Epoxy grout for tiles Litokol. Epoxy grout from Litokol: personal experience of use, characteristics, consumption Litochrom starlike colors

Litokol has 5 types of epoxy grout:

Chameleon effect in the C.350 Crystal

Specifications

Specifications EPOXYSTUK X90 Technical data LITOCHROM STARLIKE Technical data STARLIKE C.350 CRYSTAL Chemical resistance table

Quick navigation through the article

Flow calculator

Use this calculator to find out the average consumption of epoxy grout from Litokol. It is recommended to add a margin of 10% when calculating.

When using 15x15 glass mosaic 4 mm thick with 2 mm seams, the Starlike consumption was approximately 1.6 kg per square meter.

Table of consumption of grout mixtures Litokol Consumption of EPOXYSTUK X90

Using grout

Branded tools from Litokol

• Combined cellulose sponge. It costs about 500-600 rubles. You can replace it with ordinary foam rubber, but it quickly becomes unusable. The sponge forms seams better and faster, and is enough for about 20-30 squares of tiles.
• Skipper. This is a special bucket with rollers for squeezing. Convenient if you constantly work with epoxy grout.
• Grater with replaceable cellulose attachment. Also used to clean up residues.

Mixing the mixture

The mixture is sold undiluted; to start working, you need to mix 2 components. Component A is epoxy resin with the addition of quartz sand, dye and plasticizer. Component B is a hardener.

After mixing the two components, you have no more than 60 minutes to use the mixture. There are certain difficulties associated with this. Initially, the components are packaged in certain proportions, and they must be followed. But it is unrealistic to use a full package alone in an hour, so you will need to manually divide the package into parts using an eye meter or scale.

Eg:

• Components A and B in Epoxystuk X90 are mixed in a ratio of 100 to 7.2 by weight.
• In Starlike C.350 Crystal – 100 to 8 by weight.
• There are no proportions in the instructions for Litochrom Starlike on the official website, but empirically The figure was set at 14 parts of filler to 1 part of hardener by weight (almost the same 100 to 7.2).

Mix 2 components

I used Litochrom Starlike grout, so what follows will be mainly about working with it. In terms of grain size, Litochrom turned out to be larger than its competitor -. But it is convenient to use and wipes off easier. In practice, this graininess does not interfere with washing the seams.

Filling and shaping the seam

Seam filling

Plaque removal

The next day you need to remove the epoxy coating using Litonet. It is not cheap, but it is a concentrate, so it will last a long time.

Apply the product to the surface

• Spray the surface with the product, wait according to the instructions and clean. There will be a lot of foam; it is most convenient to remove it with a self-squeezing mop or a washing vacuum cleaner.
• Using a “hairy” dishcloth (or a special cellulose sponge), remove the remaining grains of sand and plaque.
• Glossy tiles are easy to clean, so the product can be diluted with water 1 to 4. For matte surfaces, it is better to work with a concentrated solution or dilute it in small proportions (1 to 1).
• After cleaning, let the surface dry and check for gaps where plaque remains. If you paid little attention to washing with water, or you use clinker, clay tiles, terracotta, you may even need 2-3 passes. If you use relief decors, it is better to seal them in advance to save yourself some work.

Litostrip gel is used to remove plaque 24 hours or more after applying grout.

Let's sum it up

The tile is ready

It is more difficult to work with epoxy grout: the surface must be dry and clean, it is more difficult to remove plaque, it is difficult to form internal corners in one day, you need to wash it big amount water. Due to the high price, strength of the seams and labor-intensive work, this grout does not leave room for error.

But on the customer’s side, the advantages of using such a mixture are obvious: the seams are easier to clean and dirt will not collect in them, they will not change color when wet, you can clean them with any chemicals. means. Externally, the seams will look like plastic with sand; many people do not like such a rough surface.

When choosing grout for tiles, you need to find the best manufacturer, which guarantees a high-quality composition. It is important that the grout meets all the required technical characteristics and also has good aesthetic properties. These requirements are best met by modern epoxy grout from Litokol.

Litokol is an Italian manufacturer that supplies construction market high quality products. In the article we will look at the features grout mixture for Litokol tiles, let’s look at the recommendations for its application and find out how much it will cost us to purchase this mixture.

Features of Litokol Starlike grout

The word "Litokol" translated means "glue for stone." This is a telling name - after all, the grout of this brand can actually be used as an adhesive - it will quite reliably attach the tiles to any surface. It should be noted that the company was the first in its industry to apply and use the ISO 9001 system for quality control. This indicates the responsibility of the manufacturer and guarantees reliable product quality.

Let's figure out what technical and aesthetic characteristics have made this grout a leader in Russian market finishing materials.

In the photo - epoxy grout for litokol tiles

Grout Litokol- This is a mixture based on an epoxy composition. It is not afraid of acids and alkalis, is very resistant to moisture, comfortable and safe. A two-component composition consists of: the first is a mixture of ingredients of the composition, and the second is a catalyst that binds the components together and gives the composition a plastic consistency.

Properties and advantages of the composition

The water resistance of Litokol grout is worthy of all praise. It is guaranteed to protect surfaces from moisture penetration, the appearance of fungus, mold, defects and tile loss.

After drying, the grout acquires significant mechanical strength, which allows it to reliably bind wall or wall tiles. flooring into a single whole, preventing them from falling apart into separate parts. In addition, after drying, the grout cannot even be scratched, it becomes so hard. Cracks on its surface also do not form over time.

The grout has good elasticity, which makes working with it convenient. The composition is unique in that it can also be used as an adhesive.

Video: grouting joints

On video epoxy litokol tile grout:

The composition is able to withstand significant temperature overloads. So, it can easily withstand temperatures from minus 20 to plus 100 degrees.

Epoxy grout Litocol, namely Litochrome Starlike, is resistant to UV radiation. Over time, it does not fade, does not turn yellow, or lose any of its other properties.

Environmental friendliness. Litokol grout is completely safe; it does not contain toxic or harmful components, as well as ingredients that cause asthma and allergies.

Over time, seams treated with Litokol grout will not fade or lose their color; the tiles can be safely washed with any chemicals detergents, even very aggressive and caustic ones - the epoxy composition is not afraid of them.

The grout is also great for interior finishing works, and for external ones - there are no restrictions in this regard. Ideal for almost all construction and finishing materials: and to stone tiles, and to tiles, ceramics, marble and other materials. This grout is suitable even for finicky mosaics, making the seams neat and invisible.

Litokol grout has a huge selection of shades and textures. So the buyer can choose from any colors, including gold and metal options. Grout with a luminescent effect looks very beautiful - the room begins to mysteriously shine after turning off the lights. Litokol's bronze, gold and silver grouts are also beyond praise - the bathroom will immediately acquire a luxurious, magnificent appearance.

In the photo - epoxy grout litokol litochrom starlike

Application area

For which surfaces can the epoxy composition Litokol be used, consider:

How to use

Let's look at how to use the epoxy composition Litokol, and what are the features of its operation.

Before applying the mixture to the seams, the latter must be properly prepared. Namely, remove the old coating, dirt, glue and cement screed residues. Only on a clean surface will the grout last for the amount of time guaranteed by the manufacturer.

To prepare the composition, a catalyst is added to the paste with the components, and the entire mixture is thoroughly mixed. Inside the bucket with the mixture there is a small bag of catalyst. In order for the process to begin, you just need to pour this bag into a bucket and squeeze it to the maximum.

After some time, you can apply grout to the seams. Attention: it is not recommended to stir the mixture by hand; it is better to do this with a mechanical drill mixer. It is important that the components are thoroughly mixed together - in this case the mixture will be uniform and of high quality.

On video application epoxy grout:

Do not use solvents, water, or any other additional components when preparing the mixture. Any addition of unnecessary ingredients can greatly deteriorate the adhesive, aesthetic and strength characteristics of the grout.

To apply, use a special wide spatula. The grout is applied diagonally along the seams of the tiles. During the process, it is constantly necessary to remove excess so that there are no large deposits on the surface of the tile. It is necessary to apply the composition as evenly as possible so that the overall impression of the result of the work is organic.

After grout has been applied to all seams, it is necessary to clean the surface of the tile within 45 minutes from dirt and stains left by the grout. This must be done quickly; after hardening, the epoxy mixture will be difficult to remove with anything, only with caustic solvents. To make the tile surface clean, you need to use a damp cloth or a rubber spatula soaked in water and remove the grout using wide circular movements.

To bring the tiles to a shine and completely rid them of stains, smudges and residues of the composition, you need to use Litonet - a special cleaner that is designed for this grout. They need to wet the sponge and thoroughly wipe the tile over the entire treated surface until you see the desired result.

Then you need to wait until the mixture dries completely. The length of the wait depends on several factors: it is important that the room has a suitable temperature - from plus 16 to plus 25 degrees. And second: different grout compositions dry differently.

After the cleaning activities are completed, it is recommended to walk on the tiles no earlier than a day later. And for the composition to completely harden, it will take about 5 days.

The consumption of the grout mixture depends on the width of the tile used. It is clear that the larger the area of ​​the tile, the less grout it will require, and vice versa - the smaller the tile, the more fastening grouting composition will be needed. The width of the joints between the tiles is also important.

Instructions on how to properly grout tiles

According to the instructions, it is necessary that when working in the room the air temperature should be from plus 16 to plus 25 degrees. Less is no longer good - the technical characteristics of the composition may become worse in this case. The fact is that the epoxy base of the mixture tends to harden when low temperatures– the composition in a cool room will become too viscous and will be inconvenient to work with.

After preparation, the mixture must be used within 40-50 minutes, after which it will become of little use, having lost some of its important properties, including the ability for high-quality adhesion. Count on this period of time when preparing the mixture and do not cook more if you feel that you may not have time to properly process the entire mixture.

How Diamant epoxy grout is used and where it can be used is described in this

But what is the best grout for natural stone and what colors exist is described in this

But what is it and how to determine required amount, this article will help you understand.

How it is produced and what the cost of such material is is described in this article.

Cost of epoxy material

Among the variety of grouts from the Litokol company, Litochrome Starlike grout is very popular because of its versatility and reliability. It has a rich range of shades, a good price, the grout is easy to use, safe, and has improved aesthetic and strength characteristics. Let's find out how much it will cost us to purchase this brand of grout.

It should be noted right away that the price will largely depend on what type of composition you choose. Well, depending on the weight of the packaging, it is clear that the greater the weight of the packaged products, the cheaper the price and vice versa.

Thus, the average price of a 2.5 kilogram can of Litochrome Starlike epoxy grout in a neutral shade will cost the buyer an average of 2,400 rubles. A five-kilogram package will cost 4000-4100 rubles. Agree, the savings are significant - it is more profitable to buy large quantities than several small ones.

Lithochrome Starlike dazzling white with a capacity of 2.5 kg will cost 2,700 rubles.

Interesting and unusual colors, such as turquoise, lilac and others, will cost a little more than regular neutral brown and beige. Their average price for a 2.5 kg jar is 2,500 rubles. Crystal-transparent grout weighing 5 kg will cost around 4800 rubles.

STARLIKE is an epoxy two-component acid-resistant composition for laying glass mosaics, tiles and grouting joints between tiles with a width of 1 to 15 mm, for interior and exterior use.

It is a premium design product with a unique range of colors and exclusive visual effects.

The STARLIKE product line (STARLIKE, STARLIKE CRYSTAL, STARLIKE COLOR CRYSTAL, STARLIKE DEFENDER, STARLIKE FINISHES) is the undisputed leader among popular analogues in the premium segment.

STARLIKE solves several problems at once: laying tiles and mosaics, grouting tile joints, finishing walls. The wide scope of application and versatility of the product allow it to be used at various sites, including wet areas, in rooms with high hygienic requirements, aggressive chemical environment, intensive operating
with loads. Suitable for professional use.

Component A is a mixture of epoxy resin, silicon fillers and additives. Component B is a hardener. After mixing components A and B, a composition is obtained that can be used as a tile adhesive or grout between tiles.

STARLIKE complies with the RG class - a grout based on reactive resins(R) for tile joints (G).
STARLIKE complies with the R2T class - an adhesive based on reactive resins (R) of improved quality (2), with zero vertical slip (T).

STARLIKE/STARLIKE DEFENDER can be used for laying tiles or mosaics on the following types of substrates:

• cement screeds and plasters LITOPLAN, LITOPLAN RAPID;
• cement screeds with water or electrically heated;
• floors leveled with self-leveling mixtures LITOLIV S5, LITOLIV S30;
• concrete surfaces;
• plasterboard, gypsum board, SML, ATSEID, chipboard, DSP, OSB;
• existing coverings of tiles, porcelain stoneware, natural stone when laying new tile covering using the tile-to-tile method;
• surfaces with waterproofing coatings made with ELASTOCEM, ELASTOCEM MONO.

• ceramic tile;
• acid-resistant clinker;
• porcelain stoneware;
• a natural stone;
• glass and ceramic mosaic.

Main characteristics

Classification according to EN 13888: class RG - reactive grout mixture for tile joints Type of grout: epoxy two-component acid-resistant composition Type of work: interior Joint width: from 1 to 15 mm Consumption: Start of operation: after 24 hours

Technical information

• Complete freedom in choosing a shade. Color palette STARLIKE includes 152 original shades and unlimited design possibilities with STARLIKE FINISHES decorative additives to achieve unique optical effects. The effects of sparkling gold chips, mother-of-pearl shine, noble tints of bronze, platinum, copper, mysterious glow in the dark reveal ample opportunities for the implementation of any, even the most bold ideas and emphasize the individuality of the interior. STARLIKE CRYSTAL transparent grout with a chameleon effect is ideal for creating mosaic panels, decorative elements with lighting and art objects. Colored translucent grout STARLIKE COLOR CRYSTAL “adjusts” to the color of the mosaic within the same range, which allows you to achieve a “tone on tone” effect.

• Easy to use and clean. Due to its plasticity, the composition is easy to apply, completely filling the seams and is also easy to clean. Unlike other epoxy grouts, using STARLIKE allows you to reduce the work time of the master by 15–20%.

• Excellent chemical resistance. Resistance to aggressive environments makes STARLIKE indispensable for external and interior decoration business objects and industrial enterprises. STARLIKE - perfect solution for claddings that have high requirements for chemical resistance to alkalis, acids and other aggressive substances (laboratories, production shops, car services, car washes and many others).

• High mechanical strength. Thanks to its formula, the composition provides a reliable and durable coating. The absence of cracks or voids after hardening allows us to achieve guaranteed high quality work.

• Color constancy. All colors of the STARLIKE collections are protected against ultraviolet rays, thus preventing superficial yellowing caused by ultraviolet irradiation.

• Weather resistant. The composition is intended for use not only for internal, but also for external work, due to its resistance to changes in humidity, temperature fluctuations, exposure to precipitation and sunlight.

• Safety. STARLIKE does not provide negative impact on the environment and human health.

• Antibacterial properties. STARLIKE is the ideal solution for kitchens, food production and restaurants. It is suitable for finishing workshops in enterprises Food Industry. The composition is recommended for surfaces in direct contact with food and does not affect negative influence on food products. STARLIKE DEFENDER is the world's only epoxy compound that destroys 99.9% of bacteria. It ensures high hygiene in operating rooms, perinatal centers, kindergartens and any medical institutions.

• Save time. Using STARLIKE significantly saves time, since the start of operation is possible within 24 hours.

• Compatibility with various types cladding. The composition is suitable for working with a wide range of cladding types: glass and ceramic mosaic, ceramic tiles, acid-resistant clinker, porcelain stoneware, natural stone.

Consistency of the mixture: component
A: colored thick paste
B: thick liquid Classification of LITOCHROM STARLIKE/ STARLIKE® DEFENDER according to EN 13888: class RG - reactive grout mixture for tile joints Classification of LITOCHROM STARLIKE/ STARLIKE® DEFENDER according to EN 12004: class R2T - reactive improved adhesive with zero vertical slip. Grouting of joints: floor cladding with standard setting adhesive: after 24 hours;
floor cladding with quick-setting adhesive: after 4 hours; floor cladding with mortar: after 7-10 days; wall cladding with standard-setting adhesive: after 6-8 hours; wall cladding with quick-setting adhesive: after 4 hours; wall cladding for mortar: after 2-3 days Dilution ratio: component A - 100 parts by weight
component B – 8 parts weight
both components are packaged in the required ratio Specific gravity solution: 1.55 kg/l Time of use at t° +23 °C: about 60 minutes Application temperature: from +12 to +30 °C Walkability at t° +23 °C: after 24 hours Working load (final hardening ): after 5 days at t° +23 °C,
after 10 days at t° +15 °C Joint width: from 1 to 15 mm Consumption when using LITOCHROM STARLIKE as an adhesive: 1.6 kg/m2 (comb size 4 mm) Shear adhesion (EN 12003) : Initial/ After immersion in water /After thermal shock: > 2 N/mm² / > 2 N/mm² / > 2 N/mm² Abrasion resistance (EN 12808-2): 30 N/mm² Mechanical resistance to compression after 28 days standard conditions(EN 12808-3): > 45 N/mm² Shrinkage (EN 12808-4): standard pallet 260 kg
plastic bucket 2.5 kg,
standard pallet 375 kg
plastic bucket 5 kg,
standard pallet 450 kg
plastic bucket 10 kg,
standard pallet 640 kg

STARLIKE/STARLIKE DEFENDER is used in cases where operating conditions place high demands on the coated surface and tile joints in terms of chemical resistance to alkalis, acids and other aggressive substances:

• For interior and exterior use.
• For use on vertical and horizontal surfaces, on surfaces with positive and negative inclination angles.
• For laying tiles and grouting joints between tiles when facing walls and floors in poultry farms, livestock farms and slaughterhouses;
• For laying acid-resistant ceramic tiles and grouting of tile joints at food industry enterprises - meat processing plants, cold storage plants, dairies, cheese factories, bakeries, canning factories, breweries, wineries, wine cellars, and freezers.
• For laying acid-resistant ceramic tiles and grouting tile surfaces in contact with aggressive chemicals- in chemical laboratories, in workshops for the production of household and industrial chemicals, in car services, in garages, in battery batteries, at car washes.
• For laying acid-resistant ceramic tiles and grouting joints on tile cladding in containers and reservoirs intended for storing chemically aggressive liquids, as well as in trays and channels intended for draining or moving chemically aggressive liquids (see chemical resistance table).
• At airports, at railway stations, at metro stations, commercial and shopping centers,
• In corporate kitchens Catering(restaurants, canteens, cafes).
• For laying mosaics (glass, ceramic, porcelain stoneware, metal) and grouting joints between tiles when lining kitchens, bathrooms, showers, swimming pools, thermal pools with this mosaic sea ​​water, water parks, saunas, Turkish baths(hamams), fountains.
• For grouting joints between tiles when facing with ceramic tiles, clinker, porcelain stoneware, natural stone, agglomerated stone walls and floors in kitchens, bathrooms, showers, swimming pools, thermal and sea water pools, water parks, saunas, Turkish baths(hamamah), fountains.
• For grouting tile joints when facing ceramic tiles, porcelain stoneware, natural stone on terraces, balconies, existing roofs, entrance groups buildings, plinths and building facades.
• For grouting tile joints on substrates subjected to deformation loads - floors with water and electric heating, structures made of plasterboard, gypsum board, SML, ATSEID, chipboard, DSP, OSB.

Scope of application of Litochrom Starlike:

Grout epoxy litochrom starlike is used for laying and acid-resistant grouting of ceramic tiles and mosaics with a joint width from 2 to 10 mm.

• For interior and exterior use;
• for laying mosaics (glass, ceramic, metal, wood) and grouting joints between tiles when tiling walls and floors with mosaics in bathrooms, showers, swimming pools;
• for grouting tile joints when facing ceramic tiles, porcelain stoneware, natural stone, agglomerate walls and floors in bathrooms, showers, swimming pools;
• for implementation design solutions during production kitchen countertops, mosaic panels, interior elements, etc.

The main characteristics of Litochrom Starlike grout are:

• increased mechanical stability;
• excellent chemical resistance;
• complete absence of cracks or cavities after hardening;
• use Litonet to remove grout residues;
• exclusive colors with metallic effect;
• litochrom starlike is characterized by color consistency on all types of tiles.

Litokol Starlike instructions.

Preparing the base.

Make sure that the adhesive or mortar used to lay the tiles is completely cured and dry. The seams must be cleaned of dust and cleared at least 2/3 of the tile thickness. Traces of glue or mortar remaining in the seams must be removed.

Preparation of the solution.

Pour component B (hardener) into component A (paste). It is recommended to pour in all the hardener, scraping the edges and bottom of the container with a steel spatula. Mix the mixture thoroughly with an electric drill with a special attachment until a homogeneous mass without lumps is obtained. It is not recommended to mix the glue by hand. Components A and B Litochrom Starlike (Litochrome Starlike) are packaged in the required quantities, which eliminates any mistakes when mixing.

Cleaning.

Cleaning the tiled surface after grouting must be done as early as possible, before LITOCHROM STARLIKE has dried, making sure that the composition is not washed out of the joints and without leaving streaks on the surface. Cleaning can be done as follows: manually, and a special electric monobrush with a felt attachment.

Manual method.

Moisten the treated surface clean water. Carry out preliminary cleaning with a spatula fitted with a white felt attachment. Perform circular movements clockwise and counterclockwise, while rubbing the edges of the seams and at the same time removing excess grout from the tiled surface. Then wipe the surface again with a hard cellulose sponge until smooth surface seams, completely removing the grout from the surface of the tile, without washing it out of the seams and removing remaining water. Felt and sponge are replaced as they become dirty.

Cleaning with a monobrush.

After removing excess, moisten the surface generously with clean water and clean with an electric monobrush with a felt nozzle. Change the felt disc whenever it gets dirty.

• Application at temperature environment from +12 to +30 ºС.
• At temperatures from +8 to +12 ºС it becomes viscous and difficult to apply. In this case, the drying time increases significantly.
• Remove excess from the surface in a timely manner, since after drying it can only be removed mechanically.
• Do not use on Cotto Toscana tiles.
• As the ambient temperature increases, the setting time decreases.
• Cannot be used for grouting joints in tanks containing chemicals and compounds with which contact is acceptable for a short time(see chemical resistance table at the end of the catalog).
• Do not use for surface treatment exposed to oleic acids.
• Do not add solvent or water.
• Do not use for purposes not provided for in this technical description.

Attention!

Component A: causes irritation to eyes and skin. Avoid contact with skin. In case of contact with eyes, rinse them immediately with running water and consult a doctor. In case of contact with skin, wash off immediately with plenty of soap and water. When working, wear gloves and protect your eyes/face.
Component B: corrosive. Poisonous if swallowed. Causes burns. Avoid contact with skin as it may cause irritation. In case of contact with eyes, rinse them immediately with running water and consult a doctor. In case of contact with skin, wash off immediately with plenty of soap and water. When working, wear gloves and protect your eyes/face.

Litochrom Starlike consumption

Specifications:

The manufacturer Litokol produces five types:

• Starlike C.350 Crystal - is a colorless mixture - a chameleon. It erases artistic and glass mosaic. Seams up to 2 mm thick. Area of ​​application: transparent bases illuminated from the inside.
• Starlike Defender is available as a two-component acid-resistant grout with an epoxy base. It has an excellent antifungal and antibacterial effect. Area of ​​use: tile joints, 1-15 mm thick, laying mosaics and ceramic tiles. Has seven color options.
• Starlike Color Crystal - grout glass and artistic mosaics. Seams up to 2 mm. Five color options.
• Litochrome Starlike is a two-component epoxy grout. Application: filling 1-15 mm joints and laying tiles or any mosaic. It is successfully used both indoors and outdoors. There are 103 colors and shades on sale. To enhance the optical effect, the base color is supplemented with the necessary additive component.
• Epoxystuk X90 is another representative of two-component acid-resistant epoxy mixtures. It is used as a filler for joints of 3-10 mm, both outside and inside.

Specifications

Formula for calculating flow rate

The formula for calculation will look like this:

R=(A+B)/(A*B)*C*D*K,

Where R– the required flow rate;

A– tile length in millimeters;

IN– width of facing material;

WITH– width of the tile joint, also in millimeters;

D– tile thickness in millimeters;

TO– coefficient, which is an indicator of volumetric

weight of the finished solution, if this indicator is not on the packaging,

take it equal to 1.6.

Use this formula to calculate the average consumption of grout mixture from Litokol.

To the resulting total, add a reserve of 10% for any unforeseen situations.

Using additional tools

To get the job done quickly, easily and efficiently, the manufacturer advises arming yourself with additional tools:

• Cellulose combined sponge. Its price is from 500 to 600 rubles. Sometimes regular foam rubber is used instead, but it doesn’t last long. With a sponge, the seams are more beautiful and faster, and it is designed for 20-30 m2 of tiles.
• Skipper - a special bucket with squeezing rollers, which is indispensable when working with epoxy grout mixtures.
• A grater with cellulose attachments. Perfectly cleanses the remains of dried mixture.

Mix the mixture

The mixture goes on sale in dry form, and in order to get started, you need to mix both components - A and B. The first component - A, is epoxy resin, to which is added quartz sand, dye and plasticizer. The second component B is the hardener. After the components are mixed, you need to use the mixture within an hour.

This entails some difficulties. To obtain a normal, high-quality mixture, the components must be mixed in a certain proportion. If you work alone, you simply won’t be able to finish the entire package in 60 minutes, even if you have excellent skills. Therefore, the required amount will have to be calculated and measured with scales, and different proportions for different grouts, for example:

• the components of the Epoxystuk X90 mixture are taken in a ratio of 100 to 7.2 by weighing;
• the proportion of the components of Starlike C.350 Crystal is 100 to 8, also weighed;
• Litochrom Starlike does not indicate the required proportions; the proportion determined experimentally is 14 to 1, where 14 is filler, 1 is hardener.

Most often, it is Litochrom Starlike that is used, the grain size of which is significantly higher than that of another manufacturer -. But it is convenient to work with and easy to clean.

It is better to knead 200, maximum 300 grams of grout per batch.

Filling and shaping the seams

We fill the seams as standard, in a small area.
Epoxy grout joints are formed and sanded immediately while the mixture is still wet because it has a very long curing period.

Work begins immediately, using a foam sponge and clean water. Blurring the seams using the standard method. To apply grout, you need a clean and dry surface, so we use a sponge only in the center, leaving the borders of the grouted seams dry.

After the mixture has been applied, do not walk on the tiles - it will be very difficult to correct any defects that have arisen. The seams need at least five days and a temperature not lower than +23 to “work” with full efficiency.

After the seam is ready, the old sponge is replaced with a new one and the seam is completed.
The grout mixture is still liquid at this time.

We prepare a fresh portion of the mixture and duplicate all the steps.

For internal corners you will need two days - one to grout one side, the second day to grout the other side of the corner. It won’t be possible to do everything at once; due to the liquid consistency of the mixture, the corner will be deformed, so you can fiddle with this area for a long time and still not achieve the desired result.

Litochrom grout has one more distinctive feature— to obtain an even seam within an hour, the surface is moistened with a spray bottle and smoothed with a finger.

Removing plaque

Within 24 hours, the grout will harden and you can begin to remove the epoxy coating using Litonet. The price for it is quite high, but considering that it is concentrated, it will last for a very long time.

The surface is sprayed with the product, left for a period of time and cleaned.
Abundant foam can be removed using a vacuum cleaner or self-squeezing mop.
A cellulose sponge is used to remove remaining sand and plaque.

For glossy tiles, the product is diluted with water in a ratio of 1 to 4. Matte surfaces are cleaned with a concentrate or a product diluted 1 to 1.

While the surface is drying, you need to check if there is any residue left. If it is poorly washed with water or the grouting was done on clinker, terracotta or clay tiles, you may have to clean it several times. If you use relief decors, it is better to seal them first so as not to add more work to yourself.

To remove plaque, you can use Litostrip gel, but not earlier than a day after grouting.

Summarizing

Working with epoxy grout has its own difficulties - you need to clean and dry the surface, it is difficult to remove plaque, the impossibility of forming internal corners within one day, the need to use large quantity water for rinsing. Besides high price, strong seams and a labor-intensive process do not allow mistakes, because correcting mistakes will cost much more.

But there are also undoubted advantages - dirt does not accumulate in the seams, they are easy to clean, do not change color when wet, and can be washed with any means. After processing, the seams resemble plastic, a little rough, which is why it may have a rough surface.

Whether to choose epoxy grout for grouting or not - everyone makes their own decision.