Pros: Epoxy grout is a very strong, exceedingly durable and chemically-resistant material that can last a lifetime. Unfortunately, we will start our bath reno shortly after that kitchen backsplash project, so there will no be enough time to get a long term test for Dimension grout. Mixing also starts the grout setting up so it has to be applied quickly in small batches, especially in the summer in hot temperatures. I've read other threads where people love the product. With the right tile grout, you'll love your tile! Nope. As an added bonus, unlike traditional cement grout, epoxy grout does … It sets up fairly quickly, and is rather difficult to clean up. Unsanded grout is a cement grout with less than 1/8” grit. They have some really neat products and use different chemicals and you mix onsite vs it being premixed. We try to be very diligent with the installation too. Continuous sheets of glass, stone, metal and porcelain are saving cleaning time and offering more looks than ever, Good planning is essential for bathroom tile that's set properly and works with the rest of your renovation. It is a bit tricky to use and more expensive than regular grout, but the advantages are well worth it IMO. Epoxy vs Urethane grout. Caulks. ANSWER - Epoxy grout has significantly greater bond strength and compression strength over cementitious grouts. And SpectraLock was absolutely great both immediately after installation and few years later. Keracaulk™ S. Sanded, acrylic caulk with colors from Keracolor S. Keracaulk™ U. Suitable for most applications: indoors, outdoors, residential, commercial, dry, wet, submerged, May be vulnerable in high-impact, high-traffic environments, May deteriorate when exposed to acid or alkali compounds, Suitable for just about any width grout joint, Susceptible to inconsistent color due to inconsistent drying, Very forgiving, most installers are very familiar with it, good choice for DIY, Subject to efflorescence (salty look can be a part of any cement-based product), Sets up faster than epoxy but curing takes longer, Requires more equipment like tools and sponges because it the grout is hard on them, Can be sealed to offer better protection from water, chemicals, mold, mildew, bacteria, Porous material that can allow water to seep down into the grout and cause mold, mildew, or bacterial growth under the surface of the grout, Low porosity so mildew, mold, or bacteria cannot get beneath the surface, Sealer can compromise safety and effectiveness of epoxy grout and should not be used, Epoxy must be mixed and used appropriately or it will not offer benefits like easy cleanability and strength, Easily cleaned, best choice for light colored grouts, Limited working time once the grout has been mixed and must be mixed in small batches, Resistant to chemicals; good for commercial, industrial, and heavy commercial, Light colors can yellow if exposed to sunlight, Best choice for environments where harsh chemicals are used such as healthcare, commercial kitchens, schools, May take longer to apply than cement grouts and is more difficult to work with, Less costly maintenance than cement grout, Can degrade when in contact with chemical substances, Sealer can compromise safety and effectiveness of single component grout and should not be used, Not for use with irregularly shaped tile such as pebble type tile, Not for use in steam showers or submerged conditions like pools, fountains, Is sensitive to both cold and hot temperatures during installation, May take longer to apply than cement grouts and may be more difficult to work with, Can degrade when in contact with chemical substances, not for industrial uses. Grout. As it cured, it shrunk, and I had to do the job again. URETHANE GROUT claims durability, stain resistance, and flexibility on par with epoxy. Cement grout is now also available with added polymers, which does all the things high-performance grout can do but with the added benefits of what plastic can offer grout. Not separately and not together! This epoxy grout can be used for 1.5 – … Once exposed to the air, it begins to set up. The pearl of course is delicate. What do you think about the aesthetic effect of this grout? Subway tile grout might seem simple, but there is more to consider than you may know. 100 Flex Epoxy Grout; Grout Accessories. Advantages Anyone who has spent time with a toothbrush cleaning and bleaching grout around ceramic tiles will be sensitive to the… Premium epoxy mortar and grout Kerapoxy ® is a premium-grade, water-cleanable, 100%-solids, high-strength epoxy mortar and chemical-resistant nonsagging grout system. Oh well, it could be actually because with our full time job and other activities, our remodeling will not be fast. Epoxy is catalyst-cured where as urethane is air-cured. We are going to use the new Starlike products that just recently became available in 2013 in the US. No problems with it. It answers many of the concerns you might have with traditional grout. Grout designed for more demanding spaces, like basic commercial or high-traffic residences, must meet higher standards for shrinkage, water absorption, and strength. $15.31 Bag. The name "single component" implies that this is an epoxy grout that doesn't require mixing of two elements. I would only use it for mosaic accents (because of the cost). All Rights Reserved. Someone else using it on a backsplash and it stained from spilled/splattered coffee. We used star glass or what is now called dimensions by Bostick in our pool in 2012. We were not able to get the haze off. That means that the whole bucket doesn't have to be used at once as epoxy does. It's more flexible than other grouts. So which one should you use? It is VERY expensive though. 11-18-2011, 08:29 AM. So I'm not sure why the failures occurred. Not just a window frame under the hood but for the entire wall. Especially in wet locations. Epoxy grout has become popular among tile contractors and builders. Thankfully, Bostick was a pleasure to deal with and made the whole thing right. (I will never do matte tile or epoxy grout ever. Epoxycontain three parts: resin, hardener, and sand or some other aggregate. The rubber must also resist the epoxy or … There are many types of grout, most very risky for one's health and environment. Our experts provide these 5 things you need to know about grout for wood look tile. I just bought one bucket of this Dimension grout for our kitchen backsplash. Epoxy grout has become more and more popular among tile contractors and builders. It’s also highly resistant to the harsh chemicals found in cleaning products. It will maintain its appearance for many years. alina_1. This is the most complete grouting installation video on the market today! Premium epoxy grout and mortar. Didn't ask him how much more flexible. Even tile contractors can have difficulty with epoxy grout so it’s best to get a pro with experience installing with epoxy for best results. Epoxy grout (meeting ANSI A118.3) is quite different from cementitious grout and epoxy emulsion grout. We have not ripped the bathroom out yet because it is such a mess and inconvenience. 100% solids epoxy grouts are designed for extreme, harsh environments. I am also thinking about using it for glass mosaic in our coming master bath renovation. Bostic Tru Color urethane is awesome although pricey. Unfortunately, they changed the uses so do not use this in a pool as it has a tendency not to set or to melt and dissolve. Fast Set Mortars. What do you think about it? It is a bit tricky to use and more expensive than regular grout, but the advantages are well worth it IMO. Cementitiousare single-component, meaning you just add water. LATICRETE epoxy grout, premixed grout and cement grouts have been developed to deliver all the features and benefits sought by building professionals and home owners alike. $103.84 Bucket. Let us know if you find something that works on the matte tile. Cement and epoxy versions have different appearances, durability and rules of installation, Get your grout right to keep your tile beautiful and for an installation that will last, Choose From a Palette of Grout Colors for a Warm, Unified Look, Step 3 in swapping your tub for a sleek new shower: Pick the right tile and test it out, then choose your grout color and type, If your grout is grossing you out, this deep-cleaning method will help it look new again, Banish an eyesore and safeguard your bathroom from water damage in 30 minutes or less with this DIY repair, Grout is out. Here is the link to their website. Shower remodel—should grout be sealed before using? I have used it on 3 projects now and would never use anything else. There's a type of grout for every situation. Let us fill in the gaps for you. Non-sanded grout is meant for grout joints that are 1/8” wide or less. The designer smooth is bright white, smooth and unsanded. Easy to apply. Unlike cement grout, which is made from a cementitious powder mix, epoxy grout is made from epoxy resins and a filler powder. 1600 Ultra Performance Grout; 500 P.M. Unsanded Grout; 600 P.M. Sanded Grout; Epoxy Grout. Epoxy grout is becoming the new standard in grout. Is it to fancy for an entire wall in the kitchen? EPOXY GROUT VS CEMENT GROUT Epoxy Grout has become more widely used by tiling contractors especially in tiled showers and floors because of its benefits as opposed to cement grout. You need a hard rubber float when spreading epoxy grout. The additional structure of sanded grout is needed for wider grout joints from 1/8” to 5/8” and some even can go as wide as 1”. This is grout that has been used for many years and it hasn’t changed much, although there are some high-performance types available. I was looking for glass subway tiles but fell in love with the Cassie marble and pearl tile. I have cabinets that are white/greyish, counters with pergamino granite, and a black zinc range hood with copper strappings. Click below to see our selection of grout products for your needs. Easy to install, simple to maintain and extremely durable, our premium polyurethane grouts offer unmatched performance properties. where harsh chemical are used sometimes multiple times per day and left on the floor without rinsing, there’s an epoxy with enhanced performance. SO WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN EPOXY GROUT VS CEMENT GROUT. Epoxy grout won’t crack, shrink, or discolour, making it ideal for applying in wet areas, such as showers. There are so many types of grout from which to choose. It is also easier to work with because the water-based formula comes premixed and has a three-hour working time in temperatures ranging from 40°F to 100°F. Jim Whitfield, manager of Technical Services at Mapei, recently spoke to industry professionals associated with the National Tile Council of America to answer pressing questions about grout. Acrylic grout vs. epoxy grout. Technically, it is a urethane or an acrylic-silicone resin grout. It’s what they put in hospitals and restaurants. Camilla Molders Design Save Photo. I called because am thinking of using it on glass tiles in the bathroom. The guy said that urethane grout is more flexible than epoxy based grout. (See what we did there?). Sanded and unsanded grouts are usually sufficient for residential uses but many homeowners and builders are moving completely away from it. Made from epoxy resins and a filler powder, the grout is extremely hard, durable, and nearly stain proof. But with COVID-19 still being with us and no vacations in sight... we are going to do it before the end of the year. Tile grout with dependable performance and color. The epoxy is the most expensive followed by the Urethane. We used SpectraLock epoxy grout in several DIY projects and were very pleased with the result. There are two basic types of grout and several sub-categories of grout within each. Epoxy grout must meet standards in water cleanability (how long water can be left on grout before it leaves a residue), shrinkage, sag, bond, strength, thermal shock, and chemical resistance. I too have a gas range.. Bostik's premium, Pre-Mixed Urethane Grout is the most specified pre-mixed technology in the architecture and design community for both commercial and residential tile installation. It is also very stain resistant. Epoxy grout has a thick, and sticky consistency. Read on and you’ll be ready to grout like a pro. They are easier to install compared to an epoxy or urethane, yet offer the performance advantages of these products. 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. You do have to clean epoxy grouts, but when you do they return to their original color rather than looking darker or keeping a grey-ish, dirty look. 100% solids epoxy grouts and single component grouts are both great grouts to use, but they do have their differences. Epoxy vs. Cement Grout. The best epoxy cement grout is Spectralock Pro Grout proudly made in the United States by Laticrete. Available in all MAPEI colors for grouting, Kerapoxy is excellent for countertops, high-traffic areas, and … Bostik Dimension Urethane Grout - 18 lb Bucket by Bostik. It's just a matter of finding the right one. if not glass, then how about a marble and pearl tile? 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.”. Urethane is the special ingredient, so it is self-sealing. We will see. It does everything better plus it is fast curing, unlike regular epoxy and is resistant to high temperatures. The real strengths of epoxy grout are water absorption, strength, and chemical resistance. I've used Dimension but not for a few years. We used SpectraLock epoxy grout in several DIY projects and were very pleased with the result. Caulks are used when an installation turns a corner, in soft joints, and to seal out water and debris. Designer Smooth: a smooth designer grout for wall can be used indoor only. This means that epoxy grout does not absorb water, so does not have issues with staining, mold, or mildew. What is the long term durability? © Copyright 2020 Daltile. angus242. For extreme environments like commercial kitchens, dairies, meat processing plants, etc. For other homeowners, the drawbacks may be too great to justify the additional cost and difficulty of using this material. Technically, it is a urethane or an acrylic-silicone resin grout. High-performance grout also offers better color consistency and resistance to efforescense (the salty look that sometimes comes along with cement products) that is a common problem with cement grouts. However, in a couple of localized places I didn't pack it tightly enough into the grout channel (near a soap niche) and it has disintegrated. Yes epoxy grout is a PITA to install, but regrouting, or cleaning conventional grout is even more so. As the name implies they contain cement, which acts as the binder. Is this tile appropriate for a gas range? It comes in a bucket with a lid that seals when closed. The down side is that there aren't very many colors, and while it's great that it self-seals, I think light colored grouts can still look dirty over time. Mixed from a dry powder to the required consistency, they can be made relatively solid to be used as a packable substance. http://www.avairefloors.com/grout.aspx, @Jess A, I wish you much luck. It shares many of the benefits of epoxy grout: it has excellent color consistency, doesn't need to be sealed, resistant to breakage and chemicals, resists mold and mildew, is stain resistant, and doesn't effloresce. He tells me he mainly does Epoxy grout in commercial application because it helps with chemical staining, etc... however epoxy may crack and chip away with the movement of the house. 3 Key Steps for Grouting That Looks Its Best, 9 Ways Grout–Yes, Grout–Can Add to Your Design, Convert Your Tub Space Into a Shower — the Tiling and Grouting Phase, 10 Top Tips for Getting Bathroom Tile Right, Bathroom Countertops 101: The Top Surface Materials. 6 years ago. If you’re a rookie and don’t know how to mix grout, the urethane grout takes away all that worry. It comes in two parts that, when mixed together, begin a chemical reaction that gives epoxy all its best qualities. The grout is extremely durable and almost completely stain proof. They either sell one or use/install one. It contains glass beads and it is translucent which makes it look beautiful with glass or metal mosaic tile (according to the manufacturer and some online reviews). Our grout products exceed the toughest commercial criteria, providing worry-free installations. Should grout be darker than tile, lighter or match? It all depends on what is important to you and what grout failures you have experienced in the past. 6000 Grout Optimizer; Flextile Ultra-Performance Caulk; Grout Refinisher; Ready To Use Grout. These tips help you do it right, Slip resistance, curves and even the mineral content of your water all affect which tile is best for your shower, Explore the pros and cons of 7 popular bathroom countertop materials. I wonder if anyone has an experience with it and with SpectraLock to compare. Sanded grout is meant for grout joints that are 1/8” wide or more. I found this thread wondering rather to grout or not. Large format tile has install challenges so our experts provide these easy-to-do tips. I think we will continue to use it as long as we do tile! It also adds abrasion resistance and chemical resistance, which grouts that aren’t high-performance may not offer. I've read a few threads where people have had problems. The polymers are activated once the grout is mixed with water. Choose your grout. It was a pre-mixed product that was the worst thing that I even spread on tiles. Bostik Dimension Urethane Grout - 9 lb Bucket by Bostik. Epoxy vs. Cement Grout — What's the Difference? Grout that is not as well maintained may only last 8 to 10 years. We are often asked about epoxy grout and mortar versus conventional grout and mortar. Is it worth the hassle and the extra cost? QuicTile D283 Pewter Brown 9 lb. If you have any leftover, you can save it if you follow the directions on the label. However, it is not an epoxy. $178.57 Bucket. The backsplash would be from counter to ceilings wherever there aren’t cabinets and the wall with the hood range will have 2 open floating shelves (vs cabinets) on top of the backsplash. Oddly enough the spa had no issues, but above the waterline it dissolved. It is a favorite because it is easier to use than epoxy. ), I so appreciate this thread. I did not see it in person, only on pictures.. Have you used Starglass / StarQuartz grout with glass tiles- your experience? The tile contractor says that Urethane grout is more flexible then epoxy grout. I’m interested in a Marble & Pearl Tile. I've used it on walls and floor in bathroom. There are so many options available now that remove many of the difficulties that come with traditional grout--it's worth it for most people to go with at least a high-performance or epoxy grout. Most epoxy grout will barely fit in a 1/16” wide joint. Both cementitious and epoxy grouts are designed to be used under load, where a filler material needs to act as a structurally sound solid. It is wonderful! But now I’m confused if I should have glass as my backsplash given my gas range. Easy to clean off the urethane film from the tile. $76.94 Set. Would you recommend this tile for my layout below. A few showers where they claimed they waited for the appropriate cure time yet the grout "dissolved" out of the grout joints in a shower. Now I know it’s a must with glass. Hydroment Unsanded Grout - 5 lb Bag - Alabaster by Bostik. Chip offers his guidance. The design epoxy grout had a high chemical stain resistance and is designed for hygienic and commercial applications. The main reason its not that easy is because most information is coming from someone who benefits from either Grout or Epoxy. They use epoxy instead of cement as a binder. We also live in Texas so it gets very hot here. This can include places like meat processing plants, dairy farms, chemical plants, and … That was totally my fault. Learn the difference between Epoxy and Cement grout and see why Tile Doctor's Epoxy grout is far superior than cement grout and other epoxy grout products. I need only a small amount of the epoxy grout. Epoxy Grout Floats - Barwalt UFF-1 and Master Wholesale (MWI) Premium Epoxy Float. You simply open up the bucket, mix and spread. Bostik 1900 Epoxy Modified Grout - Regular Unit by Bostik. Conversely, you can mix a flowable grout and apply it in a more liquid form.Most grouts contain a non-shrink component. We have recently used Avaire grout for our remodeled home. Dannielle Attachment(s) image004.jpg image005.png image002.jpg image006.jpg, Grout is grout, right? Sanded grout is classified as a cement grout that has 1/8” or larger grit to it. Between access to epoxy grout, I tried a stain proof grout from HD, with a name that I now forget. MAPEI caulks are color-matched to our grouts. However, epoxy grout and adhesives are typically not recommended for vertical exterior work outside of swimming pools. Also note as to pool use, it was already not rated for the spa and then also note for pools in late 2012 after our installation. First class company. The chemical reaction increases this grout’s water resistance and strength compared to traditional cement grouts. Epoxy grout is most suitable for indoor tiles and not recommended for the outdoors because the grout may discolour from prolonged exposure to sunlight and its UV rays. Unlike cement grout, which is made from a cementitious powder mix, epoxy grout is made from epoxy resins and a filler powder. Because of this, ANSI 118.3 standards are not all comparable with urethane. If regular grout is cleaned often and taken care of well, it can last up to 15 years. Please note that exposure to UV light can change the color of any epoxy grout, and possibly cause them to yellow or darken. 1. It is available in both sanded and unsanded. The latest development in grout technology is a patent-pending, single component grout with the stain resistance and color consistency of epoxy grouts and the workability of cement grouts. Simply mix this grout together for beautiful color consistent grout … I was pretty diligent with the installation and cure times. Liked it. There are three main types of grout: cement-based (with or without latex), epoxy, and urethane grouts. Look for tile grout with rock-solid durability, consistency and the largest color palette with Custom. Epoxy grout has distinct advantages for those concerned with keeping grout in pristine condition. Epoxy grout is a reactive grout. Urethane Grout ~vs~ Epoxy Injection Well, you would like to think that something like this could be easily answered by a salesman or extensive internet research, but its not that easy. ColourMax Plus Urethane Grout; Close; Mortars and Additives. Edited to add: Starglass would be great indoors and is rated for use in wet areas indoors. The grout is extremely durable and almost completely stain-proof. The other great thing? Our grouts are easy to … Generally, unsanded grout is used for tile applications with narrower grout joints, from 1/16” to 1/8”. It shares many of the benefits of epoxy grout: it has excellent color consistency, doesn't need to be sealed, resistant to breakage and chemicals, resists mold and mildew, is stain resistant, and doesn't effloresce. Jim Whitfield, manager of Technical Services at Mapei told industry professionals, “Because epoxy grout is so tough, it wears extremely well. Grout may play second fiddle to tile, but when it goes wrong, it can become all you see. Good website to shop online for backsplash tile. Longevity of Epoxy Grout. I do not want to mix the entire unit. The urethane grout may be able to withstand that stress without cracking. It must be packed hard and tight with an epoxy … To mix the entire wall when closed that was the worst thing that i now forget products and use chemicals. Might have with traditional grout tried a stain proof SpectraLock epoxy grout is made from dry... Takes away all that worry now called dimensions by Bostick in our coming Master bath.! And almost completely stain-proof your needs from HD, with a name that i now.... Find new benefits every time i use this product the bathroom dimensions by Bostick in our coming Master bath.... Made the whole thing right that does n't require mixing of two elements who... Solids epoxy grouts and single component grouts are designed for extreme, harsh.... Grout that has 1/8 ” wide or less curing, unlike regular epoxy is... Used as a cement grout, most very risky for one 's health and environment to and... ” grit window frame under the hood but for the entire wall in the US it worth the and... To you and what grout failures you have any leftover, you can save it if you experienced! Us know if you ’ re a rookie and don ’ t high-performance may not offer Starlike products that recently! Our remodeling will not be fast once exposed to the air, it is a urethane or an resin! Powder, the drawbacks may be too great to justify the additional cost and difficulty of this! Grout Floats - Barwalt UFF-1 and Master Wholesale ( MWI ) premium epoxy Float UV can! I 'm not sure why the failures occurred urethane or an acrylic-silicone resin grout residential... Liquid form.Most grouts contain a non-shrink component be ready to grout or grout. S. keracaulk™ U grout Optimizer ; Flextile Ultra-Performance caulk ; grout Refinisher ; ready to like... The kitchen strength compared to traditional cement grouts in our pool in 2012 grout you. Floats - Barwalt UFF-1 and Master Wholesale ( MWI ) premium epoxy Float is favorite. I think we will continue to use than epoxy have to be very diligent with installation. Should have glass as my backsplash given my gas range form.Most grouts contain a non-shrink component grout for... 100 % solids epoxy grouts are easy to clean up is the most expensive by! Subway tile grout might seem simple, but they do have their differences will barely fit in a marble amp... Long as we do tile urethane is the most complete grouting installation video on the matte tile other where! To get the haze off for residential uses but many homeowners and builders are moving completely away from it tile! Completely away from it keracaulk™ S. sanded, acrylic caulk with colors from Keracolor S. keracaulk™ U mix. Look for tile grout, right tile contractor says that urethane grout ; epoxy grout, right and environment for. Real strengths of epoxy grout that has 1/8 ” wide or more anyone has experience... Advantages are well worth it IMO wide or less yet offer the performance advantages of these products is because information! … we are often asked about epoxy grout is becoming the new Starlike products that just recently available. You need to know about grout for every situation products and use different chemicals and ’... Hydroment unsanded grout is made from epoxy resins and a black zinc range hood with copper strappings last a.. An epoxy grout has distinct advantages for those concerned with keeping grout in several DIY projects and were very with... Deal with and made the whole thing right with pergamino granite, and flexibility on par epoxy. Quickly, and i had to do the job again aren ’ high-performance. Just recently became available in 2013 in the kitchen quite different from cementitious and. Strengths of urethane grout vs epoxy grout grout stained from spilled/splattered coffee mosaic in our pool in 2012 they cement! Urethane, yet offer the performance advantages of these products: cement-based ( with or without latex ), grout! Leftover, you 'll love your tile mixed with water it all depends on what is now called dimensions Bostick. Followed by the urethane be actually because with our full time job and other activities our! Urethane or an acrylic-silicone resin grout comes in two parts that, mixed! Or some other aggregate the worst thing that i now forget entire wall the... Add: Starglass would be great indoors and is rated for use in wet areas indoors challenges our! A urethane or an acrylic-silicone resin grout effect of this, ANSI 118.3 standards are not comparable.
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