What is epoxy grout and how to apply it?

Epoxy tile grout is in great demand due to its unique properties and characteristics. It belongs to materials with special strength, therefore, in the selection process, a number of factors should be taken into account. However, if you do everything right, then the result will be a product that will quickly pay off. The coverage will not have to be updated for a long time.

This material is a unique mixture of the following components: resin and hardener. That is why grout is very often called a two-component composition. Also, the product may include quartz sand, various pigments and some auxiliary components. Epoxy grout has a number of unique characteristics, among which are the following:

• high strength that many other similar materials can envy;
• resistance to the influence of cleaning agents;
• the ability not to absorb moisture, which allows it to be used even in high humidity conditions;
• excellent wear resistance and impressive adhesion.

A distinctive feature of this material in everyday life is that it copes extremely easily with the influence of water, grease and dirt. Besides, epoxy can be used as a tile adhesive or under mosaic when decorating a pool. This became possible due to the fact that the material solidifies almost immediately, which makes it simply irreplaceable when carrying out such finishing work.

Epoxy resin is also considered to be extremely elastic, but it boasts the ability to firmly fix ceramic tiles in the position in which the master asked. On the market today you can find a huge selection of options and colors with various decorative inserts and glitters, gold particles or paint glowing in the dark. This is extremely useful when you need to create a panel or something in this style.

The huge popularity of epoxy grout is due to a number of advantages of this material.

• Unique strength characteristics. Under the influence of increased mechanical loads, the layer does not change or deteriorate in any way.
• Versatility. The resulting mixture will be an excellent solution for finishing coatings from any materials. In addition, this grout can be used for both exterior and interior decoration.
• Ease of work. You do not need to have special experience, knowledge or special tools for this. Also, there is no need to carry out calculations. All this has already been done for the user by the manufacturers. It will only be necessary to dilute the composition according to the instructions on the package and use it.
• Durability. When applied correctly, this material will not lose its properties even many years after application.
• Resistance to the influence of ultraviolet radiation, which favorably distinguishes it against the background of other similar mixtures. In addition, it is thanks to this that the grout does not fade and does not lose its color.
• A large selection of color schemes, so that each person can choose the most optimal option for him, depending on the finishing work being carried out.
• Excellent adhesion, in which grout outperforms even cement.
• The coating can be quickly and easily cleaned of dirt that may arise during use. The fact is that this material has a smooth surface, so any contamination is easy enough to see.
• The ability to resist the effects of alkalis and acids, due to which the mixture can be applied indoors where there is a high risk of contact with such substances.

As for the shortcomings of the material, they are also present.

• The mixture hardens extremely quickly, therefore it needs increased attention and prompt reaction, since it is necessary to immediately remove the excess substance from the tile.
• It is best to use special tools for work, as well as special chemicals.
• Due to its fast adhesion, it will be very difficult to clean the surface if problems arise.
• The high cost, however, it is fully justified, given the durability of the grout.

There are a huge number of epoxy grout color solutions on the modern market - from the lightest to darkest shades. Besides, Variants in which glitter are added are very popular today. If necessary, you can also buy a metallized mixture. Some craftsmen use colorless grout when decorating business institutions. The choice should be made only on the basis of the shades of the coating that is being processed, as well as the color characteristics of the interior.

The combination of different colors allows you to make the surface neutral or vice versa. It all depends on the features of the interior, as well as the personal preferences of the owner.

Recently, the use of grout is also popular, which comes in contrast to the coating. It is worth being extremely careful here, since it is quite difficult to create accents and you can make the wrong choice, thereby worsening the appearance of the room. The most popular today are white, transparent and black grout.

There are a huge number of companies on the modern market that offer epoxy grout. Their products are mainly distinguished by the presence of additional components that have a direct effect on the properties of the material.

One of the most famous manufacturers is Ceresit company, which offers its consumers dry mixes based on technology SILICA ACTIVE... Thanks to this, the brand's products will be an excellent solution for filling joints on both horizontal and vertical surfaces.

A distinctive feature of the brand is a high degree of hydrophobicity. This provides reliable protection of the grout from moisture. That is why the product is actively used in places that are characterized by high humidity. In addition, Ceresit epoxy grout has proven itself excellently in the process of tiling surfaces that may be subject to deformation. For example, when finishing underfloor heating. The Ceresit company uses a huge number of additional components in the production of its grout. That is why she was able to achieve maximum protection against the effects of mold and mildew, color stability and resistance to cracking.

Another popular company that offers two-component epoxy grout is Kerapoxy Design. The unique composition of the products makes them an excellent choice for critical finishing work on surfaces with special aesthetic demands. Once the grout has hardened, it forms a smooth joint.

Among the main advantages of Kerapoxy Design products are excellent adhesion, resistance to aggressive environments, and the ability to resist mold formation. All products of the company include two main components - epoxy and hardener. The composition is activated only during the mixing process. Thanks to the unique components, the finished mixture is highly plastic, so application is not difficult.

One of the most famous and proven in the domestic market is Litokol company... It offers its customers two-component formulations that perfectly resist acids and other aggressive substances. It should be noted that the products of this company are the only ones that are resistant to UV rays. It is thanks to this that the grout can be used both in the inner and outer parts of the room. You do not have to worry that the material will lose its color or turn yellow.

Among the distinctive advantages of epoxy grout can be distinguished water resistance, elasticity, resistance to the effects of acids, alkalis and other similar substances. Besides, the presence of unique components makes the manufacturer's grout resistant to mold and mildew, as well as to mechanical stress.

Another well-known manufacturer is Osnovit company, which offers quality and reliable products. One of the advantages of the company is that it adds unique components to its products that prevent damage from mold and various microorganisms. In addition, Osnovit epoxy grout has impressive mechanical strength as well as its ability to create a strong joint.

Mapei company is one of the most trusted epoxy grout brands in the ranking. It offers a highly hygienic epoxy aggregate that is strong and durable. Among the distinguishing features are the extremely low VOC content, as well as the smooth surface. In addition, the grout is renowned for its strength and resistance to mechanical stress.

In order for the epoxy grout to be effective and best suited for specific purposes, you need to pay close attention to the selection. First of all, we pay attention to the type of components that are included in the product. Usually they are all indicated on the packaging. Depending on the manufacturer and the type of composition, it may include cement, various kinds of additives that have a positive effect on the elasticity or strength of the material. It should be noted that the price of the product mainly depends on the amount of these additives.

It is also worth paying attention to the cost of grouting. Sometimes the composition of the cheaper option is no worse than the more expensive one. It all depends on the characteristics of the brand.

Immediately after opening, the epoxy grout may appear to be thick, and this will adversely affect its use. but during the connection of this material with other components, the consistency will necessarily change. The fact is that the resin is not as viscous as it was originally.

In the process of using grout, close attention should be paid to dilution, for which a plastic container is used. The components must be diluted according to the proportions indicated by the manufacturers. On the market today, you can find mixtures that are produced in different quantities, so you can choose the most optimal option. This is necessary so that the mixture does not dry out ahead of time, especially when preparing a large amount of product. It will not be possible to use the entire volume instantly, as a result of which it will be spoiled.

The complete hardening process takes 60 minutes, and the prepared product will begin to set immediately after mixing. That is why experts recommend preparing no more than 250 grams of the substance for the first time, because this is quite enough for a short period of time. For cooking, you can use a drill and a special attachment for it. It should be remembered that you can turn on the "no more than 300 rpm" mode.

If a construction mixer is used, then it is best to give preference to options that have a minimum number of blades. This directly affects the quality of the resulting mixture. If there are too many blades, then the product will receive a large amount of oxygen, and this will cause a discoloration of the grout, and can also lead to a serious change in its structure.

Before starting to use, the solution must be transferred to a clean container to make sure that the structure and quality of the grout will not be compromised in any way. After all the work is completed, you can start grouting the seam joints. It is not worth delaying, as this material hardens very quickly. The ideal tool for this would be a rubber spatula, with which you can put the right amount of substance in the space between the tiles. The excess should be removed immediately, otherwise it will be extremely difficult to do this after drying.

Sometimes it happens that you need to get rid of the grout. Given its unique hardening properties, this will be difficult to do. The most popular way is to use a solvent. It is a tool that, thanks to its unique components, is able to remove any epoxy-based mixtures from the surface. A distinctive feature of the solvent is the presence of an alkaline structure, so the substance can be applied without fear to any type of tiles, regardless of the material of manufacture.

This will not affect its properties in any way, but it will help to significantly reduce consumption. In addition, this method will reduce the negative effect of the substance on the tile. The main advantage of such a solvent is its versatility, so it can be used in almost any room.

There are also gel options on the market that offer minimal consumption and maximize space. The container is equipped with a special spray gun, so the substance will be convenient to use even for processing a vertical surface.

Careful attention must be paid to diluting the substance, because if you do it wrong, you can negate all the properties of the product. Each manufacturer writes on the packaging the features of dilution and several concentration options. The choice of a particular option depends on how heavily soiled the tile is. Also, do not forget that the more time has passed since the seams were finished, the more difficult it will be to get rid of the grout.Usually, it is enough to simply apply the mortar and wait about 15 minutes, after which it will be necessary to simply wipe off the tiles.

If there is no solvent at hand, then you can limit yourself to plain water. This method is not very effective, but in some cases it can help solve the problem. To do this, you need a sponge, which is characterized by increased rigidity. However, this can only get rid of fresh grout. It will not work to wipe off or wash off a substance that is already several days old. A distinctive feature of epoxy grout is that removal and cleaning is extremely simple. Washing involves the use of a conventional cleaner, and it is important to properly trowel the surface of the tile in order to wash off all residues before they completely harden.

Read on for a master class on working with two-component epoxy grout.