Everything You Need to Know About Epoxy Grout

What is Epoxy Grout? 

Epoxy grouts* are typically made up of epoxy resins and a filler powder, offering enhanced durability, stain resistance, and strength compared to traditional cement grout. Unlike cement-based grout, epoxy grout is non-porous, making it highly resistant to stains, chemicals, and moisture. Due to these properties, it has become a popular choice for kitchens, bathrooms, pools, and commercial spaces where durability and hygiene are essential.  

*The American National Standards Institute or ANSI recognizes an epoxy grout as meeting or exceeding ANSI Standard A118.3. 

Pros and Cons of Epoxy Grout 

Pros: 

• Highly Stain-Resistant: Ideal for kitchens, bathrooms, and commercial spaces where spills and stains are common issues. 
• Stronger & More Durable: Epoxy grout can endure heavy traffic, harsh cleaning agents, and high moisture environments. 
• No Need for Sealing: Unlike cement grout, epoxy grout does not require periodic sealing to maintain its properties. 
• Color Consistency: Because epoxy grout does not contain any of the natural minerals found in a cement that can affect color, epoxy grout tends to be much more color consistent. 

Cons: 

• More Expensive: Higher initial cost compared to cement grout. 
• Application Process: Epoxy grout offers exceptional performance, making it a great choice for many installations, however, its mixing process is slightly different than what is required for traditional cement-based grouts. Epoxy grouts involve mixing multiple components, including an aggregate, and has different workability and set times than traditional cement-based grouts. For those new to grouting, prior research, knowledge, or hands-on learning is recommended. 
• Shorter Working Time: Sets faster, requiring efficient and precise application. 

Epoxy Grout vs. Cement Grout: Which One is Right for You? 

When to Choose Epoxy Grout: 

• High-Moisture Areas: Showers, bathrooms, pools, and commercial kitchens. 
• Outdoor Applications: Resistant to weather exposure and water damage. 
• High-Traffic Floors: Suitable for commercial and industrial spaces subject to traffic and chemical exposure. 
• Easier Maintenance: Does not require sealing, has lower porosity and has higher stain resistance compared to cement-based grouts.  

When Cement Grout is Still a Good Option: 

• Cost-Effective Choice: More budget-friendly compared to epoxy grout. 
• Easier DIY Application: More forgiving and simpler to apply for non-professionals. 

Choosing the Best Epoxy Grout for Your Project 

LATICRETE offers high-quality and easy-to-use epoxy grouts designed for various applications. Depending on your project requirements, you may choose one of the following options we offer. 

SPECTRALOCK^® 1 Premixed Grout: A premium, pre-mixed, ready-to-use grout designed for effortless application and easy cleanup. Offering outstanding versatility and superior color consistency, it meets or exceeds ANSI 118.3 epoxy grout standards for chemical and stain resistance. Perfect for both DIYers and professionals who need a fast, reliable solution without sacrificing performance. Plus, its resealable container allows for multiple uses, making it as convenient as it is durable.  

SPECTRALOCK^® PRO Premium Grout: A high-performance, 3-component epoxy grout that offers excellent color uniformity, durability, stain protection, and beautiful, full grout joints in an easy-to-use, non-sag formula. Great for use in residential and commercial, interior/exterior, and submerged applications where higher stain and chemical resistance is required. Comes as a convenient kit with a sponge, gloves, and cleaning packs. 

SPECTRALOCK^® 2000 IG: A highly chemical resistant industrial grade epoxy grout designed for use by skilled and experienced trade professionals in environments such as dairies, factories, breweries, commercial kitchens, and veterinary facilities. It is ideal for: ceramic tile, pavers, floor brick, packing house tile, and stone. This epoxy grout is supplied as factory proportioned kits consisting of epoxy resin, hardener, and silica filler.  

Why Traditional Epoxy Grouts Have a Bad Reputation 

Epoxy formulas are based on a combination of resin and hardener, which chemically cure to form a dense, stain-resistant surface, but they haven’t always been user-friendly. In fact, many tile installers and contractors have developed a love-hate relationship with traditional epoxy grouts because of their composition and side effects that came with using them. Some common concerns include: 

• Strong Fumes & Odors: Traditional epoxies can emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) during mixing and application, which may cause headaches, nausea, or dizziness in poorly ventilated spaces. 
• Skin Irritation & Allergies: Uncured epoxy is a known skin irritant. Without gloves or protective clothing, direct contact can cause redness, itching, or even dermatitis in sensitive individuals. Repeated exposure over time may lead to allergic reactions. 
• Eye & Respiratory Issues: Without proper personal protective equipment (PPE), fumes and splashes can irritate the eyes or airways, especially in enclosed environments. 

When it comes to jobsite health and safety, SPECTRALOCK^® 1 Pre-Mixed Grout and SPECTRALOCK^® PRO Premium Grout offer several installer-friendly advantages over traditional epoxy grouts: 

• Low VOC & Low Odor: Both products meet UL GREENGUARD Gold Certification for low VOC emissions, verifying they meet strict third-party standards, supporting better indoor air quality for enclosed or occupied spaces like schools, hospitals, or homes. 
• Reduced Skin & Respiratory Irritation: These grouts are formulated to minimize harsh chemical exposure. With proper handling, there's less risk of skin reactions or respiratory issues compared to conventional epoxies. 

Bonus: SPECTRALOCK Pro Premium Grout Full and Mini units are packed as kits with gloves and sponges!  

• Easier Application = Less Fatigue: Their creamy, smooth consistency reduces the physical strain of grouting and clean-up—less scrubbing means less stress on the body. 
• No Mixing with SPECTRALOCK 1: As a pre-mixed grout with epoxy level performance, SPECTRALOCK 1 eliminates exposure to powder dust and reduces handling of reactive chemicals, making it a safer option right out of the pail. 

How to Apply Epoxy Grout 

For detailed instructions on the proper application of any LATICRETE epoxy grout products, refer to the info and guides section for SPECTRALOCK 1, SPECTRALOCK PRO Premium, and SPECTRALOCK 2000 IG. You’ll learn: the proper preparation, grout mixing instructions, application process, cleaning and grout haze removal tips, and curing times.  

Epoxy Grout Maintenance & Care Tips 

• Routine Cleaning: Use mild cleaning agent such as STONETECH^® Stone & Tile Cleaner 
• Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Certain cleaners may dull the grout surface over time. 
• Fixing Mistakes: Epoxy grout haze left on tile surfaces can be addressed with specialized cleaners such as STONETECH^® Epoxy Grout Haze & Coating Stripper. 

To learn more about the best practices for maintaining floors with epoxy grout, check out our comprehensive guide: STONETECH^® Maintenance & Care – Porcelain, Ceramic & Quarry Tile with Epoxy and Single Component Grouts (MCI 105). This resource provides expert tips to keep your flooring looking its best. 

Answering Common Epoxy Grout Questions 

Q: Is epoxy grout waterproof?  

A: While highly water-resistant itself, no grout will provide waterproofing. If waterproofing is needed for your installation, it is recommended to apply a waterproofing membrane such as HYDRO BAN over the substrate prior to setting your tile or stone. 

Q: Is epoxy grout resistant to mold and mildew?  

A: Yes, due to its non-porous nature, however, it’s always possible for microbial growth to appear on surfaces where it’s dark and damp with organic materials. LATICRETE combines antimicrobial technology to inhibit the growth of microbes such as mold and mildew. 

Q: Can epoxy grout be used for any type of tile?  

A: Most tile types are compatible with epoxy grout, but always check manufacturer recommendations. 

Q: Does epoxy grout change color over time?  

A: No, it maintains color consistency better than cement grout, however it’s always recommended to check with the manufacturer for suitability of the installation. 

Q: Does epoxy grout last longer than cement grout?  

A: Yes, it offers superior durability and longevity. 

Is Epoxy Grout Right for You? 

Epoxy grout provides unmatched durability, stain resistance, and longevity, making it ideal for high-moisture and heavy-use areas. However, it requires careful application and comes at a higher cost. If you're looking for the best grout solutions for your project, explore the LATICRETE^® tile grout selection today!