Polymer Grout

Civilizations have always been built on a foundation of water, cement, and sand. Humans, on the other hand, are continually finding new ways to construct things as we evolve. Grout is a thick liquid that is used to reinforce existing buildings. It fills in gaps between tiles and closes the joints. Polymer Grout, unlike mortar, has a low viscosity and no lime, making it thinner and easier to work with.

What is a Polymer Grout?

Polymer grout is a cement base that has added polymers that are activated when they are mixed with water. The chemical reaction which happens as a result of this mixing increases the water abrasion, and chemical resistance of the grout, and adds an incredible amount of strength to the grout. Polymer tile grout is a single component material that is completely stain-proof.

Polymers are low density and they have low conductivity and sensitivity to Ultraviolet. Polymer tile grout is like an epoxy resin, which is cement-based with added polymers and water. It is a polymer-modified grout that is used for all types of tiles for filling in the joints. It does not shrink and is very strong and the cost is also low, but they are flammable and have certain toxicity.

Features of Polymer Based Grout:

The main feature of polymer based grout is the chemical reaction that takes place between the ingredients and the water. This reaction helps in increasing the properties of chemical resistance, abrasion, and strength of the grout. This quality is suitable for both residential and commercial, and all types of tiles, marble, granite, and concrete slab. This type of grout is greatly useful for Kitchen countertops, walls, floors, swimming pools, water fountains, and ponds.

Polymer-modified grouting does not allow any standing water to remain present while grouting.  To avoid the staining of the toles the application of a grout release agent may be necessary. Proper curing of polymer grout for tiles is required and necessary to get maximum strength out of it. Polymer Tile grout is not suitable for use on pebble tile and it should not be exposed to steam.

Unlike epoxy grout, our polymer-modified grout provides color consistency. It can hide imperfections in handmade tiles and bridge the joint thickness in some patterned designs. It is regarded as high-performance and is intended for use in more demanding environments.

Polymer color grout comprises cement and polymers that activate when they come into contact with water. Polymer tile grout is a stain-proof grout made from urethane or siliconized acrylic. The grout is used for tile joint thickness from 1/8 inch to 1.25 inches. It is the best choice for flooring in areas like:

• Commercial space
• Entryways
• High-traffic residences
• Kitchen counters

Advantages of our Polymer Grout:

Our polymer grout has the following advantages:

Anyone who has spent time cleaning and bleaching grout around ceramic tiles with a toothbrush will appreciate the benefits of a grout that rarely stains. On the other hand, cement polymer grout has several other qualities that make it an excellent choice for tiled areas.

• Stain Resistant: Epoxy grout is tough to stain. Only a few substances and stains can permanently change the color of epoxy. As a result, epoxy should be used in tiled areas frequently exposed to grease or acidic liquids, such as kitchen countertops.

• Water Resistant: Unlike other grouts, epoxy is unaffected by water. After the polymer grout for tile has been put in, this is a huge benefit.

• Longer shelf life: While most grouts have a two-year shelf life, epoxy may be stored indefinitely as long as it does not freeze and is stored in an airtight container.

• Polymer sand grouts should be sealed every two to three years, but traditional grouts do not need to be sealed. Epoxy does not require any additional sealants.

• Mold and Mildew Resistant: Epoxy is naturally mold and mildew resistant. However, this quality can be further strengthened by mixing an additive into the grout before application.

Important points to consider before grouting

 It is important to note that uneven color variations after grouting can be caused by the following

• Excessive sun and wind exposure on the surface of tiles or floor.
•  Variations in grout joints can also lead to discoloration of the surface.
•  Excessive amounts of water present on the tiles can cause variation in color.
•  Uneven glaze patterns on the sides of tiles.
•  Use a sponge during the cleanup while scrubbing.
• Uneven moisture content while setting the bed for grouting.

The mortar bed should be allowed to dry thoroughly before starting the polymer based grouting. It takes approximately 48 hours for a thin-bed method. The tiling expert should keep the grout joint’s width and depth absolutely the same. Then mix each batch of the polymer grout for tiles with the same minimum amount of water, and then again mix it the same way each time. Saturating the entire installation before grouting will help control the hydration of the polymer grout. It is very important to use only the same lot numbers. If you have to use separate batch numbers, do try to blend them to obtain a uniform color.

How to apply polymer based grout

• Mix the Shawar Conchem polymer based grout in a clean mixing container using clean water that is suitable for drinking.
• You should always add the powder to the liquid.
• Mix the grout till it reaches a heavy cream consistency and then allow it to rest for five to ten minutes.
•  Then thoroughly mix it again until it is very smooth. During this mixing do not add any more water.
• The quantity of the ready mixture should only be that much, as can be used in the next 30 minutes.
•  Thoroughly and properly clean the joints before applying the polymer modified grout.
•  The most consistent color can be obtained by using a firm rubber float to fill and compact grout joints neatly and properly.
•  Remove excess grout from the surface with the help of a rubber float and then wait a few minutes and let it set.
•  Allow the grout joint to go slightly firm. When the joints are firm and you can see the surface, polish with a very soft, and clean cloth.
•  Dampen the cloth lightly to clean the tiles.

 Curing of the polymer grout

Proper curing of the grout is very important for the grout to achieve its full strength. After the polish of the surface, you should wait for 24 hours, and after that damp mop the entire installation with clean and clear potable water, and then cover the complete installation with a non-staining craft paper for at least three days. If this is not possible, then mist the grout several times a day for at least three days.

Polymer grouts are by far the most popular types of grout and they can be used virtually everywhere that a tile is installed. However, even grouts containing latex additives are porous to some extent and are subject to staining. All cementitious grouts need to be sealed properly with a penetrating sealer every year or two to ensure that they remain stain-free and fully waterproof.

Polymer grout vs epoxy grout

 Polymer based grouts have as their main component Portland cement,  the filler particles of different sizes, an additive that is water-retentive, and colored pigments. Polymer grouts are the traditional grouting material that is used mostly in residential applications like bathrooms and kitchens, as well as some commercial applications as well. Cementitious grouts come in a wide range of colors that give you an option to match or contrast with the tile. This grout is mixed with water and then applied with a trowel. The water retentive agent present in this type of grout delays the drying time, allowing the cement to cure slowly for maximum hardness.

However epoxy grout material comprises several components, including epoxy resin, epoxy curing agent, polymer material, high polymer filling material, and others. The primary ingredients of this grout chemically react with each other to form the grout material. Epoxy grout does not contain water or portland cement which makes it different from the regular and traditional grout.

Polymer tile grout price is more affordable and is often recommended for applications where large volumes are required. This type of grout is also used in places where high temperature is involved. It is especially used to bond and secures the rock anchors in concrete or rock. It is very effective against moisture so it is used in dams, bridges, and other marine structures.

On the other hand, epoxy grout is more expensive.

Polymer grout is not only durable, but it is also available in various color options. So, it is very easy to create a mixture that matches or contrasts the tiles.

It is essentially a cement-based grout combined with polymers.

Epoxy grout is slightly difficult for application. We are the manufacturers and suppliers of the best quality polymer-based grout in India and offer very competitive tile grout prices. You can go through the various quality products and services that we provide so that the construction process of your home or any other project is hassle-free and enjoyable.