ARDEX EG 15

What is Epoxy Tile Grout?

Grout is a dense fluid used to fill gaps between wall or floor tiles. Out of all the types, epoxy grout is one of the strongest and most durable. Composed of epoxy resins and a hardener, this mixture becomes a permanent adhesive due to the chemical reaction that takes place. Being non-porous in nature, epoxy grout will not absorb spills, making it stain-resistant. As it is easy to maintain, epoxy grout is a perfect solution for areas like swimming pools, bathrooms and kitchens, high-traffic interiors and stain-prone areas.

Epoxy grout takes less time to set and as it is resistant to substances like liquids and air, you can go without sealing the surfaces. Moreover, the stains can be cleaned with just one wipe using a damp cloth, thus, you do not need to worry about discolouration due to food stains, oil, and other staining items.

How to Apply Epoxy Tile Grout?

Make sure the tiles have been thoroughly cleaned before applying the grout. To apply the mixed epoxy grout, you can use a grout float, spatula, or caulking gun. Press the grout firmly into the joints of the tiles. Make sure the joints are completely filled with minimum or no amount left on the tile surface. Use the grout float to remove excess grout from the tile surface, wiping across the tiles in a diagonal motion and finally, allow epoxy grout to cure.

How to Remove Epoxy Tile Grout? – can remove?

As epoxy grout is a strong and durable material, it can be tricky to remove it from your new tiling unless you use the right tools and techniques.

Tools Required:

• Safety goggles and rubber gloves
• Epoxy remover
• Wooden stick
• Masking tape
• Bucket
• Cloth/Sponge
• Kitchen roll
• Water
• Scouring pad
• Paintbrush
• Stiff brush
• Trisodium phosphate

If you are thinking of redoing the epoxy grout, here’s how you can remove it from your tiles:

• Using the wooden stick, scrape off as much of the grout as you can. Use a scouring pad and soapy water, if required.
• Soak a cloth in white spirit to remove the rest of the grout.
• If there’s more to scrape off, apply masking tape to protect the surrounding wall or tiles.
• Apply the epoxy remover with a paintbrush. Read the product instructions carefully, and make sure to wear safety goggles and rubber gloves.
• Let the remover rest on the grout stain for about 30 minutes. Once it’s softened, you can use the wooden stick to remove the last bits.
• After completely removing the epoxy grout, use trisodium phosphate to remove the remaining epoxy remover using trisodium phosphate. Make sure to check the product instructions.
• Apply the solution to the area with a clean kitchen roll.
• Finish it off by washing the tiles with soap and water.

Why use Epoxy grout?

Epoxy grout has significantly greater bond strength and compression strength over cementitious grouts. It is also very stain resistant. Epoxy grout requires skilled labor to install as the epoxy sets up fast and doesn’t have as much adjustability nor as forgiving as a cementitious grout. Installers who are new to installing epoxy grout without a lot of practice tend to struggle with the installation.

Porous stone and unglazed tile or textured tiles need to be protected when grouting with epoxy. The epoxy can stain in some cases and it can be difficult to remove from a textured surface. So using a penetrating type sealer or grout release as an added protection. Any epoxy residue left on tiles should be cleaned thoroughly immediately after application.

How Long Does Epoxy Grout Take to Cure?

Installing a new kitchen backsplash or tiles in your bathroom and worried about the cure time taken by the grout? Typically, the curing time depends on a number of factors including the type of grout, humidity levels, and if it has been installed indoors or outdoors.

Out of all the types, epoxy grout takes a shorter amount of time to cure. With ARDEX EG 15, you need not wait for long before you can use your tiled walls and floors, as this does not take longer than 24 hours to set. However, to fully cure and make the grout joints chemically resistant, it takes approx. 7 days at 23 °C and 50% relative humidity and a bit longer for lower temperatures.

Do note that the humidity level of the room and the climatic conditions of the area can impact the epoxy grout drying period. As such, make sure to allow ARDEX EG 15 to cure properly to have a successful tile application that will stay durable in the long run.

ARDEX – Your Trusted Construction Partner for Years

ARDEX is Singapore’s leading provider of high-performance building materials. Here you can shop for all sorts of floor levelling products, tiles and stones adhesives, grouts and silicones and more supplies for any home improvement project. For product-related queries, get in touch with our team by emailing us at sales@ardex-quicseal.com today.