Grout is an essential part of the tiling process. Let’s take a look at the type of grout that you will probably need.
It is not at all that uncommon to be thinking that stain proof grout is something that over-promises and under-delivers. It is not at all unusual to be thinking along these lines. It really may seem like something that is too good to be true. The fact of the matter, however, is that these are the type of grouts that have the best performance aspect and especially so when it comes to their absorbent properties. Also, they are not cementitious and as a result they do not just fade as time goes by. They also do not need to be sealed. These are the type of grouts that are consistent with color and also are non-porous. However, if you are not a big fan of grouts, you can have a look at some of the groutless tile options here: https://www.tileclub.com/collections/groutless-tile
When it comes to installation, however, these types of grouts are easily the most difficult to properly install. Their installation is also the most expensive and is very time consuming. These types of grouts are also difficult to clean up at the time of installation and not to mention that it becomes an absolute nightmare to clean after installation.
It is also important to note that these types of grout are not dirt-proof or cleaning-proof. It is also worth noting that these types of grouts do turn back to white when they are cleaned and it does not turn into some sort of a dingy variety of white.
Having said all of this, let us take a look at the different types of grout that are considered to be “stain-proof.”
Epoxy
The thing about epoxy is that this is in all likelihood the toughest of any kind of grout that is commercially available. This includes both grout that is “stain-proof” and otherwise. These are grouts that are by its very nature, extremely hard and durable. These materials are made use in commercial kitchens and can therefore be exposed to the harshest conditions and still survive. They do not even need to be sealed ever. They are best for joints that are between 1/6th – ½ inch.
It would be very wise to make sure that you install them properly as they do happen to also be the kind that is the most difficult to install. After installation has been completed, they are also the most difficult to clean, with many homeowners describing the ordeal as being nightmarish. So it is vital that you get this type of grout properly installed so as to not have to deal with the aftermath of improper installation.
Some of the other characteristics of this type of grout is that it has to be mixed in full batches and they also have to be spread all at the same time and at once. If you do not make sure to move quickly then you will for sure waste a lot of this product which is very expensive. You may even spread an area which is too big and then, as a result, not be able to clean it properly before it sets up.
Furthermore, it is very important to mention that they do have the potential to yellow in sunlight or UV light. From personal experience, we can say that this is by far the most difficult kind of grout to install properly and get it all into the joint. What happens often is that they want to wash down a distance that is too far and as a result create a grout joint that is unnecessarily deep.
Cleaning the haze of Epoxy Grout
When it comes time to clean, make sure that you have about a quart of epoxy grout remover at your disposal. Obviously, the manufacturers of the different varieties of Epoxy grout available in the market will recommend their own cleaners and it would not be completely off base to get them as they do tend to do the job quite well and adequately.
Single component grout
Setting everything aside, this category of grout has probably the worst name in existence. The very first few generations of these grouts happened to be made from a chemical cal urethane but these days, the newer ones are some sort of acrylic which is siliconized. It could even be something else entirely as the manufacturers of these grouts are not exactly willing to divulge their secret ingredients. This is the primary reason why we cannot just call them “urethane grout” anymore.
Cleaning the Grout Haze of Single Component Grout
As with epoxy grouts, these grouts are also not the easiest to clean when they are being installed. Once the grout has set and is dry, you can then proceed to using a cleaning solution in order to clean up any grout haze that may be still present and the ones that you probably did not notice when you were doing the initial cleaning.
One thing that has to be mentioned very clearly here is that this type of grout should never be made use of in these following places:
- pebble tile
- steam showers
- submerged installations (like fountains)
