EPOXY GROUT VS CEMENT GROUT

Quite simply, Epoxy grout is nonporous and because of that property among others, it’s stain-resistant.

Cement-based grouts absorb liquids which then in turn stain the grout.

Epoxy’s chemical makeup is completely different than cement based. Resins Vs Cement

SO WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN EPOXY GROUT VS CEMENT GROUT

Unlike cement grout which is made from a cementitious powder mix , epoxy grout is made from epoxy resins and a filler powder. Epoxy grout is extremely durable and almost completely stain proof.

Regular cement grout is not waterproof, so unlike epoxy grout , it can absorb water when wet and stain easily.

Epoxy grout is made from two different resins mixed with a filler , making it waterproof and better suited to harsher cleaning products. Epoxy thin sets offer greater bond strength and chemical resistance than cementitious grouts.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS
First and foremost, epoxy will stay looking like new fora long long time. It has a high resistance to acids so in an instance where the epoxy grout is contaminated, a seriously strong cleaner can be used with confidence.

Although it has plenty of benefits , please note that epoxy grout is more difficult to work with than regular grout. It is more expensive to purchase and most tilers charge extra for using the epoxy grout as opposed to regular grout but the benefits pay for themselves in the long run.

WHAT ARE OTHER DIFFERENCES
One other big difference between epoxy grout and regular grout is the time involved installing and cleaning the grout as opposed to regular grout and the cost can be 3 to 5 times more expensive to purchase than regular grout . This can make some installers hesitant to work with the epoxy grout and getting pricing from tilers to undertake this work is not by the sq meter of grout needed but by the size of area required and the size of tile being used. Obviously the smaller the tile the more grout required and the bigger the tile the less grout required so generally a tiler will provide a price once he has viewed the job and knows the size of tile being used.

WHAT ARE THE MAIN AREA’S TO USE EPOXY GROUT VS CEMENT GROUT.

Epoxy grout is advisable to use is in tiled showers and floors as the epoxy grout adds another layer of protection for moisture getting under the tile where there is the other layer of protection being the waterproofing. Splash back tiling over vanities is one other area where epoxy grout would be advantageous.

Many people are drawn to epoxy grout for its even colour. The colour of epoxy grout comes from the filler and is constant throughout. Regular grout can have its pigment removed during the cleaning process.

Using epoxy grout is completely different than using regular cement grout as no step of the process is the same. From the mixing to application to cleaning, epoxy grouting has its own set of rules.

Make sure your Bathroom Professional has experience with the product and its applications.  Be aware the cost between using epoxy grout to a cement grout will be a significant difference, but its waterproofing, staining and durability advantages  are also significant .