Everything you need to know about epoxy grout
If you notice cracks or holes in your bricks or tiles, especially in places with high traffic, you would want to fix them to reinstate the aesthetic appeal of the affected area. Epoxy grout is one substance that is suitable for such fillings and repairs. Epoxy grout is highly valued because of its effectiveness in fixing cracked spaces and reinforcing the stability of the areas they are applied to.
This article explains what epoxy grout is, its benefits and how to apply it. We also recommend some high-quality epoxy grout for your usage.
What Is Epoxy Grout
Epoxy grout is an adhesive that is used to fill cracks and holes in solid surfaces like bricks and tiles. Epoxy grout consists of two components which are the hardener and the resin. When mixed, a chemical reaction occurs that makes this substance work as an adhesive. Tilers usually use epoxy grout to hold their tiles together to ensure they are in place and sturdy.
Epoxy grouts come in different colors. They are not as cheap as teh regular grout but this is a reflection of their durability, beautiful appearances, and quality.
Pros And Cons Of Epoxy Grout
Epoxy grouts have their pros and cons, including:
Pros
- Versatile
Epoxy grout can work with a wide range of bricks and tile surfaces. It is suitable for use on porcelain, stone, and other types of tiles.
- Durable
Epoxy grouts are more durable than the regular tile grouts. They can be stronger than concrete.
- High Resistance
A good side of epoxy grout is its resistance to chemicals. This is why it can be used on a wide range of surfaces. In companies and industries where chemicals are used, epoxy grouts are suitable for plugging holes and fixing cracks as they will be able to stand the test of time.
Epoxy grout is also resistant to moisture, water, and damp.Therefore it can be used on wet places. It is suitable for joining diverse kinds of tiles to cement.
- Easily Maintained
Epoxy grout is easy to maintain. Because it does not absorb water, it is resistant to dirt that can get trapped in between tiles and other sensitive joints.
- Retains Its Color
Epoxy grout retains its color even when it is exposed to ultraviolet light. This consistency is a quality that makes it suitable for use on many surfaces as it is easy to manage. Also, it makes it a better alternative to the regular grout.
Cons
- Long Application Time
A con to using epoxy grout is its long application time. That is, you have to apply it about two days before the tiles are installed.
- It Is Expensive
Epoxy grout is more expensive than other grout options. It costs more than cement grouts.
- Must Be Well Managed
Epoxy grouts can be sticky. If not well managed, it can become sticky and create a mess.
- Not Easily Handled
It might be too sticky for some people to handle with ease.
What Are The Benefits Of Epoxy Grout
There are many benefits that come with using epoxy grout. Here are some of them:
It Can Be Used As A Sealant
One benefit of epoxy grout is that it can act as a sealant for your tiles. It is suitable as a sealant for such surfaces as walls, countertops, and floors.
It Works For All Tiles
Epoxy tiles can be used for many types of tiles. It is most suitable for use on porcelain tiles Because it is resistant to moisture and water.
Protects Your Surface From Chemicals
Epoxy grout is resistant to chemicals. This means any surface it is used on is protected from chemical penetrations.
It Can Be Used To Create Different Styles
You can mix epoxy grout with different pigments to get different color types. Your creativity can come to bear in the designs you want from your epoxy grout. You can choose to add different pigments to make the mixture have different colors and create a unique theme.
Ease Of Maintenance
Epoxy grout can be easily cleaned. It does not retain stains.
Aesthetically Appealing
Epoxy grouts have many colors you can choose from. You can choose to design your home with unique colors and create a theme of your own. Also, It has a glossy sheen appearance to it that makes it attractive.
How To Clean Epoxy Grout
Cleaning epoxy grout is one easy thing to do. Epoxy grout is easy to maintain as it does not take on stains easily. Cleaning it does not include regrouting the entire thing. To clean your epoxy grout, you will need to get a mixture of dishwashing liquid and vinegar.
With a brush, apply the mixture to the surface and brush it thoroughly. You can do this every once weekly to ensure that the tiles remain shining.
How To Apply Epoxy Grout
Applying epoxy grout calls for much carefulness. Properly applying epoxy grout has a lot to do with its Effectiveness and appearance. If it is not properly installed, the grout can easily crack when drying up. Here are some pro tips for handling your epoxy putty right:
Ensure The Epoxy Grout As Well As The Title Are Clean
A dirty epoxy grout or tile will impact the effectiveness of the grout. If the grout does not adhere properly to the surface, it can cause stains on the tiles and leave it dirty.
Make The Epoxy With Your Preferred Color
You would need to mix the epoxy grout thoroughly to ensure that the hardener and the resin are properly mixed. Ensure the color is mixed into the grout thoroughly to attain a uniform appearance.
Apply The Grout To The Surface
Once the grout is mixed and your surface is clean it is time for application. Apply the grout with pressure to ensure that it is well pressed into the tiles. Ensure you maintain a uniform thickness. 1/16th inches is a suitable thickness.
When applying the grout, always wipe off all excesses. This will help you avoid excess grouts staining other surfaces or mounting up. Once the grout is dried, cleaning it or taking out the excesses will be difficult.
Let It Cure
After application, leave your epoxy grout to cure overnight.
How To Mix Epoxy Grout
If you mix a proxy grout properly you get the best results when it is applied. mixing the epoxy grout is systematic. Here are the steps to mix it properly:
- In a bucket, mix the hardener and resin. Get a bucket that is large enough to contain the quantity of epoxy grout you want to mix.
- Pour the resin in the bucket and add the hardener. Mix thoroughly and slowly until you attain a uniform color. You can use a professional mixer to get the best result.
- Mix all the aggregate for a space of 3 minutes.
- Take out the mixer and pour the grout on the surface you are working on
How To Tell If You Have Epoxy Grout
Sometimes you might be confused whether the grout is epoxy or not. Here is how to tell if you have epoxy grout:
Check Out The Price
Usually, epoxy grout is more expensive than the regular grout. Whereas epoxy grout costs a high amount because of their uniqueness and function, the regular grout costs way lesser. For instance a pre-mixed epoxy grout will cost about $20 while the regular epoxy will cost about $3.
Check Out To The Color
Epoxy grouts usually have dark colors. This is a factor that also separates them from the regular grout.
Take Note Of The Smell
Epoxy grouts usually have stronger smells compared to the regular grouts.
Take Note Of The Mixing
Mixing epoxy grout with your hand is not the easiest thing to do. This is why there is a difference between the pre-mixed epoxy grout and the one you mix on your own. Trying to mix your grout with water may be difficult. This can be a proof that it is an epoxy.
Epoxy Grout Colors
One impressive quality of epoxy grout is their aesthetic appeal. This is not just because of the quality of the material but also due to the color they come in. Epoxy grouts come in a wide range of colors. If you want a different color for each room of your home, you can make it happen because there are many colors to choose from.
Epoxy grouts come in many colors including blue, red, yellow, orange, white, gray, green, purple, and so on. There are also metallic epoxy grouts that come in such colors and shades as gold, silver, bronze, and platinum.
These different colors are suitable for different areas. A mixture of them is also suitable for many surfaces. For instance, you can mix white or gray with red to achieve a room design with a strong definition and a soft, subtle feel.
Blue epoxy grout on tiles is suitable for a sauna or pool. Having a mixture of colors like gold and black or gray can make your bathroom or room look sophisticated and classy. Having platinum and white can instantly elevate your rooms, countertops, or walls, giving them more elegance and style.
You can choose to have a mosaic design with different colors. If your tiles are patterned, you can have different parts of them featuring different colors and shades. An advantage of having this multi colors available for epoxy grout is the creativity it can unleash. You can have a combination of different colors to create a unique design or theme. When it comes to combining colors, your wildest imagination can be brought to life.
Where To Buy Epoxy Grouts
You can buy quality epoxy grout from many sellers and manufacturers. To ensure you get the best products, you can shop from Amazon, Lowes, and Home Depot. Here are some great products to try:
This epoxy grout is a highly preferred choice. It is resistant to stains. It is easy to install and does not require any sealing. It is most suitable for filling joint widths that range from 1/16th to ⅜ inches. It is easy to clean. Maintaining it is easy as it only requires water to wipe off every stain or dirt from it.
Laticrete SpectraLOCK Pro Premium Mini Parts A&B
This epoxy grout weighing 2lb is highly durable and functional. It stays longer on surfaces when applied properly. It is resistant to stain and easy to clean making it one of the top choices for a wide range of surfaces. It is suitable for use on stone, glass, and ceramic surfaces. Installing this epoxy grout is easy because it is designed for easy use. This epoxy grout is highly rated by users and celebrated for its smart results.
Custom CUSTOM-PMG381QT-1, Bright White PMG381QT Simple Premium Grout
This is another impressive epoxy grout to try out. It is created with bright white colors and is suitable for use in areas with limited spaces. The white color gives the illusion of a larger space. One good part of this epoxy grout is that it has been pre-mixed. All you have to do is to purchase it and set to use it.
It is resistant to stain as well as shrinkages and cracks. It is suitable for use in joints that are between 1/16 to ½ inches wide. Whether you are designing a new surface or you are repairing your grout, this grout can aid your restoration as well as help make your new project link as stunning as can be. It is highly adhesive and is built for longevity.
Conclusion
Epoxy grout is an adhesive that is used to mend and fill cracks and holes. It can be used on different brick and tile surfaces. They come in a wide range of colors and can be combined to create different designs. They are easy to maintain and are durable. Epoxy grouts are resistant to chemicals, moisture, and water. You can get quality epoxy grouts from Lowes, Amazon, and Home Depot.
