The final stage of laying ceramic tiles is grouting. After this operation, the coating gets a finished look, characterized by its aesthetics and beauty. In addition, the composition protects the seams from the ingress of various substances and further destruction of the base. To perform this operation, cement and epoxy grout are used.
The first method is the use of a composition based on Portland cement with the inclusion of various additional additives that give the solution certain properties. After processing, the seams remain even and smooth, however, you can use the mixture only with a distance between the tiles of not more than 3-5 mm. The main advantage of cement grouts is their wide color gamut.
But most often, epoxy grout is used to process the joints. This is a composition based on
epoxy resins with the addition of hardener and coloring pigments. The components of the material provide the seams with high density, resistance to pollution, moisture, various chemicals, various temperatures. In addition, the epoxy grout does not crack, is not affected by fungi, does not fade with time, and is durable. All this allows you to use the composition in various conditions, including in rooms with high humidity. Seams can be easily washed with water, removing all unnecessary dirt and dust. The disadvantages of the material include a higher cost compared to cement grout. However, high operational properties more than
compensate for all
this.
Epoxy grout has a wide range of applications. It can be used both for indoor and outdoor work, in various rooms, including those with adverse conditions (bathroom, kitchen, pool, etc.). You can work with the composition when laying ceramic tiles, porcelain stoneware, agglomerate, natural stone. It can also be used as a grout for mosaics where very delicate work is required. At the same time, ceramic, glass, metal or wooden elements can be used to create colorful panels. The composition is also used on substrates subject to strong deformation loads (for example, balconies, terraces,
underfloor heating , etc.).
Epoxy grout should be applied to joints previously cleaned of cement and dust, while the surface should be dry. It is best to work with the composition with the help of a special spatula, which ensures accuracy and high quality of work. Grouting of ceramic tiles requires that the air temperature be at least +5 degrees. Fresh seam should be protected from rain, other precipitation, pollution, dust. You can clean the surface of the tile from grouting after about 4-5 hours, for this it is necessary to use the mechanical method. After the final stage, the coating is completely ready, and if the work was carried out correctly, the finish will last long and reliably, without changing the original appearance.