In the world of tile and stone, there are two main types of grout: sanded and epoxy. Sanded grout is a Portland cement-based product that contains silica sand along with pigment and other additives.
Epoxy resin is made from a combination of epoxy resin and a filler powder.
The purpose of this article is to explain the difference between these two products so you can decide which one will work best for your project!
Sanded grout is a Portland cement-based product with silica sand, along with pigment and other additives.
Sanded grout is a Portland cement-based product with silica sand, along with pigment and other additives.
A variety of pigments are available for sanded grouts, including titanium dioxide (which gives the final product its off-white color), calcined clay, iron oxide, and aluminum oxide.
The addition of these pigments helps to give the grout color while also adding strength and texture to it.
Sanded grouts have been around since Roman times when they were used to bond together bricks in Roman architecture.
Table of Contents
- Sanded grout is a Portland cement-based product with silica sand, along with pigment and other additives.
- Sanded grout is easy to use because it can be placed over large, open areas.
- Sanded grout is not recommended for grout joints narrower than 1/16th of an inch.
- Epoxy grout, on the other hand, is a mix of epoxy resin and filler powder.
- Epoxy resins are used in high-performance products that are durable and chemical resistant, making them ideally suited for tile & stone applications.
- When mixing epoxy grout, it’s very important that the resin and hardener are carefully measured to ensure proper curing of the product.
- Epoxy grouts come in both colored and non-colored options, meaning you can customize your tile job with any color imaginable.
- Because it’s such a durable material, epoxy is often used for commercial projects where high levels of sanitation are required.
- On the other hand, epoxy grout cannot be placed over large areas, as it will sag or slump in the middle.
- It’s also difficult to work with- when mixing epoxy grout by hand, you only have a certain amount of time to work with before it starts setting up on you.
- Both sanded and epoxy grouts have their place in tile projects.
Sanded grout is easy to use because it can be placed over large, open areas.
Sanded grout is preferred for large, open areas because it can be placed over large expanses of tile without using a trowel. Sanded grout is not recommended for grout joints narrower than 1/16th of an inch.
Epoxy grout must be applied by hand and must be applied with a trowel.
Sanded grout is not recommended for grout joints narrower than 1/16th of an inch.
Sanded grout should not be used for joints narrower than 1/16th of an inch. The sanded material can get stuck in the joint, leaving it difficult to clean.
Epoxy grout, on the other hand, is a mix of epoxy resin and filler powder.
As you can see, epoxy grout is a mixture of epoxy resin and filler powder. While these may seem like two simple ingredients, they give the epoxy grout its high-performance material qualities. Epoxy grout is durable and chemical resistant (making it perfect to use in bathrooms or kitchens), as well as waterproof and stain resistant.
Epoxy resins are used in high-performance products that are durable and chemical resistant, making them ideally suited for tile & stone applications.
Epoxy resins are used in high-performance products that are durable and chemical resistant, making them ideally suited for tile & stone applications. Epoxy resins cure through a chemical reaction known as an addition reaction.
Epoxies are thermosetting polymers. To understand how epoxies work, you must first understand what a polymer is.
A polymer is simply a long chain of repeating units called monomers that have been chemically bonded together to form one molecule.
Polymers can be linear or branched chain molecules depending on their structure, but when they are exposed to heat or UV light they harden into solids due to cross-linking between the monomers (see image below).
When mixing epoxy grout, it’s very important that the resin and hardener are carefully measured to ensure proper curing of the product.
Mixing epoxy grout is a science and a skill that takes time to learn. It’s a two-step process with the first step being mixing together the resin, hardener, and pigment.
The second step involves spreading the mixture on your tile surface and allowing it to dry completely before curing with UV light or heat lamps.
Epoxy grout is one of the most expensive products on our list but its efficacy cannot be denied as it can last up to 20 years in harsh environments like kitchens and bathrooms where there are high moisture levels present in these areas
Epoxy grouts come in both colored and non-colored options, meaning you can customize your tile job with any color imaginable.
You can choose from a variety of colors, textures, and sizes for your epoxy grout. You might want to stick with a white or clear option when covering up existing tile grout so that it blends in seamlessly.
If you’re going for an all-over color on your walls and floors, then the sky’s the limit!
Because it’s such a durable material, epoxy is often used for commercial projects where high levels of sanitation are required.
While sanded grout is the best choice for residential remodeling projects, epoxy is a better option for commercial work.
It’s a more durable material that can withstand repeated heavy traffic, and it doesn’t stain as easily as regular grout.
Not only does it last longer than its counterparts, but epoxy also cleans up easily. If you’re working on a project that requires high levels of sanitation or hygiene (think hospitals or schools), this type of material will be your best bet.
Another reason why epoxy is often used in commercial settings is that it’s easy to replace when needed—and this can happen quickly due to its quick drying time.
You won’t have to worry about waiting hours or days before using the area again after installing this type of material either; there won’t be any major disruption when working with epoxy grout!
On the other hand, epoxy grout cannot be placed over large areas, as it will sag or slump in the middle.
On the other hand, epoxy grout cannot be placed over large areas, as it will sag or slump in the middle. Epoxy grout is not recommended for grout joints narrower than 1/16th of an inch.
It’s also difficult to work with- when mixing epoxy grout by hand, you only have a certain amount of time to work with before it starts setting up on you.
When working with epoxy grout by hand, it’s easy to make a mess. You also have a limited amount of time in which to work with the material before it starts setting up on you.
This can lead to inconsistent results and even inconsistent color if you’re not careful about mixing the epoxy with water at just the right consistency.
For this reason, it’s highly recommended that you use an automatic electric mixer rather than mixing by hand. This will help ensure that everything goes smoothly!
Both sanded and epoxy grouts have their place in tile projects.
Both sanded and epoxy grouts have their place in tile projects. Sanded grout is more affordable, but it can get messy and is less durable than epoxy.
Epoxy grout, on the other hand, is more expensive and harder to work with, but it’s also much more durable. It’s important to know what you’re working with before you use either type of grout on a project—especially if it’s a large one!
Conclusion
We hope this has been a helpful introduction to the world of grout! If you have any questions about what type of grout is best for your project, please do not hesitate to ask us.
