Avoid extensive cleaning of your joints with epoxy
Today, tiles are used in many places in the home, where we typically distinguish between floor tiles and wall tiles . The final expression depends on which tile you choose, but just as much on which joint to use for your tile. Unfortunately, most of us are also familiar with the problem of joints that turn yellow and ugly over time from limescale. It is almost an unmanageable task to keep your joints neat and free of coatings that make them look ugly and dirty.
We most often see the worst calcification in bathrooms with light-colored tiles and light-colored joints. They can become completely orange/red from limescale and dirt and look very unhygienic, which is why many compromise with the look and choose a gray joint rather than a white one. Admittedly, there are quite a few products on the market for cleaning joints. But it is still time-consuming work and the results are mixed.
But there is actually another solution – epoxy joints.
Epoxy grouts provide long-lasting results
In the old days, many joints were made in cement or concrete. It became a strong joint. Perhaps a little too strong, because the joints often broke, and they therefore had to be repaired. Today, joints are made with ready-mixed materials and the material is chosen based on how wide the joint needs to be. There are many different manufacturers and typically they say that you must grout with the same brand as the tile adhesive you used to install the tiles. Then you are sure that the materials “talk” to each other.
Epoxy joints were previously mostly used for businesses, such as slaughterhouses and the like. But we also quietly see that they are appearing more and more in private homes. They are not susceptible to limescale and dirt, are practically maintenance-free and last for many years. This means that white joints have become an option again, and we are personally quite fond of that, as it gives us some options to get a completely white and clean look. Epoxy sealant can in some cases also replace the classic silicone joint, which is required in corners in the bathroom and which often forms mold and fungus.
How to grout tiles?
It must be remembered that an epoxy joint is a two-component product, and it requires both the use of gloves and very good ventilation. In fact, it is usually necessary to take an epoxy grouting course if you want to work with epoxy, but many of the products have become more “stüeren”. However, we still wouldn’t categorize epoxy grout as the obvious DIY project. If you think this sounds interesting, we recommend that you talk to your mason about the possibilities.
At first glance, the grouting process is roughly the same when grouting with epoxy, except for certain precautions. It requires, among other things, that you have your tools and implements in order if you intend to use epoxy sealant. Since you are dealing with chemistry, you must always use 100% clean tools. Everything from the stirring rod to the mason’s trowel must be completely clean, so that you do not mix components that must not be mixed. Your joint board must be made of rubber, and you must also use coveralls, Nitrile gloves and safety glasses. We also cannot emphasize enough that you must follow the manufacturer’s instructions to the letter – read the instructions thoroughly.
It is important that, if you get started with epoxy grouting yourself, that you prepare properly. Make sure the room and tiles are completely clean before you start and 24 hours after, as impurities settle into the joint. Make sure you have clean tools and equipment, that you have easy access to hot water, and that the room and the epoxy joint are both room temperature and preferably above 15 degrees. Use household alcohol to clean joint boards and other tools.
The whole execution requires a little more time, but it’s all worth it when you’re done and in the long run you save a lot of time on cleaning. It’s win-win!
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If you dream of a brand new bathroom, or if you want to spruce up the old one a bit, Focus Plus can help you. Check out our huge range of bathroom tiles , which includes our popular terrazzo tiles , or explore our range of wooden bathroom furniture , bathroom lamps , shower sets or bathroom mirrors .