If you’re in the market for new tile or grout, then you may have wondered about epoxy grout. Is it the same as regular unsanded grout?
Does it require special tools to install? How does it compare to other types of grout? We’ll cover all these questions and more in this article.
Is unsanded grout the same as epoxy grout?
Is unsanded grout the same as epoxy grout? No. Epoxy grout is a type of non-sanded grout that can be used for tile and stone applications, but it does not have to be unsanded.
Unsanded epoxy grouts are typically made from what are considered premium ingredients, like silica sand (instead of typical quartz sand), to give the final product greater abrasion resistance.
Table of Contents
- Is unsanded grout the same as epoxy grout?
- Is epoxy grout non sanded?
- Is epoxy grout better than regular grout?
- What are the disadvantages of epoxy grout?
- Can I put epoxy grout over old grout?
- How do you smooth epoxy grout?
- How thick can you apply epoxy grout?
- How can you tell if grout is sanded or unsanded?
Is epoxy grout non sanded?
Epoxy grout, also known as epoxy resin and polymer clay, is a special type of grout that can be used to fill cracks in floors. It is a more durable product than regular grout and can be applied to old surfaces.
But before you get too excited about how easy it sounds to repair damage on your own, know that epoxy grout isn’t sanded down like other types of flooring materials.
Is epoxy grout better than regular grout?
- Epoxy grout is more durable than regular grout.
- Epoxy grout is easier to clean.
- Epoxy grout is more stain resistant.
- Epoxy grout is more resistant to mold, bacteria, and mildew than regular grout.
What are the disadvantages of epoxy grout?
- Epoxy grout is more expensive than regular grout.
- Epoxy grout is more difficult to work with than regular grout.
- Epoxy grout is more difficult to clean than regular grout.
Can I put epoxy grout over old grout?
If you have a job where you need to grout a wall or floor and the existing grout is unsightly, not adhering well or has dried out, it can be removed and replaced with new epoxy grout.
Epoxy grouts dry without shrinkage and have greater flexibility than cementitious products such as tile-backer or mortar. This means that small gaps are filled by the product rather than being left empty.
Epoxy grout can be used on floors in contact with heavy industrial equipment like forklifts (see our page on epoxy floor coatings) and also works well in areas where there will be high traffic over time such as warehouses.
As with all types of concrete repair work, it is important that cleanliness is maintained throughout the process – dirt can damage the bond between old and new materials causing failure so make sure surfaces are cleaned thoroughly before starting your project!
How do you smooth epoxy grout?
When it comes to smoothing epoxy grout, there are several options.
- Use a wet sponge or cloth. This is one of the most common methods for smoothing epoxy grout and can be done with either a sponge or soft rag. If you are using a rag, make sure that it is damp but not sopping wet. You don’t want to soak the floor because this could cause your epoxy grout to become soggy and discolored over time as it dries out in the sun or heat lamps at home improvement stores.
- Use both a wet cloth and moistened sponge on top of each other for maximum smoothness! But don’t use too much water because then you’ll have difficulty applying your next coat or will have to wait longer than usual before applying another coat (see below).
How thick can you apply epoxy grout?
Grout is said to be strong, but epoxy grout is even stronger. It’s a cement-based product that can be applied up to 1/8 inch thick.
For example, if you’re tiling a bathroom floor or kitchen countertop with 12-inch tiles and need 1/4 inch of grout between them all for a smooth finish, this means you’ll have 6 inches (12 tiles divided by 4) of space for regular grout before having to fill in any imperfections with an unsanded product.
That said, using an unsanded product would likely yield better results than using a sanded one on large surfaces because it will create less molding around the joints while still providing the same level of strength and durability as others in its class.
How can you tell if grout is sanded or unsanded?
You can identify unsanded grout by looking for these characteristics:
- The label will not say “sanded” or “unsanded” anywhere on the package.
- The texture of the grout will be more crumbly and powdery than other types of grout.
- When you put your finger in it, it will feel sandy like sandpaper and make a scratchy sound when you rub it against something else.
Conclusion
There are many ways to tell if grout is sanded or unsanded. The most common way is to simply look at the surface of the grout and see if it looks smooth or rough. Another way is by using your fingers against each other as if you were rubbing two pieces of sandpaper together while they rest on top of each other.
If they feel rough then there should be some sort of coating applied over top which means that this would not be considered an epoxy type product because it does not contain any sort of resin material used for sealing purposes (i.e.: epoxy).