Laticrete’s Spectralock Grout Review
I have done four rooms now totaling about 300 square feet with Spectralock. I have had no complaints and am really impressed. I always have heard that grouting with epoxy grouts is like using bubble gum. This was not the case!
The advantages of this type of grout out weighs any negatives you might find.
1) You can finish a job in 1 less day. No sealing required
2) It stays clean and washable forever
3) The small batches are easy to work with
4) True Color samples on the card and package
5) Again…NO Sealing EVER!!!
I did pick up on a few tips that will make your first experience perfect.
1) Hold back 20% of Part C. You can always add more. It seems to me that the amount per box does vary.
2) Use a grout float made for epoxy grouts. It helps the cleaning process dramatically.
3) If you need to stop for any reason, put the unused portion in the freezer. It stops it from curing and you can finish later.
4) Clean well. Do you smoothing on the first cleaning and tile cleaning on the second. I used a little bit higher vinegar:water mix. I don’t think it was necessary.
I am very pleased with this product despite its initial cost. I am willing to pay a little more on the front end than have to pay to seal it every year. This spring I will be tiling my kitchen and will use Spectralock without a doubt.
Tiling can be a pretty backbreaking job. But someone has to do it. I am a big fan of doing it myself and when I was looking for a grout to go with the tile, I found that there were many more things to know than I was aware of.
The color of grout is not just white anymore. The color can really make or break the effect the flooring will have on a room if the color is not chosen properly. The grout should complement the tile, so that the tile can ultimately make the statement, not the off color grout. If you use a light colored tile, choose a light colored grout. The same goes for medium and dark colored tile. Dark colored grout is usually thought to be easier to keep clean. However, depending on what is spilled, it can show up even more. A medium colored to light grout can be cleaned and may be the better choice if you have dirty animals or children.
If keeping the grout clean seems to be a concern, you should consider using a grout sealer. The two types you will find are membrane forming sealers and penetrating sealers. The membrane sealer is best used on floors, and stay on the grout’s surface, forming a nonporous membrane with a glossy finish. This sealer will resist water, but also have the potential to change the color of the grout, so consider this carefully before using this type. The penetrating sealer actually soaks into the tiny pores of the grout to fill them with a silicon like substance. These sealers reduce the absorption of staining compounds and are non-pigmented. So, they do not produce a gloss on the surface, but can also slightly darken the grout’s natural color. When using any sealer, make sure you wipe it off any tiles you might get it on, or it will be there for good.
If you do not choose to seal the grout, you will need to clean it periodically to keep it looking like new. You will need some warm water; bleach based cleaner, commercial grout cleaner and a grout brush. You will also want to have rubber gloves. Start by spraying on the grout cleaner, and after it has set for a few minutes, use the grout brush to begin scrubbing at the stain. This will work the cleaner into the grout to help get deep into the stain. Rinse the grout brush in the warm water and then wipe away the foam built up by the grout cleaner. It should be looking better already. Once it is clean, spray on the bleach based cleaner and let it sit for about 10 minutes. Use the grout brush again to scrub at the stain. This will get the remaining mildew out of the grout. Wipe the excess away again with a paper towel. It should be looking like new. Now would be the time to apply the sealer, so that you do not have to do this process so often. One to three coats should be plenty.