epoxy grout?
I just installed 6x 6 ceramic tile on a countertop in my kitchen. I have heard that because it is in a kitchen and will be subjected to staining, I should use epoxy grout. The local Home Depot and Lowes stores do not sell this. They sell sanded grout, and a latex admix. Will this achieve the same result, or can I purchase epoxy grout from a tile store that installs tile professionally. All and any advice appreciated. Thanks Epoxy grout on a counter top is a great idea..it will never stain with coffee or mustard.etc...Unfortuately it's not that easy to install..even though it cleans up with warm water, it's best to get someone who has installed it before. Go to a tile shop and ask them for a price. Years from now when your countertop still looks brand new, you'll be glade you spent the extra money. Adanac has a point. You could completely and irrevokably screw up your handiwork. Either use regular grout or get a pro. John Thanks for the advice, glad I asked first before screwing it up! If I use regular grout, do I need to seal both tile and grout, or does it depend on the type of sealer? There is so much information out there, one type says one way and another says another way?? Also, any recommendations for a sealer(brand)? How often would I need to re-seal to keep it in good shape????? thanks again! Hi Dew, You definitely have to seal the grout with a penetrating sealer. Whether to seal the tiles depends on the tiles and how dense they are. I would spread the sealer over the entire thing, leave it for a minute or two, and then wipe the excess from the surface of the tiles -- dry them completely. That way, there's no guessing -- the tiles either accept the sealer or they don't need it. I'll list two companies that make good sealers. Both are available at Home Depot here in Houston at least. http://www.aquamix.com (Sealer's Choice) http://www.custombuildingproducts.com (Tile Lab) Lots of luck, John http://www.johnbridge.com John....Pooh On you! If that advice was given to me before I did my countertop tile job...It would still be laminate.!! I love a challenge when it comes to jobs around the house....! I did find epoxy at my local Lowes store, and Yes it was a bit scary at first, but I got the hang of it and my job looks great! I'm proud to say this was my first tile job! Oh and by the way.....just kidding..your advice is great! Lisa Thanks to all, glad to here there's another woman who enjoys remodeling projects! All advice I hear says epoxy is tough to work with, what is the diffence? and what is the trick to it???? Would like to achieve a long lasting good job, but can't afford to hire a pro to grout it!! Hi Dew...Ahh yes! We are women~ Hear us roar! LOL I can give you some insight on my grout job. The product I used was called Latapoxy I picked it up at my local Lowes. Search the shelves, as the salespeople were of no help to me. It comes in a tub, with 3 parts~ A, B and C . (part D, can be bought seperately, if grouting on walls) It's water based, no extreme fumes. You can mix right in the tub it's purchased in and it comes with a sponge, and a scrubbing pad.All you need is the float! My suggestions are: ~It says to dump all the grout on the counter after mixing and work with it that way. I didn't. I plopped down what I thought I needed, and added to it. ~ The counter I did first was on an outside wall,in front of a window....it was very cold outside, and I believe the tiles were cold.This made the grout hard to work with. But hey!... You have a big pile of grout and you just have to work with it....Don't be intimadated!Move it all around and cover all grout lines...DONT PANIC WHEN IT STARTS TO STICK! It will come off, with water and the scrub sponge!I was amazed how easy that part was. The other side of the kitchen, next to the stove was warmer........and either that made a huge difference...OR...I was getting the hang of it! That's all my tips....Let me know what you decide..I'd love to hear about it. Lisa Hey Dew, Try warm water(as warm as you can handle it). Also a two part epoxy may be easier to deal with. Just make sure you get it all off the face of your tile. (personally I agree with John and Adanac, it should be done by a pro, but if you insist, just follow the directions to the letter.)Good Luck. Regards, Rich Gately (Tileman1) http://www.gatelytile.com Well..it sound like you're going to give it a go ...so..yes very important..the tile can't be cold..as soon as the epoxy hits the cold surface it sticks to it...if it's warm it spreads quite easily. Use warm water to clean up..it does make a difference. Cover anything that may come in contact with the epoxy or the water you use to clean up(any drips will look shiney after you're done) So spread a drop sheet. Have 2 of everything..2 scrub pads, 2 sponges, 2 clean pails of warm water, 2 pairs of rubber gloves( in case you get hole in one scrubbing) and don't be afraid to use lots of water..it;s the water that stops the scrub pad and later the sponge from sticking to the epoxy. If you are prepared it's a lot easier. I like TEC epoxy..it comes with the scrub pad and rubber gloves..and it easy to work with..but it doesn't come in a lot of colors. Have Fun! Hey Lisa, I take no offense. You are a true woman's woman. Go ahead and roar. It's just that I would much rather be a little reserved in my advice than have someone come back and jump me for causing the ruination of their tile project. And Dew, the TEC product is pretty good, as Adanac said. And now I'll just go hang my head in a corner somewhere . . . or wait, maybe I'll get a brewski instead. Yeah, that's an idea! John Well, ladies gentlemen: I have picked up some good advice from all of you which I do appreciate. I have also contacted and received some very good information from Laticrete Co. regarding their epoxy grout. I guess I'm determined that I want a quality product, and will give the Latipoxy SP-100 a try if I can find it. As my Dad always says (he is a retired mason) if you take your time and put your mind to it, you can do anything you want!! Hmmmmm-where is my retired mason now???? -vacationing in Florida!!!!!!! Stay tuned, will let you know how it turns out!!!!!!
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