it dries quickly, but it lasts for a very long time. Epoxy grout doesn’t always need to be sealed, it gets cured and ready to go much faster than cementitious grout.

Does Epoxy Grout need a sealer?

Epoxy grout is self-sealing, so there is no need to add a sealer. The epoxy base is not porous and does not absorb water. Any coarse surface will obviously trap dirt and oils in the texture of the surface. It is natural even for a sealed cementitious grout to get dirty, and so all grout surfaces need to be cleaned occasionally. Before applying epoxy grout, some unsealed tiles like natural stone surfaces must be sealed first. But there are a few types of tile surfaces, such as non-porcelain ceramic tiles, that do not need to be sealed. Most ceramic tiles are finished with a durable glaze that protects their surface from staining, so adding a sealer is not necessary. However, porcelain tiles are not coated with a protective glaze, these surfaces have to be maintained with a protective sealer. If you are using natural stone surfaces such as marble, slate, granite, etc you will need to seal the tile surfaces because a stone is a porous material that makes it vulnerable to stains and moisture.

Can you use epoxy grout over cement grout?

Yes, it is possible to regrout by using epoxy grout over cement grout, but first, you will have to dig the existing cement grout out of the joints until it’s half the depth of the tile. This can be done conveniently with a grout saw or scraper. The basic reason behind this is to provide enough depth for the new epoxy grout to adhere to the remaining sanded grout and also to the edges of the tile. Let the epoxy grout set up for a few minutes in the bucket after mixing so that you have a slightly stiffer, tackier mix which will be tough and durable.

Shawar Epoxy grout for tiles is not only the best grout for durability and color consistency, but it is also the best choice for artistic expression and to add life to your house. It is safe and toxic-free, making it the best all-around choice.

Epoxy grout is a unique and popular tiling grout that does not use Portland cement or water in the mixing process. It consists of hardener, pigments, epoxy resin, and silica fillers. Epoxy grout is a leading grout mixture that is becoming a favorite grouting mixture of the tilers. The reason behind the choice is that it is very strong and durable and is resistant to stains, cracks, and weather changes. But like everything in life, this coin also has two sides. Along with its many advantages, it has a few problems too. In this article we will try to give you a fair viewpoint on epoxy grout problems, pros and cons so that you can take an informed and aware decision before choosing the perfect grout for your tiles.

Epoxy Grout Advantages

• Epoxy grout is a very strong and exceedingly durable grout that is resistant to chemicals and can last a lifetime.
• It is non-porous and doesn’t allow the growth of mold or mildew on the tiles. This feature makes epoxy grout highly suitable for areas like kitchens and bathrooms, which are susceptible to damage by water.
• It is resistant to stains and very easy to maintain and hence gives you a fuss-free cleaning experience. The best thing about epoxy grout is that dust and grime can be easily cleaned with a wet sponge or damp cloth.
• Epoxy grout advantages also include being available in a wide range of colors. You can choose a color that will match the color of the tile to obtain a neat and seamless look for your bathroom or kitchen.
• Epoxy grout does not require sealing due to its property of being non-porous.

Epoxy Grout Problems

• Working with epoxy grout becomes a little complicated because two or three materials need to be mixed in exact proportions before its application. It is advisable to employ an experienced contractor for the job who has experience in working with this grout.
• Epoxy is a grout material that dries very quickly. It is imperative to make the mixture in batches to avoid wastage. You must keep in mind that once mixed, you will get a very limited amount of time to work with the grout.
• Another epoxy grout problem is that it is more time-consuming than using the traditional cement grout.
• It is expensive because both the cost of the material and its installation are high.
• Epoxy grout when exposed to sunlight for a prolonged period of time, may turn yellow which is not pleasing to the eyes
• It gives a slightly plastic appearance which is not very appealing to some.

Is Epoxy Grout Flexible?

Epoxy grout is not rigid or gritty like the regular cementitious grout. The hard fact is that, when we come to the epoxy grout vs. conventional grout debate, epoxy grout always scores points for its elasticity and durability. The difference is attributed more to the chemical make-up of the products and the benefits that come from being more waterproof and flexible. The flexible epoxy grout has been designed to absorb impact, vibration, and a small amount of stress and strain without cracking. This feature of flexibility makes it an ideal choice for balconies, kitchens, etc with higher foot traffic.

Is Epoxy Grout Worth the Money?

There is no doubt that epoxy is more expensive than regular grout. People are always on the fence when deciding is epoxy grout worth the money? The answer and choice become very easy if you like the idea of no maintenance, and you can manage the added expense. You might want to opt for it despite these initial upfront costs of using this product because you will find that there are savings to be made throughout the grout’s lifespan. When compared to traditional cement-based grouts, epoxy grout does not require regular sealing and it will not require re-grouting or refreshing anywhere near as quickly as its cement counterparts would. This grout has a proven significantly longer lifespan than other options. In general, you will realize that epoxy grout for tiles is well worth the additional price you invest in once. It will more than makeup for it in terms of saving on regular sealing and maintenance. Epoxy grout is an extremely low maintenance option in your home that you will not have you spend hours crawling around your kitchen and bathroom with a toothbrush cleaning the regular grout.

How to maintain Epoxy Grout?

• Epoxy grout is generally a stain and crack-free grout but still weekly or biweekly, give your grout a nice preventative clean with water and baking soda paste. Rub this paste in the grout with a grout brush or a used toothbrush and rinse thoroughly with clear water. The key things to remember are to be aware of high-traffic areas and these places need a little more maintenance. Here is a list of some preventive steps you can take so that your tiles look like new forever-
• Put walk-off mats at every entrance to your home. It is not just for decorative purposes, walk-off mats lower the amount of dirt coming into your home.
• Put mats or rugs in the kitchen and dining areas. Be aware of areas where food and water get collected, such as your sink, stove, under your pet’s food, and water bowls.
• Always ensure you follow the best mopping practices. The basic thing to keep in mind is to not overwet your floors. This is even more important when you are using the type of mop that you dunk into the water, and that gets dirtier each time you dunk it.
• Vacuum or sweep more often especially in the high traffic areas.

Does Epoxy Grout get moldy?

Mold has a tendency to grow in warm and damp areas where there is little to no circulation of air. Tiles and grout are prone to the formation of mold, especially in bathrooms, kitchens, and anywhere that supports these aforementioned conditions. Epoxy grout being nonporous and water-resistant restricts the growth of mold, but still, mold and mildew will grow on the surface of anything, even epoxy grout. This is more the case in showers where soap, hot water, and skin oils present a perfect medium for its growth. But there’s no or very little chance of the mold penetrating inside the epoxy grout because there’s simply no space within the epoxy matrix for this to happen. For this reason, epoxy grout is a popular choice among many homeowners and contractors. But that doesn’t mean epoxy grout is the answer to all of your mold problems. It still needs to be properly maintained and cleaned to avoid some of the issues that come with age and exposure, but using epoxy grout in your tile installations can definitely reduce your maintenance costs and efforts. With regular cleaning, you can keep mold away from your grout. Keep good ventilation and air circulation in rooms that are prone to moisture and reduce the risk of mold on your grout.

Does Epoxy Grout yellow over time?

People have a common complaint about the epoxy grout in their showers and floors turning yellow. There are a number of reasons behind this. Some of these are listed below

• Shampoos, soaps, and other toiletries used in showers contain chemicals that can cause discoloration.
• Skin and hair oils contain many contaminants that can cause yellowing of not only grout but also tile.
• Certain cleaners, mainly those that contain dyes, can cause discoloration of grout. Household bleach used for cleaning can discolor the grout.
• Certain water supplies can be hard and deposit minerals on the grout that can oxidize and cause yellow discoloration.
• Water used to mop floors gets dirty very fast. The dirt, oils, etc. can settle on the grout lines and form a yellow cast. You should keep your mop head clean and change the mop water frequently.
• Hairspray, air freshener, and other aerosol sprays can also cause grout discoloration.

There are a few tile types, like white marble, that contain iron, that can bleed into the grout and oxidize, causing the epoxy grout to turn yellow.

Why is my white grout turning orange?

Orange stains on your sparkling tiles and grout can either mean mold or iron in the water supply is discoloring your grout. The soap scum, which sometimes appears orange, white, gray, or even yellow in color, is the result of soap residue and hard water deposits building on the surface of the tile grout over time. A few more reasons have been discussed in the above column. When you observe the soap scum stains, clean them as soon as you notice them, to prevent mold and mildew from growing.

So, we have discussed at length epoxy grout advantages and epoxy grout problems, after all the debating we can fairly say that epoxy grout is a bit more expensive and requires skill to install but is still a better choice over the regular grout because of its various positive features. After all your beautiful home deserves the best and should look absolutely stunning.