Epoxy and urethane grouts are two very different things. They have their own pros and cons, so it’s important to understand the difference between them before choosing one over the other.
We’ll cover that below as well as explain why epoxy is more expensive than cement based grouts like sanded acrylics as well as how much better URETHANE grout can be for sealing your tile flooring.
Urethane grout is typically used for commercial applications.
Urethane grout is typically used for commercial applications. It’s a more expensive material, but it lasts longer than epoxy.
Urethane can be applied in either an automated machine or by hand using a trowel, which makes the process faster and more convenient for DIYers.
Table of Contents
- Urethane grout is typically used for commercial applications.
- Is epoxy grout better than cement based grout?
- Urethane Grout is Better for Large Areas of Tile
- It is easier to apply and can be used over certain types of existing grouts.
- Epoxy Grout requires more maintenance compared to other types of grout.
- Epoxy Grout has a few more drawbacks than other types of grouts.
- The epoxy resin resists water, oil, and grease.
- It is an extremely durable material that makes it great for high-traffic areas like the kitchen.
- Epoxy grout comes in clear or with tinted colors as well as white.
- Epoxy Grout must be cleaned off of the tile soon after application.
- Epoxy and urethane are not the same
Is epoxy grout better than cement based grout?
Epoxy grout is more expensive than cement-based grouts, but it’s also more durable. It’s a better choice if you have high-traffic areas or need to match the color of your existing tile because epoxy “seals in” colors and makes them more resistant to fading.
Cement-based grouts are easier to clean but won’t hold up as well under constant wear and tear.
Urethane Grout is Better for Large Areas of Tile
Urethane grout is more expensive, so it’s important to know what you’re getting into before going in. Urethane grout is best for large areas of tile because it can fill in gaps between tiles and support the weight of large rocks or mosaics.
Epoxy grout is a good option if you’re just trying to fill in small spaces, such as where your shower meets the walls or around fixtures like sinks and toilets. It also works well on floors that are not very porous (like concrete).
It is easier to apply and can be used over certain types of existing grouts.
While cement-based grout is generally easier to apply, epoxy grout has its own advantages. It’s lighter and easier to work with than cement-based grout because it contains fewer solids and more water.
This means that you can use less epoxy than cement when filling the joints between tiles. Another perk: Epoxy can be used over certain types of existing grouts, including ceramic tile and porcelain tile that has been sealed with a silicone coating (some urethane grouts also have this characteristic).
It’s also useful for large areas of tile—say for example if you’re tiling an entire floor or wall—because it’s flexible enough to stick to itself even after drying.
Finally, epoxy is ideal as a high-traffic area material because it resists chipping better than some other types of grouts do; while this means they may not last as long overall, they’ll provide excellent durability in high traffic areas like kitchens or bathrooms where people often drop things on them while cooking or taking showers respectively.”
Epoxy Grout requires more maintenance compared to other types of grout.
Epoxy grout is the most durable and long-lasting material available, but it requires more maintenance than other types of grout.
You will need to reseal your epoxy grout every year or so to prevent it from drying out and cracking. Your homeowner’s insurance policy may not cover damage caused by a leaky pipe or another plumbing issue in an area where you have sealed epoxy grout with no water barrier underneath the tile.
You may also want to keep in mind that epoxy can be difficult for some people to clean properly because of its high acid content and strong smell.
In addition, some of the chemicals used in the manufacturing process are not considered environmentally friendly by consumer advocacy groups such as Greenpeace International, who call many manufacturers on their greenwashing initiatives when these companies claim their products are “green” when they aren’t necessarily eco-friendly at all.
Epoxy Grout has a few more drawbacks than other types of grouts.
As a result, epoxy grout has a few more drawbacks than other types of grouts. Cost is one of the biggest issues with epoxy.
Because it’s not as widely used and produced, this means that you’ll likely be paying more for it than other kinds of grouts.
The other issue is that epoxy requires much more time to apply properly—it takes about twice as long as other types of grout to dry.
And because it’s stronger than most other types of grout, if you make any mistakes when applying your epoxy then those mistakes may be impossible to fix later on down the road!
The epoxy resin resists water, oil, and grease.
Epoxy grout resists water, oil, and grease. It’s resistant to bacteria, mold, mildew, and stains. The epoxy resin is also resistant to heat, cold, and UV rays.
The resins are resistant to chemicals as well as abrasion. Epoxy grout is impact-resistant while urethane grout is not.
It is an extremely durable material that makes it great for high-traffic areas like the kitchen.
So what does this mean for you? Well, epoxy grout is more resilient than other types of grout and can be used in a variety of areas that are exposed to heavy use.
The lack of open pores in the material makes it extremely resistant to stains, spills, and mold/mildew. It’s also easier to clean up any messes that do happen on your flooring!
If you have high-traffic areas such as kitchens or bathrooms where you need something durable, consider epoxy grout.
Epoxy grout comes in clear or with tinted colors as well as white.
Most epoxy grout is clear. However, you can also choose from a range of color options including:
- white
- gray
- black
Other colors are available by using colored pigments to tint your epoxy grout (i.e., adding color to the mix).
Epoxy Grout must be cleaned off of the tile soon after application.
You must clean off the epoxy grout with a wet rag or mop immediately after application. You should not allow it to dry before doing so.
If you leave it on for a long time, you will have to use more force when cleaning it off your tiles and this could damage them.
Epoxy and urethane are not the same
Epoxy grout is a type of grout and urethane grout is a type of grout. They are both used in commercial and residential applications, though epoxy is more often used for the latter.
Both are harder than concrete and mortar, which makes them good at preventing water from seeping in through the cracks.
Conclusion
So, do you know the difference between epoxy and urethane grout? If not, we hope this article has helped clear up any confusion on the subject.