Flooring Tile - Stain-free Grout V. Sealing
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kimberly89414
10-31-04, 08:15 AM
We are having ceramic tiles installed in our kitchen/laundry/nook area in a couple of weeks. I noticed there is a grout called Mapei Stain-free epoxy that says sealing is not necessary. Does this stuff really work and is it worth the extra $? Or is sealing just as effective and less costly? Because of the problems I have seen with grout staining I lean toward getting a dark grout color but if this stuff really works I can just go with a color that matches the tile more closely. Anyone have any exerience with comparing the effectiveness of these two ways to prevent grout staining?
Thanks!
Kimberly
ps 12x12 tiles, 488 Sq F. in an area that we enter from the pool (heavy water traffic)
Thanks!
Kimberly
ps 12x12 tiles, 488 Sq F. in an area that we enter from the pool (heavy water traffic)
twelvepole
10-31-04, 01:43 PM
Epoxy grout does work. It can be tricky to work with and you want to avoid the fumes. Wearing a respirator is recommended. Use in well-ventilated area.
COBALT
11-02-04, 10:08 AM
Epoxy grout can be effective, but I've seen it used more with mosaics and smaller tiles with smaller grout lines (1/8" and less) than probably what you'll be using. 1/4" grout line is pretty big for an epoxy grout. Another thing is the cleanup. Standard grout can be cleaned up with a sponge and some water as you're applying it - maybe even some cheese cloth to remove the residue. Epoxy isn't that easy, and ANY left behind will harden like concrete, and require special cleaners and strippers to remove. It's not a friendly grout to apply, but it can solve some of your cleaning problems.
But, it also looks different. It doesn't look like traditional sanded grout. It will look more like plastic.
But, it also looks different. It doesn't look like traditional sanded grout. It will look more like plastic.