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✨ If epoxy grout is so clean and stain resistant, why doesn't everyone use it? ~Your monthly email
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In this issue:
Epoxy Grout: The best grout?Epoxy grout has some real advantages over other types of grout. So, why don't more people use it? Well, along with its upsides, it has some notable downsides also. Consequently, this article discusses both the good and the bad of epoxy grout. The goodI would consider epoxy grout to have 3 notable positive traits:
Stain ResistanceThe stain resistance is second to none. It's essentially impervious so nothing absorbs into it. This also means that when it's cleaned it goes back to its normal color. But I want to caution: it's not dirt-proof or cleaning-proof. It will get dirty, like anything else, and should be cleaned on a regular basis. SealingSince it's impervious, it isn't porous like a cement grout and will not benefit from a grout sealer. So, there's no need to feel guilty about not sealing the grout every year. DurabilityEpoxy grout is the hardest and most dense grout available. It's extremely durable and oftentimes more dense than the tile that it surrounds. The badLike I mentioned, it's not all plusses with this grout. In fact, it has some definite downsides.
Filling the jointThis is one of the bigger complaints about epoxy. Unlike cement grout, it's difficult to get epoxy grout to completely fill the grout joint. Instead, it stays a little lower, particularly with tile that has sharper edges. This makes it a bit uglier and traps dirt a little better. More difficult to installEpoxy is more difficult to install and this is particularly the case with grout vertical wall applications. A lot of times it will want to sag and fall out of the grout joint before it's set up. Additionally, it can be difficult to pack into tighter grout joints. YellowingThe final downside that I will mention is that epoxy is prone to yellowing. This is more common in UV light and with white and other light colors. It doesn't always yellow, but it happens enough and is annoying enough that it's worth mentioning. Specific productsFor my own practice, I use epoxy grouts on shower pans quite frequently as this is an extreme environment. Further, there are currently only two epoxy grouts that I will use: Laticrete Spectralock Pro PremiumThis is the most user-friendly epoxy grout available, in my opinion. Part of the reason for that is that it allows for small batch sizes with its 'mini units.' Additionally, Spectralock is not a 100% solids epoxy. However, its performance is still quite good and it's a good choice for residential applications. Ardex WAI've found Ardex WA to be another user-friendly epoxy grout. Additionally, it can be mixed in smaller batches but you have to purchase a larger minimum unit size than Laticrete. So, depending on the application and how much you need, it could cost quite a bit more than Spectralock. However, WA is a 100% solids epoxy and it has the performance to match. Further, it can be used as a setting material and grout. So, you can embed little mosaics in it and grout all at once. ConclusionEpoxy grout can perform like no other. But, for DIY'ers, I feel it's best used for certain applications rather than be the 'go-to' grout for every project. New at DIYTileGuy7 Compelling Reasons the Noble Freestyle Linear Drain is the Best Drain for Your Shower And 3 Reasons it Isn’tWhen a customer wants a linear drain I always tell them that there's one drain that I want to use. It's this drain. Why? It's wonderfully engineered. I detail the different aspects of why I think this linear drain is the best on the market in this blog post. When you add them all up, there is no other drain like it. However, it's not all upside. This drain has a couple of drawbacks that the end user may not like. BTW, they also make a square drain with similar characteristics. Around the Web
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Don't know where to look for good tile advice? Get the monthly newsletter dedicated to tile installation info. Contains exclusive subscriber info not found on the website.
In this issue: 3 ways of lowering a wood-framed subfloor Rapid Recess subfloor lowering kit Cleaning your shower head Lowering your Subfloor for a Curbless Shower The Rapid Recess System for lowering subfloors My new post this month is about 3 different ways to lower your wood-framed subfloor for a curbless shower. One of the methods that is covered is about using a subfloor lowering kit. Using these takes the guesswork out of how to perform this task. You don't have to wonder what type of...
In this issue: Uneven Floor Transitions Grocery store grout cleaners Tile Backer Board [updated] Should You Use Grocery Store Grout Cleaners on Your Tile? This is an example of a pH-neutral cleaner found on the shelf at Lowes Most products advertised as 'grout cleaners' and available at the grocery store are not typically recommended by grout and tile companies. Why? Typically, grout manufacturers recommend using a neutral cleaner on the pH scale. However, most of what you will find in the...
In this issue: Mixing small batches of Prism grout Shower pans with liquid waterproofing I mixed Prism according to the instructions and it didn't go well The back of a box of Prism grout Recently, I mixed a bag* of Prism grout to what I thought was the water ratio allowed by instructions and the grout was so stiff it was unusable. Further, they have a certain amount they will allow as additional water. Again, my batch wasn't turning out. I only tried this once, so maybe I did something...