grout for work surface tiles

[sarabande]

Looking for advice please on the best grout for refurbishing a work surface with 8" x 4" tiles. Must be water- and idiot-proof.

The old grout has gone soft and can be raked out easily.

So many variants in the shops, all of which promise impeccable results....

 

[Poignard]

Epoxy grout is what I used many years ago and it is still sound.

 

[sarabande]

OK but how do you make it neat and smooth after trowelling it into the gap ? Ordinary grout uses a sponge but I don't want to end up with epoxy all over the worksurface . Nor do I want to fill the cabin with acetone fumes...

 

[pvb]

For some work surfaces at home, I used BAL Micromax2 grout, which contains Microban antimicrobial protection. It's easy to smooth with a sponge, cleans off well, and seems very durable.

 

[rogerthebodger]

I

Looking for advice please on the best grout for refurbishing a work surface with 8" x 4" tiles. Must be water- and idiot-proof.

The old grout has gone soft and can be raked out easily.

So many variants in the shops, all of which promise impeccable results....

would use an Epoxy putty. The one I use can be smoothed with a wet finger yet sets water proof. Can even be used underwater.

Only downside is that you can have any colour as long as its white. There is a gray one which is epoxy metal.

http://pratley.eu/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/Putty-Original.pdf

 

[Graham376]

OK but how do you make it neat and smooth after trowelling it into the gap ? Ordinary grout uses a sponge but I don't want to end up with epoxy all over the worksurface . Nor do I want to fill the cabin with acetone fumes...

Epoxy grout is the way to go but different technique as I found when doing a commercial kitchen, floor to ceiling. Unlike water based grout, which can be sponged in and excess can easily be wiped or scraped off the tiles, epoxy sticks like sh** to a blanket so more care needed when applying. For small areas with epoxy, I would mask off joints, one direction at a time across rows of tiles rather than masking individual ones. I use a piece of dowel with a rounded end for pointing off.

 

[Kwik Decision]

I concur with those recommending epoxy grout. I've tiled 2 kitchen work surfaces, which then had the sink set in, and used epoxy grout both times. I bought a tub of the stuff from a normal tile shop, and it was quite easy to use, remaining workable for a couple of hours after mixing, and wiping off the tile surface with (lots of) damp rags without too much trouble (I certainly didn't mask). Very hard wearing and properly waterproof.

 

[Quandary]

I concur with those recommending epoxy grout. I've tiled 2 kitchen work surfaces, which then had the sink set in, and used epoxy grout both times. I bought a tub of the stuff from a normal tile shop, and it was quite easy to use, remaining workable for a couple of hours after mixing, and wiping off the tile surface with (lots of) damp rags without too much trouble (I certainly didn't mask). Very hard wearing and properly waterproof.

I have done as above on kitchen worktops too. I found that I was able to get a good clean surface with smooth joints with the rubber squegee they sell for the job.

 

[Graham376]

Just had a browse and things have moved on since the 2 part epoxy stuff I used years ago - Lorsoul 280ml Epoxy Grouts Sealant Floor Tile Waterproof Mouldproof Porcelain Gap Grout Construction Tool Gap Repair Agent: Amazon.co.uk: Kitchen & Home