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epoxy g(routing) advice (Read 2100 times)

rp

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epoxy g(routing) advice
July 28, 2010, 08:25:50 pm
nothing to do with bolts
some of you lads seem to have diy experience
i have 400 tiles to grout as a kitchen worktop, have been advised by my tileman to use epoxy grout. i have purchased this. have searched google 'epoxy grout advice/tips' and from scanning this i could be in for a sticky and frustrating few days ahead involving lots of scrubbing, swearing and water. any one have first hand experience/tips.
rp

pabs

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#1 Re: epoxy g(routing) advice
July 29, 2010, 10:38:18 am
I did exactly this (marble tiles into a worktop) and used the epoxy stuff for waterproofness. I don't recall it being any worse to deal with than normal grout, I think the only difference is youv'e got to sponge the excess off pretty quick.

SpanishJuan

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#2 Re: epoxy g(routing) advice
July 29, 2010, 11:41:06 am
I've just asked a mate who is a tiling wad\Guru of mine. His reply was as follows

"Depends really mate. Epoxy grout should be used in food areas, but its
not 100% necessary. What type of tiles are they? Like, what are they
made of? Very important before you go ahead and grout!

My advice is go on trade tiler dot com, and buy a decent rubber
bottomed grout float with a handle (£6?) And a tilers sponge (£2?)Then
go to a proper tile shop (not B&Q or Wykes) and ask for some powdered
grout that you mix yourself. BAL or BISCEM or ARDEX are best and will
last for 30 years. Stuff from wykes like the ready mixed unibond stuff
will last a year at best and is sometimes more expensive.

Use the rubber float to push the grout into the tile joints, then turn
it 45degrees and scrape the excess off. Then use a sponge and water
and 1st wipe the tiles, change the water, then go back over it and
smooth/finish the joints.

Leave for an hour once happy, and then clean again with clean water.
Wait a further hour and then buff it with a DRY cloth."

Probably not much help to you. but Thought i'd post it anywho.

rp

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#3 Re: epoxy g(routing) advice
July 29, 2010, 05:37:53 pm
thanks for the replies

i was adviced to use the epoxy grout for the fact it will not stain. the tiles are ceramic and i'm told by my tile-man of a high grade suitable for worktops. after a few years of use i can imagine a white cement based grout looking dirty (i'm thinking about the orange greassiness of some spilt curry late at night)

from what i researched, i read about some people who had a nightmare and would never go near  epoxy grout again but i suppose they could be rubbish at diy

other people have had similar experiences to you pabs so that makes me less nervous

i'm just a bit worried about making a mess while finishing off the kitchen which so far is looking ace

i am planning to lay a few tiles on a seperate board and have a practice before the main event

any other tips

nodder

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#4 Re: epoxy g(routing) advice
July 29, 2010, 05:48:30 pm
Quote
any other tips

Buy a worktop.

rp

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#5 Re: epoxy g(routing) advice
July 29, 2010, 07:01:40 pm
thanks dave





pabs

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#6 Re: epoxy g(routing) advice
July 29, 2010, 09:07:26 pm
I think a team effort can help; 1 grouts, 1 cleans - then you can blame them if it looks shit. :whistle:
Once you've got the epoxy in you'll need to clean it with vinegar every few months to get off the curry stains. It looks nice when done.

rp

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#7 Re: epoxy g(routing) advice
July 29, 2010, 09:22:59 pm
thanks again pabs

i thought it would be better with a labourer, grouting generally is shit, just done flooring. 5 mins grouting = 30 mins cleaning x number of m2 in room = shit. nodder what are you doing sat. expensives paid.

 

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