I'm working on a small batch mixture for Prism grout but wasn't able to perfect it before this email went out. Look for it in next month's email.

In this issue:

• Uncoupling vs Crack Isolation vs Anti-fracture
• What are single component grouts?

The Worst named grouts- Single Component Grout

Fusion Pro, Flexcolor CQ, Spectralock1, TruColor are all examples of a category of grout the industry has deemed 'single component' grout. In other words, they contain one component that doesn't get mixed with anything else.

While I hate this name, the problem is that the word 'premixed' makes people cringe because manufacturers have already ruined that term with their horrible premixed grout products.

Additionally, you can't refer to them by their components because they don't really tell you what they're made of- it's a secret.

The earlier versions of these grouts were all urethane-based. But one company, Bostik, bought up all the patents and grout manufacturers looked for other ingredients.

Fusion Pro and Flexcolor CQ

The first breakthrough grout that wasn't a urethane was called Fusion Pro and this was followed by Flexcolor CQ, made by Custom Building Products and Mapei respectively.

The results have been both good and bad.

The bad is that they tend to be a bit softer and they don't hold up to abuse very well. Consequently, there have been issues with them being used on shower floors, exteriors, and anywhere there is a diligent cleaning person.

Additionally, people don't read the instructions so they use them in areas where the grout joints are too large (pebble floors, for example) or don't follow the proper installation procedure and get themselves in big trouble.

The good is that they are color-consistent and require no sealing (because they aren't cement-based). Additionally, these types of grout can work great with glass tile installations, especially translucent colors.

The new generation of single component

Laticrete took a couple of shots at single component grout and it didn't go well. But their most recent product, Spectralock1 (SL1), is a big winner, in my opinion.

Whereas the others remain soft, even after curing, SL1 dries hard. They tout its 'epoxy-like performance' because it passed some, but not all, of the tests for epoxy grout.

In my opinion, they market it too aggressively but the product is a good one and is currently the only one I use. But I use it quite a bit.

Recently, Custom Building Products came out with Prism SCG which is replacing Fusion Pro, I believe. This product is likely to be similar to SL1 but I haven't used it yet.

The bottom line

This type of grout, especially the newest generation, are likely be around for a long time and be quite popular. I'm still not using them on shower floors but am quite confident using them elsewhere.

There are a lot of advantages to them but the cost is one big disadvantage.

New at DIYTileGuy

​Anti-Fracture vs Crack Isolation vs Uncoupling Membranes: What's the Difference?​

These terms get thrown around a lot and, based on what I am seeing, there's still quite a bit of confusion on what the differences are between these products.

The most glaring error is that people still think uncoupling membranes should be used to prevent cracks.

If you're worried about cracks transferring through concrete to your tile, you'll want to ensure you understand your options.

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