Why Is Epoxy Grout A Popular Choice Today?

Over the last 25 years, we have seen major transformations within building practices seeing builders progress through limited resources to a minefield of supplies. Building material offered today were nonexistent back in the day and as such, consumers are flogged with too many products to choose coming from the world over and that of locally manufactured ones. Unfortunately the bulk of these products are deemed useless and could potentially causes more harm than good.

Moldy Regular Cementitious Grout Is A Problem

Epoxy Grouted Natural Stone Floor. Sheer Perfection

Looking at these attributes, it is plain sensible to use epoxy grout where possible and especially in wet areas. Well the question would then arise as to where to purchase them, which brand and how to use them successfully.

We have all the answers that concerns you in regards to this new way of grouting tiles. We sell ARDEX EG15 epoxy grout series that comes in 8 different colour pack. It is a 3 part product and these are the available colours: White, Misty Grey, Magellan Grey, Slate Grey, Travertine, Havana, Charred Ash & Black. Now all you need to know is how to use it. So here are some highlights:

1. For joints up to 15mm wide. For use on ceramic, porcelain and for natural stone tiles but we strongly recommend pre-sealing with a Lithofin stone penetrating sealer prior to grouting as natural stone surfaces are porous. Ask our stone care consultants for more information on what is ‘pre-sealing’ and how it’s done. Phone: 03-9429 1223.

2. This guide will take you straight to the grouting process assuming pre-sealing is not required.

3. Ensure joints are clean and free from dust, excess adhesive and bedding mortar. Do not grout until the adhesive has set firmly. All ‘spacers’ must be removed from joints. Joints must be dry before grouting and free from permanent dampness.

4. Mixing Ratio:

Part A Compound 2 parts/1L

Part B Hardener 1 part/500ml

Part C Colour Pack 6-8 parts/5kg

5. Mixing All Components

Only mix enough material that can be used within 30 minutes. Transfer the measured amount of compound (Part A) to a suitable sized mixing container and add the hardener (Part B). Mix the two components using a low speed mechanical stirrer (e.g. electric drill) until a uniform mixture is obtained. Maintain mixing paddle head below surface of liquid to reduce entrapped air. Smaller quantities can be mixed by hand. Add ARDEX Colour Pack (Part C filler) in incremental amounts until a non-slump consistency with uniform colour is obtained. Filler addition can be adjusted to accommodate site conditions (e.g. ambient temperatures, joint width). Coverage will vary dependant on the amount of filler added. Reducing filler decreases coverage and makes cleaning up more difficult. For wider joints, more filler may be necessary to obtain a firmer, non-slump consistency. To extend the pot life, spread the mix onto a non-absorbent surface (e.g. plastic sheet) at a thickness not exceeding 15mm and begin application. To optimise the workability, incorporate less ARDEX Colour Pack Part C filler at low temperatures and more Part C filler at high temperatures into the mix. It is recommended not to mix the entire kit in case of a need to adjust the volume of the filler for your specific application, alternatively ensure you have additional filler on hand.

6. Application

Apply the mixed grout using a grout float, spatula, or caulking gun. Compact the grout firmly into the joints ensuring they are completely filled, minimising the amount left on the tile surface. Remove excess grout from the tile surface using the grout float, wiping across the tiles in a diagonal motion. Optimum pot life, coverage and workability are achievable when ARDEX EG15 is used at temperatures between 20-25°C. The components can be warmed or cooled to achieve optimal results depending on temperature and site conditions. Do not apply in temperatures below 10°C or above 30°C. Low temperatures will retard curing and high temperatures will dramatically shorten the pot life. The pot life of the mixed mortar is approximately 60 minutes at 23°C and 50% relative humidity.

7. Cleaning

For best results, cleaning should be completed within 15 minutes after application. Grouting and cleaning 1-2m2 at a time is recommended.

Step 1: Remove excess grout from the tile surface using a rubber grout float in a diagonal pattern.

Step 2: Using a cleaning cloth lightly soaked in water gently wipe in a circular motion and loosen the excess grout on the tile surface. Frequently clean cloth in water.

Step 3: Using a cleaning cloth lightly soaked in water, gently remove any further residue and smooth grout surface. Frequent rinsing of the cleaning cloth reduces clogging and prolongs its life.

Step 4: Using a chamois remove any remaining haze from the surface.

It is important to clean all grout from the tile surface before the grout hardens. In some cases a slight smear may develop on the tile surface after cleaning. The smear can be removed 2-4 hours after grout application by wiping with a clean sponge or open weave cloth lightly soaked in water. For stubborn areas use a scourer. Clean residue no later than 24 hours after grout application. Note: Superior cleaning can be achieved by using solvents such as methylated spirits and a sponge only. However cleaning with solvent may be a health and safety issue.

DRYING TIME Initial set and trafficable after 24 hours, full cure after approximately 7 days, after which time the grout joints are chemically resistant, at 23°C and 50% relative humidity. Allow longer for lower temperatures.

We hope this article has inspired you to use an epoxy grout on your next project. Ask us for the estimated coverage one set of ARDEX EG15 can achieve. This is dependent on tile size and depth as well as width of the grout joints.

ARDEX EG15 can be purchased directly from our trade outlet at 278 Burnley Street, Richmond VIC. Phone: 03-9429 1223.