The epoxy grout trend is here to stay. The stuff looks great and is much more durable than traditional grout. But before you run out and buy a new tub or shower surround, it’s important to understand that an epoxy installation requires some special care and attention.
In fact, it might not be the best choice for every project.
So let’s take a look at how epoxy grout works, what its requirements are, and whether or not it’s right for your next DIY project!
Epoxy grout is more difficult to use than water-based grout.
Epoxy grout is more difficult to use than water-based grout.
- It’s more difficult to clean up when it spills, and too much of the epoxy mixture will damage the surface on which you’re working.
- Most epoxy grout has a strong odor that can irritate your eyes and throat during application, as well as clog up your sinuses later on if you breathe in too much of the fumes from drying epoxy mortar or curing epoxy putty.
Table of Contents
- Epoxy grout is more difficult to use than water-based grout.
- The main challenge with epoxy grout is that you need to work quickly
- Epoxy grout is better suited for smaller tile jobs than large ones.
- Epoxy grout needs a moisture-free installation environment to cure properly.
- Epoxy grout may be a better choice for countertops and tub surrounds than flooring.
- Epoxy grout may be a good choice for high-moisture environments like showers and tubs.
- Using epoxy grout requires some skill and experience.
- You will need more advanced tools to apply epoxy grout properly.
- Epoxy grout requires more prep work than water-based products.
- Some epoxies are designed for the DIYer, but professional application is recommended for the best results.
- Epoxy grout is not necessarily hard, but it does have specific requirements that must be met.
The main challenge with epoxy grout is that you need to work quickly
The main challenge with epoxy grout is that you need to work quickly. Once the epoxy has cured, it’s not going to do anything for you.
The material can be applied in a thin layer or thickly, but once it sets up, there’s no turning back. If you’re tiling a floor and want uniformity between tiles, it’s best if you’ve got plenty of time on your hands so that all the tiles are properly spaced before applying epoxy grout.
Epoxy grout is also better suited for smaller tile jobs because the curing process takes so long—which means that for large projects like countertops and tub surrounds, an acrylic-based compound may be more appropriate (although still challenging).
Epoxy grout is better suited for smaller tile jobs than large ones.
Epoxy grout is a good choice for smaller projects than water-based grout. Water-based grout is easier to use, so epoxy is better suited for small tile jobs.
Epoxy grout needs a moisture-free installation environment to cure properly.
Epoxy grout needs a moisture-free installation environment to cure properly. The installation area must be dry and free of contaminants such as dust, dirt, oil, or grease.
- Because epoxy grout cures with oxygen exposure and not just water evaporation, it can’t be installed in places that are exposed to moisture or other vapors (such as bathrooms).
- If your concrete surface is damp or wet when you install the epoxy grout, this can cause problems with curing later on.
Epoxy grout may be a better choice for countertops and tub surrounds than flooring.
If you’re thinking about using epoxy grout on your flooring, it’s important to keep in mind that this is a more expensive option.
You’ll also need to take into account the fact that epoxy grout is more difficult to work with than traditional water-based grouts.
Water-based grouts are generally easier to apply, but they’re not necessarily as durable or resistant to moisture as epoxy.
If your bathroom tends to get very humid and moist from steam or showering (especially if you have larger families), then an epoxy floor may be a good choice for you over its water-based counterpart.
Epoxy grout may be a good choice for high-moisture environments like showers and tubs.
Epoxy grout is a good choice for high-moisture environments like showers, tub surrounds, and kitchens. The problem with most other grouts is that they are extremely porous—water can get into the joints and cause them to expand or crack.
Epoxy, on the other hand, is more resistant to moisture and doesn’t allow water to penetrate through its dense surface. In fact, some brands of epoxy are so impervious that you can’t even scrape off an old bead without damaging your walls!
Epoxy also fills gaps better than standard cement because it expands when it hardens. This helps prevent water from finding its way into hidden nooks where mold could develop.
Under normal conditions, this shouldn’t be an issue if you’re using a quality brand (the ones made using UV light will be stronger), but it’s always good practice not to skimp on materials when building something new!
Using epoxy grout requires some skill and experience.
Using epoxy grout requires some skill and experience. To be safe, we recommend that you hire a professional to do it for you if you don’t know what you’re doing.
To be honest with you, though, I’ve found that it’s not too difficult once the process is explained to me and I have time to practice on a few tiles before getting started on the real thing.
The key is knowing how long each step should take so that everything goes smoothly once work has begun.
At this point in my life I would say that my level of expertise with epoxy grouts has increased significantly since my first couple of attempts; however, if this were something I was attempting myself for the first time ever then there would certainly be some trial-and-error involved until things clicked into place (assuming they weren’t already).
You will need more advanced tools to apply epoxy grout properly.
You will need more advanced tools to apply epoxy grout properly. A grout float is a rectangular, flat piece of plastic with grooves in it that helps you smooth the grout out and make it level with your tile.
A grout sponge is similar to a kitchen sponge but larger and stiffer, which makes it ideal for cleaning excess epoxy off your tiles once the joint has dried.
Lastly, you’ll want a trowel for spreading the epoxy on your joints before smoothing it out.
Epoxy grout requires more prep work than water-based products.
Epoxy grout requires more prep work than water-based products. You’ll need to clean and seal the surface, remove any existing caulking or grout, apply a primer, apply a bonding agent and then apply the epoxy grout.
In addition to these steps, you may need to apply additional materials based on what type of surface you’re working with. For example:
- If you’re installing on top of ceramic tile or concrete that is still in good condition, there’s no need to prime it first. However, if your flooring is older or has been damaged by water damage in the past (especially if it’s more than 10 years old), then priming will help ensure that your new epoxy sticks properly.
- If you’re applying epoxy over drywall surfaces (like those found in bathrooms), sealing them with an acrylic-based paint beforehand will make things easier when it comes time for installation since it creates an even surface without any cracks or holes through which moisture could seep into during installation process (this would cause bubbles).
Some epoxies are designed for the DIYer, but professional application is recommended for the best results.
Epoxies are not the most user-friendly option for DIYers. Some epoxies are designed for the DIYer, but professional application is recommended for the best results.
Epoxy grout is not necessarily hard, but it does have specific requirements that must be met.
Epoxy grout is not necessarily hard, but it does have specific requirements that must be met. Epoxy grout is not a DIY project and should only be installed by a professional.
Conclusion
Epoxy grout is a good choice for high-moisture environments like showers and tubs. It’s also more resistant to stains than traditional grout products. If you have the time and patience, epoxy could be worth considering.