Epoxy Grout - Tile Advice

[Nik Allen]

Hi returning to tiling after a 25 year break.(I actually trained in the late 1980s) Materials have changed significantly, including some huge format tiles. My question regard epoxy grouts for those who have experience in :- Are they as easy to use as traditional cement grouts? ( the videos make it look so) Being waterproof do epoxy grouts negate the need for silicone finishing of wall to floor areas and corners? (talking concrete and block construction not timber or stud walls which have more flex) Many thanks for sharing your experiences and tips on new fangled materials you can give.

 

[joela]

Epoxy grouts are not rocket science, I use kerakoll fugalite and it comes as a 2 part mix, you have to mix it with a drill and a small paddle mixer. You have to wash it off within 5 minutes otherwise it dries to the point you cant get it off the tile easily so on bigger floors 2 people is a must (one person grouting one washing) also worth noting you need plenty of sponges, one sponge per 10m and a fresh bucket of water too.

 

[Glynn]

Hi returning to tiling after a 25 year break.(I actually trained in the late 1980s) Materials have changed significantly, including some huge format tiles. My question regard epoxy grouts for those who have experience in :- Are they as easy to use as traditional cement grouts? ( the videos make it look so) Being waterproof do epoxy grouts negate the need for silicone finishing of wall to floor areas and corners? (talking concrete and block construction not timber or stud walls which have more flex) Many thanks for sharing your experiences and tips on new fangled materials you can give.

Welcome back to the tiling industry. Epoxy grouts have certainly changed and are almost as easy to use as cement grouts. The best ones I have come across are Kerakoll Fugalite Bio and the Bal Easypoxy. I would recommend the use of a white emulsifying pad for the first wash then a good grouting sponge for the second wash. You can also get an additive to put in your washing off water that will help reduce streaks when it dries. They have a working time of about an hour and come in smaller units than cement grouts so you have plenty of time to use 3kg of grout. I prefer to wash off first with warm soapy water then clean cold water for the second wash. I still remember the lesson at college for epoxy grout. The tutor told use to avoid them at all cost, end of lesson. A lot of tilers are not aware how the epoxy grouts have improved and will themselves not try the new ones thinking they are the same as in the past. Do not be put off from trying them.

 

[Nik Allen]

Welcome back to the tiling industry. Epoxy grouts have certainly changed and are almost as easy to use as cement grouts. The best ones I have come across are Kerakoll Fugalite Bio and the Bal Easypoxy. I would recommend the use of a white emulsifying pad for the first wash then a good grouting sponge for the second wash. You can also get an additive to put in your washing off water that will help reduce streaks when it dries. They have a working time of about an hour and come in smaller units than cement grouts so you have plenty of time to use 3kg of grout. I prefer to wash off first with warm soapy water then clean cold water for the second wash. I still remember the lesson at college for epoxy grout. The tutor told use to avoid them at all cost, end of lesson. A lot of tilers are not aware how the epoxy grouts have improved and will themselves not try the new ones thinking they are the same as in the past. Do not be put off from trying them.

[automerge]1591963594[/automerge]
Thank you for sharing your experience and encouragement. Definitely will be using on current job (wet room) 👍

 

[Dave]

[automerge]1591963594[/automerge]
Thank you for sharing your experience and encouragement. Definitely will be using on current job (wet room) 👍

Let us know how you get on , maybe even share some pics. 👍