Epoxy grout is a great option for bathrooms or commercial applications due to it’s superior durability and stain resistance. When installed properly, epoxy grout is completely waterproof and will last for decades. Although epoxy grout is slightly more difficult to install than regular cementitious grout, it can still be easily applied by the average homeowner.
To apply epoxy grout, start by mixing up the epoxy grout components (Part A and Part B) according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Next, apply the grout to tile joints using an epoxy grout float. Hold the epoxy grout float at a 45 degree angle and force the epoxy grout into all of the grout lines. Remove excess epoxy grout with a sponge and use a grout haze remover to remove any epoxy grout residue that may be left on the tile. Finally, allow epoxy grout to cure.
This article will show you how to apply epoxy grout, step by step. Additionally, I will provide tips and tricks that I learned from my most recent DIY epoxy grout application in the bathroom you see below:
If you are more of a visual learner, you can watch my “How to Apply Epoxy Grout” Youtube Video linked at the end of this article.
1. Prepare your Tile for Epoxy Grout Application
Before applying epoxy grout, ensure that your tiles are firmly set and that all thinset mortar (used to attach the tiles to the cement board substrate) is fully cured.
Next, clean all of the grout joints to ensure that there are no impurities or contaminants that will impact your epoxy grout adhesion. In other words, grout joints must be free of any dirt, dust, or standing water. This clean up preparation work may consist of following:
- Scraping any dried thinset mortar from the face of your tiles (this is usually best accomplished with a 5 in 1 painter’s tool)
- Scraping any dried thinset that has hardened between the grout lines. This is usually best accomplished by using a grout scraping tool. At least 2/3 of the tile depth must be available for grouting, so remove excess dried thinset mortar from the grout joints as required.
- Vacuuming any dust or debris that may have settled in between the tiles
- Running a sponge over the face of all of your tiles to remove any dust or impurities that may impact your grout installation
After completing the required tile preparation, you can begin mixing up your epoxy grout.
2. Mix Up Epoxy Grout
Epoxy Grout is a two-component system consisting of Component A (Grout Mix) and Component B (Hardener). See below:
To prepare your epoxy grout, mix Component A and Component B together using a paddle mixer on your drill. Continue to mix until a smooth paste is achieved.
After mixing up the Epoxy Grout in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions, apply the epoxy grout to your tiles within 45 minutes. Epoxy grout cures quickly, so you will need to work fast.
If you are working on a large application area, it is recommended that you place the epoxy grout in various “small piles” on Kraft Paper laid on the floor. Epoxy grout is thermoplastic, meaning that it hardens much faster in a container or large mass.
3. Apply Epoxy Grout to Tile Grout Lines
After mixing up your epoxy grout, apply it to the grout joints using an epoxy grout float. Hold the grout float at a 45 degree angle and press the epoxy grout into the tile joints. Ensure that tile joints are completely filled with Epoxy Grout and that there are no voids/gaps.
You can also use a smaller, one-handed epoxy grout float for smaller, hard to reach areas – such as a shower pan.
Work quickly to ensure that you are able to apply epoxy grout to the entire application area within the 45 minute working time. Applying epoxy grout requires a bit of elbow grease, so consider having a helper to nearby in case you need any breaks.
After ensuring that all of your tile joints are completely filled with epoxy grout, you can begin to remove any epoxy grout excess.
4. Remove Excess Epoxy Grout
For all epoxy grout projects, you will be left with excess grout on the face of your tiles that will need to be removed. To remove the excess epoxy grout, start by removing the majority of the excess by holding your epoxy grout float at a 90 degree angle. Next, drag the float across the face of the tiles, removing the excess epoxy grout.
Continue to remove the majority of excess epoxy grout using this method. That is, scraping it off with an epoxy grout float held at 90 degrees.
After removing the majority of the excess epoxy grout using your epoxy grout float, you will still likely be left with a bit of epoxy grout in the corners and on the face of your tile. To remove the remaining grout, use an abrasive pad or sponge and scrub the area. Sponges should be wet during the wipe down process. Additionally, a bit of dishwashing soap may be added to aid in the excess epoxy grout removal process. Be sure not to wash-out any of the epoxy grout from the tile joints during this step.
As mentioned previously, you want to clean up any excess epoxy grout IMMEDIATELY after grouting. Allowing epoxy grout to dry on tiles will result in a very difficult clean up process.
Lastly, it is recommended that you use a grout haze remover to ensure that you do not have any residue or “grout haze” left on the face of your tiles. To do this, apply grout haze remover solution to a damp sponge and give your tiles a final scrub.
With all of the excess epoxy grout and grout haze removed, you can proceed to the final steps of the epoxy grout application process.
5. Allow Epoxy Grout to Cure
After applying epoxy grout, follow the manufacturer’s instructions on curing and hardening times. Typically, you will want to protect epoxy grout installations for at least 7 days after applying the epoxy grout.
Do not disturb the epoxy grout or walk over installed tiles for at least 24 hours after installing the epoxy grout.
Once you have given your epoxy grout sufficient time to cure, you can preform the final step in your epoxy grout application project.
6. Caulk any Floor and Wall Joints
Although some contractors will apply grout to the floor/wall joints, I always recommend that you apply a high quality silicone to all expansions joints (floor to wall, ceiling to wall, and wall to wall).
These flexible joints will “flex” with any expansion and contraction and are instrumental in preventing cracks in your grout. For detailed instructions on how to apply silicone to your expansion joints, you can watch my Youtube Video below:
Once you have applied silicone to your expansion joints, your epoxy grout Installation is complete. Congratulations!
If you successfully followed all of the steps in this article, you should be left with professional looking epoxy grout results, similar to the photo below:
If you are more of a visual learner, or if you would like to see a detailed video demonstration of every Epoxy Grout Applicaiton step outlined in this article, check out my Youtube Video below:
Thanks so much for checking out ATImprovements! If you learned something from this project, you might also like these other DIY Projects:
How to tile a Shower Pan: How to Tile a Shower Pan (Kerdi Shower Pan Tile Installation) – AT Improvements
How to Install the Schluter Kerdi Shower System: Schluter Kerdi Shower Kit Installation (Everything you Need to Know) – AT Improvements
How to Install Hexagon Floor Tiles: How to Install Hexagon Floor Tile – AT Improvements
To see the full bathroom transformation time lapse, click here!
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