While most homeowners are familiar with the concept of sealing grout, many are surprised to learn that epoxy grout does not need to be sealed.
In fact, doing so can actually cause damage to your new tile installation. While it’s true that some types of epoxy grout do contain sealant as an integral part of their formulation process, these products were designed specifically for use in areas where water is likely to be found (like bathrooms and kitchens) or where there is constant exposure to moisture (such as outdoors).
If you have any concerns about using a particular brand or type of epoxy grout on your project, always consult with your contractor first!
Can you seal over epoxy grout?
Epoxy grout is a one-time use product that cannot be sealed. Because the epoxy grout is not porous, any sealer will sit on top of it and will not absorb into it.
Epoxy grout is not a permanent solution, so sealing over it will only take away from its longevity.
If you plan to install tile in your shower or bathtub area, consider using an acrylic based caulk instead of epoxy grout.
Acrylic caulk can be removed with relative ease and replaced with another type of adhesive if necessary at a later date
Table of Contents
How long will epoxy grout last?
Epoxy grout is designed to last for years, so you should be able to enjoy your new floors for a long time. The beauty of epoxy grout is its resistance to most things that can ruin a floor like water and chemicals, UV light or mold growth.
It’s also resistant to temperature changes so it won’t crack or warp if it gets too hot or cold.
Epoxy grout does not have any specific maintenance requirements other than cleaning up spills immediately and allowing the surface to dry before walking on it again (if necessary).
It will not stain from everyday use such as food spills unless they are left sitting there for an extended period of time (like weeks).
How do you maintain epoxy grout?
Epoxy grout is a popular choice for tile flooring because it’s easy to clean and maintain. Since epoxy is harder than other types of grout, you won’t have to worry about any chipping or cracking that comes with heavy traffic.
But it’s still important to keep your tiles clean and free from dirt, stains, mold and mildew to ensure that they stay in good condition for years!
To clean your tiles, simply wipe them down with a damp sponge or cloth; if there are any stubborn stains that won’t come out with water alone (like grease or oil), try using an all-purpose cleaning solution—but be sure not to let cleaners sit on the floor for long periods of time before rinsing off completely!
You can also use an epoxy sealer as part of your maintenance routine: this will help protect against water damage while also giving your floors extra durability when walking over them barefoot around the house without worrying about getting splinters from unsealed areas underfoot.
What grout does not need to be sealed?
- Grout that is not exposed to water
- Grout that is not exposed to sunlight
- Grout that is not exposed to chemicals
- Grout that is not exposed to heat
- Grout that is not exposed to detergents
- Grout that is not exposed to acids
Does epoxy grout get moldy?
The first step to preventing mold is to make sure you keep your tile floor clean and dry. If there’s any moisture present, it can serve as a breeding ground for mold growth.
The second step is to use an anti-mold product that effectively treats and prevents mold from forming in the grout lines between tiles. This will help stop mildew from starting, even if it’s already growing there!
Does epoxy grout go yellow?
- Yes, epoxy grout does yellow.
- It’s a question that comes up a lot, but the short answer is “it depends.” The longer answer involves understanding what causes the grout to turn yellow in the first place. Grout is basically composed of sand mixed with cement and water, which means it can be affected by two things: exposure to sunlight and airborne pollutants like carbon dioxide and sulfur dioxide. If you live in an area with lots of smog or have poor ventilation in your home (think winter months), then there are higher chances that your grout will turn yellow over time due to these factors. However, if you take precautions against these environmental factors when installing new tile floors, then they won’t affect the color of your freshly installed flooring nearly as much—and perhaps not at all!
- While regular grouts are better at resisting staining than epoxies are, both types can still become discolored when exposed long enough. In fact, some may even begin showing signs within just one year after installation! So how do we prevent this from happening? Simple—by sealing them with a topical sealer on a regular basis!
Is epoxy grout better than regular grout?
- Epoxy grout is more expensive than regular grout.
- Regular grout is more porous than epoxy, making it less durable and more susceptible to stains and mold.
- Because epoxy is more resistant to water damage, it’s easier to clean up any messes that might happen in the future (including your own).
Can I put epoxy grout over old grout?
Yes, you can put epoxy grout over old grout. However, you will need to remove the old grout first. You can use a variety of products for this purpose, including a commercial sealer or even just water and vinegar.
Once you have removed all traces of the old grout from your surface and cleaned it thoroughly, use a grout float to spread the new epoxy grout on top of your surface.
You’ll want to wait 24 hours for the new epoxy layer to cure before applying any additional coats or using it in any other way so that it has time to set up properly.
Conclusion
Epoxy grout is a fantastic option for your bathroom, kitchen, or any other space in your home. It’s waterproof and stain resistant, so you won’t have to worry about damage caused by spills or leaks.
However, it does require more maintenance than some other types of grout because it doesn’t seal on its own.
To prevent mold growth and other issues, you will need to periodically reseal your epoxy grout with an appropriate sealer that matches the color of your tiles.
