Jim Whitfield, manager of Technical Services at Mapei told industry professionals, “Because epoxy grout is so tough, it wears extremely well. It doesn't wear down over time and become a tile gutter—like cement grout can—where all the dirt and liquid and junk collects.” Epoxy grout is a reactive grout.
Unlike other grout options, epoxy grout does not need to be sealed. Many professionals now opt for epoxy grout over other options because of its unmatched strength and low maintenance.
Sanded grout is better for spaces larger than 1/8 of an inch because unsanded grout shrinks during the curing process. Use unsanded or epoxy grout for spaces smaller than 1/8 of an inch. Grout is also for creating a nice-looking finish to your tile, so its color is important.
Because sand has a significant grit, there is a higher chance of it scratching delicate tiles such as marble or limestone. Sanded grout is best used with floor tiles, ceramic tiles, natural stone tiles, and porcelain tiles.
Litokol Starlike grout is ideal for porcelain tiles. Starlike grout is a high-quality epoxy grout that is easy to work with and completely non-toxic, making it safe for installers, consumers, pets, and the environment. It's durability makes it ideal for both indoor and outdoor applications.
2. Unsanded Grout Provides A Better Hold On Vertical Surfaces. If you've ever installed a shower before, chances are that you used unsanded grout. Unsanded grout is extremely sticky, because it has no additional sand or aggregate added to it.
Epoxy grouts are the most durable of all grout choices because they are resistant to stains and water damage, and will hold up against harsh cleaners (please don't use harsh acidic cleaners on our tile!).
You can apply new grout right over the top of the old grout. To do this, all you need is a grout removal tool. Use the tool to strike out the old grout, making sure the depth is at least 2mm, which is about the thickness of two dimes stacked one on top of the other.
Choosing lighter colors blends your design together. Darker colors create a more dramatic effect. The shade you pick relies on what you are trying to accomplish in your design. If you want to highlight the pattern your tile creates, a contrasting color is best.
What do professionals use to clean grout? Whether you believe it or not, most professionals use a solution of white vinegar and water with a 1:1 ratio. This solution is often more effective than dedicated Ph-neutral grout cleaners.
For standard patterns like offset or straight set, we recommend a 3/16” grout joint size. If you'd like a tighter install,1/8" is the absolute minimum size we suggest. However, if you want to install a more intricate pattern like parquet or herringbone, you may have to use a larger grout line.
It comes premixed, the colors are super accurate, it's stain resistant, crack resistant, can be used indoors & out, and it doesn't need sealed. It really speeds up the process, is low maintenance, and easy to clean. They also have corresponding grout caulk colors, which is wonderful because I like everything to match.
The real strengths of epoxy grout are water absorption, strength, and chemical resistance. Epoxy absorbs about 50-times less water than traditional cement grouts, has double the strength, and chemical resistance that stands up to even the toughest environments.
Our unique technology allows for the complete dispersion of water during mixing and slaking. WDT helps make these grout products stronger and denser than ever before, providing 20% stronger* grout joints and up to 30% higher stain resistance*.
Before you decide to regrout, evaluate the state of the existing grout. If it's severely damaged, crumbling, or has mold, it may be necessary to remove it entirely.
Tiles with a square edge need to have the grout finished flush with the tiled surface. Tiles with a cushion or radius edge should have the grout finished to the bottom of the cushion or radius.
A dedicated grout rake or a Stanley blade is best for removing existing grout. Grout rakes can be both mechanical and electric. Any electric grout rake is usually 240V and has variable speeds. The Rubi Grout Remover helps to remove grout surrounding ceramic and porcelain tiles.
While the tile industry does not require sealing, it is always recommended, especially in wet or high-traffic areas. Penetrating sealers are the most commonly used and offer high water, chemical and stain resistance. They provide protection without changing the appearance of the grout joint.
Epoxy grout won't crack, shrink, or discolour, making it ideal for applying in wet areas, such as showers. It's also highly resistant to the harsh chemicals found in cleaning products. As an added bonus, unlike traditional cement grout, epoxy grout does not need to be sealed, due to its non-porous nature.
Sanded Grout Is Best for Floors
Because sanded grout is stronger, denser, and generally more durable than unsanded grout, it's the preferred grout for tile floors. First, tile floors typically have wider joints, which require sanded grout.
Tiny pinholes or cracks may appear due to your house shifting down a teeny bit deeper into the soil, causing minute changes in the structure. Another reason may be because there was too much water in the grout mix. When that water evaporated, it left behind big holes in the grout that you can see.
Thinset (also called thinset mortar, thinset cement, dryset mortar, or drybond mortar) is an adhesive mortar made of cement, fine sand and a water-retaining agent such as an alkyl derivative of cellulose. It is usually used to attach tile or stone to surfaces such as cement or concrete.
The many uses of tile caulk
Any area that could allow moisture to accumulate is ripe for mold and mildew. Protect your home by filling gaps between countertops and backsplashes, in corners, or anywhere you have tile.