Epoxy Grouts FAQ

What is epoxy grout?

Epoxy grouts are joint fillers which are made from epoxy resins and a colored sand filler. LATICRETE® SPECTRALOCK PRO Premium Grout, SPECTRALOCK PRO Premium Translucent Grout and SPECTRALOCK 2000IG are all epoxy tile grout options which provide excellent stain and chemical resistance. These epoxy grouts also have a very low absorption rate (<0.5%) and do not require sealing.

How to apply epoxy grout?

We would recommend following the installation instructions for the LATICRETE epoxy grout you are using by clicking on the instructions for the particular grout you will be using. However, basic instructions for SPECTRALOCK PRO Premium Grout would be to first mix the contents of the Part A pouch with the content of the Part B pouch, ensuring that you squeeze all off the liquids out of each pouch into a clean, dry pail. Thoroughly mix your liquids in the pail with a margin trowel or slow speed drill mixer. Once grout liquids are well mixed begin adding the SPECTRALOCK Part C powder to the liquids. Mix the powder into the epoxy liquids with a margin trowel or a slow speed drill mixer. Once your epoxy tile grout has been properly mixed you can begin to spread the grout using a firm, sharp edged rubber grout float. Floating the grout diagonally across the joints and packing them full. With the edge of the float held at a 90° angle (straight up) and at a 45° angle to the layout of the grout joints, press down firmly and remove excess grout from the surface of the tile. When the grout has been spread wait approximately 20 minutes before starting the cleaning process by adding the initial packet of included cleaning additive and adding it to 2 gallons (7.6 L) of clean water. Submerge sponge into water and wring until damp. Wipe grout joints and tile surface in a light circular motion, loosening grout residue while making the joints uniformly smooth and concave. Drag a clean sponge diagonally over the scrubbed surface to remove grout residue. Rinse sponge after every pass, using each side of the sponge before rinsing. Discard and replace sponges when they become gummy with epoxy residue. One hour after initial wash, repeat the process as stated above using the second cleaning additive packet. Read the installation instructions below for your grout for full installation and cleaning instructions.

How long will epoxy grout last?

An epoxy tile grout, such as SPECTRALOCK PRO Premium Grout, can last up to life of the installation depending on the grout chosen and the application type when properly applied and cared for using a suitable maintenance program. However, some challenging applications (e.g. commercial kitchens, industrial, etc...) may require periodic repair or replacement based on cleaning techniques used, environmental conditions and/or types of traffic in these challenging conditions.

Is there a video that I can watch showing how to install SPECTRALOCK PRO Premium Grout?

Yes! Click this LINK to view a video showing how to mix and then install SPECTRALOCK PRO Premium Grout.

When should I use SPECTRALOCK 2000 IG in lieu of SPECTRALOCK PRO Premium Grout?

For installations where superior chemical, stain and heat resistance is mandated, the best epoxy grout is SPECTRALOCK 2000 IG. Ideal projects for SPECTRALOCK 2000 IG in lieu of SPECTRALOCK PRO Premium Grout or SPECTRALOCK PRO Grout include, but may not be limited to; dairies, breweries, bakeries, commercial and institutional kitchens, veterinary clinics and hospitals, operating rooms, all types of food processing areas, chemical manufacturing plants, etc...

SPECTRALOCK PRO Premium Grout and SPECTRALOCK PRO Grout are ideal for residential and light commercial applications. SPECTRALOCK PRO Premium Grout can be used on interior (residential kitchens, showers, countertops, bathroom floors, hotel lobbies, elevators, restaurant common area floors, etc...) and exterior applications, as well as submerged tile installations (e.g. swimming pools, fountains, etc...)

How much epoxy tile grout do I need for my project?

This will vary depending on the tile size, thickness of the tile and joint width. Please use the LATICRETE Project Estimator and click on the Grout button to determine how much grout is required based on area to be grouted, size of the tile and width of the grout joint. You can also download the LATICRETE App at the App Store (Apple devices) or Google Play (Android devices) for a handy, easy-to-use grout coverage calculator. Just type LATICRETE into the Search bar and download the app. The LATICRETE Grout and Sealant Colors card (DS 254.3) also contains grout coverage calculations for some common tile sizes.

Please note that grout coverage is approximate and can vary based on job site conditions, actual grout joint width and depth, type of tile or stone being grouted, and installation method.

Do I need a grout release when grouting with epoxy?

Generally no. However, porous and textured tiles and stones may be easier to clean when the tiles are treated with a high quality grout release (e.g. STONETECH® Grout Release) or pre-sealer (e.g. STONETECH Heavy Duty Sealer). It is always recommended to conduct a test area to verify results.

Can I use a sealer on epoxy grout?

Due to the low absorption rate (<0.5%) LATICRETE epoxy grouts never require sealing. However, if the tile or stone grouted with a LATICRETE epoxy grout requires sealing, allow the grout to fully cure for 10 days at 70°F (21°C) prior to applying sealer.

How long do I need to allow my SPECTRALOCK PRO Premium Grout to cure before I take a shower?

Your shower should be available for use in 48 - 72 hours when cured at 70°F (21°C). However, SPECTRALOCK PRO Premium Grout does not reach full stain resistance for 7 days at 70°F (21°C) so please use caution when using heavily dyed cleansing products (e.g. shampoo, soap, tile/grout cleaners, etc...) before the 7 days is reached.

Can I use SPECTRALOCK PRO Premium Grout to grout marble?

Some polished or soft marble/stone can be scratched by an epoxy grout. Always conduct a test area to verify suitability and acceptability of materials and methods as well as the results, prior to proceeding with the actual grout job. "Picture-framing" (a darkening or discoloration of the stone edges) may occur with some absorptive stone (e.g. Thassos white marble, some Carrara white marble, other statuary marbles, soft porous stone) or agglomerate stone. Conducting a test area, preferably under actual in place conditions and lighting, will help to determine if "picture framing" will take place.

How do I remove cured epoxy tile grout film from the face of tiles?

Use a neutral pH detergent/water solution (electric dishwasher detergent works very well) along with a sponge and extra SPECTRALOCK Grout Part C powder. Apply the soap/water solution to the face of the tile in the affected area(s) and then sprinkle the SPECTRALOCK Grout Part C powder onto the wet area. Use the sponge to scrub the surface with some pressure to "abrade" the haze off of the tile. Conduct a test area in an inconspicuous area to verify suitability of this method for your tile or stone and to determine results. If the haze persists, try the above technique but replace the detergent/water solution with one of the chemicals listed below:

STONETECH® Epoxy Grout Haze & Coating Stripper
STONETECH Heavy Duty Coating Stripper

What are the minimum and maximum width grout joints for LATICRETE epoxy grouts?

LATICRETE epoxy grouts can be installed into joints from 1/16" (1.5mm) to 1/2" (12.7mm) wide. However, since these grouts do contain sand, narrow joints will appear with a coarse texture when compared to unsanded grouts.

Do LATICRETE epoxy grouts contain sand?

Yes, all LATICRETE epoxy grouts contain sand. Since these grouts utilize non-pigmented technology, the grout color is physically bonded to the sand and cannot be washed out or diluted during mixing.

Can I use epoxy grout and adhesive in exterior applications?

Yes, for all horizontal work and all work in swimming pools. However, epoxy grout and adhesives are typically not recommended for vertical exterior work outside of swimming pools. Please note that exposure to UV light can change the color of any epoxy grout including outdoor grout, and possibly cause them to yellow or darken.

I only need a small amount of the epoxy grout. I do not want to mix the entire unit. What can I do?

For best results, we suggest that you mix the entire unit. However, if you need to mix up a small amount, use the same proportion of each component (e.g. 1/2 of the Part A, 1/2 of the part B and half of the SPECTRALOCK Part C by volume.

How much time do I have to work with LATICRETE epoxy grouts once mixed?

For SPECTRALOCK PRO Premium Grout and SPECTRALOCK 2000 IG, you will have approximately 80 minutes working time at 70°F (21°C). However, higher or lower temperatures will have an effect on working time, time to traffic and pot life of the epoxy grouts. Please check the specific data sheet for the product being used for more information regarding working properties and temperatures.

I have to grout a wall and cove base with epoxy. What should I use?

SPECTRALOCK PRO Premium Grout and SPECTRALOCK 2000 IG are ideal products for grouting vertical surfaces. They provide superior performance and will not sag in joints up to 1/2" (12mm) wide.

Do I have to use all of the SPECTRALOCK Part C Powder when mixing epoxy grouts?

One of the key advantages of SPECTRALOCK grouts is that its' consistency is adjustable during mixing. You must add at least 3/4 of the SPECTRALOCK Part C Powder to the fully blended Part A and Part B liquids. Joint width and depth, temperature and other job site conditions will dictate exactly how much powder is required for the application, at that time. However, bear in mind that reducing the amount of powder will have an effect on coverage. For maximum coverage, please use all of the SPECTRALOCK Part C Filler Powder.

I am grouting in temperatures colder than 60°F (16°C), what should I do?

For best results, the surface temperature of the area being grouted should be between 60°F (16°C) and 90°F (32°C). For temperatures below 60°F (16°C), workability becomes more and more difficult and cure time is extended. For temperatures above 90°F (32°C), the epoxy, pot life and working time are greatly reduced and the product can flash set during installation.

What is epoxy grout?

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How to apply epoxy grout?

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How long will epoxy grout last?

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Is there a video that I can watch showing how to install SPECTRALOCK PRO Premium Grout?

When should I use SPECTRALOCK 2000 IG in lieu of SPECTRALOCK PRO Premium Grout?

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How much epoxy tile grout do I need for my project?

Do I need a grout release when grouting with epoxy?

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Can I use a sealer on epoxy grout?

How long do I need to allow my SPECTRALOCK PRO Premium Grout to cure before I take a shower?

Can I use SPECTRALOCK PRO Premium Grout to grout marble?

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How do I remove cured epoxy tile grout film from the face of tiles?

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What are the minimum and maximum width grout joints for LATICRETE epoxy grouts?

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Do LATICRETE epoxy grouts contain sand?

Can I use epoxy grout and adhesive in exterior applications?

I only need a small amount of the epoxy grout. I do not want to mix the entire unit. What can I do?

How much time do I have to work with LATICRETE epoxy grouts once mixed?

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I have to grout a wall and cove base with epoxy. What should I use?

Related Documents:

Do I have to use all of the SPECTRALOCK Part C Powder when mixing epoxy grouts?

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I am grouting in temperatures colder than 60°F (16°C), what should I do?

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