I used Custom Building Products Standard Thin-Set Mortar which is zero-VOC (and mildewcide-free). The bag instructions are for mixing a whole batch, so I found some videos on general thinset mixing tips. CLICK HERE, Tools and Products for Laminate and Vinyl Plank, Ready to Start My Vinyl Plank or Laminate Installation, I’ve Already Started Installing my Laminate or Vinyl Plank, Which is Better- Porcelain Tile or Ceramic Tile, 6 Tips for Floor Leveling before Installing Tile, always let the thin set slake(sit for ten minutes) and mix again before using, always add water in the bucket first then the powder, always use small batches – like a half of a bag or less, always try to keep each batch the same consistency, Never use a margin trowel to try to mix thin set, Never use thin set right after mixing, Let it sit for 10 minutes/mix it again/then you can use it, Never mix large batches of thin set unless you are installing a large area of tile on a floor, Never use thin set that is too thick or too watery. The best method is to screw and glue the two sheets together. You need to use the appropriate thinset mixing paddle. Just make sure you're using the recommended trowel for each application. Excessive deflection in the substrate. The absolutely best way to clean grout is to apply the cleaner and then vacuum ("shop vac") up the dirty water. There is a relevant standard in the ANSI A108/A118/A136.1 manual. I recommend mixing thin set with a drill and a mixing paddle I know that some of these thin set manufacturers put little pictures on the back of their bags of thin set and they explain in these pictures how to mix the thin set. Unfortunately, with regular cementitious grout, there is little that can be done once the grout is in place except for attempting to use a grout colorant. Conversely, grout is more easily removed from dense impervious tiles (e.g. You can get a quicker response by asking questions on my facebook page. Keep the glue and hardeners in their original cans. As baking soda and vinegar react, so do grout and vinegar. Some of the things that can cause color variation include: Sometimes the tile itself can have a microporoisty (small pores in the tile body, especially with porcelain tile) condition that sucks the moisture out of the grout too fast or in an irregular pattern. This lifts off any remaining soap film. While stains don't penetrate, they can be a little harder to remove (just a little) because the sanded texture of the grout hasn't been changed. Also, it has a more plastic appearance which, as with all matters of aesthetics, some people like and some don't. For example, while a difference of a 1/16" of an inch may seem small on a 12" tile, this is readily apparent compared to a 1/8" grout joint. In other words, the grout must be removed before the color has a chance to set. Cementitious grout, as you may have observed, is porous - it can absorb a stain. This is what is going to hold your tile in place and give it the strength that it needs for a long lasting life. Always double check the manufacturer's instructions on the tile you purchase for exact product requirements and installation guidelines. Thinset tile mortar has a smooth, slippery consistency, similar to mud. Thin-set mortar for porcelain and stone. Thin-set Terrazzo systems include epoxy resin or polyacrylate as the matrix. Premixed thinset mortar comes in big tubs with the latex/acrylic already added, and the consistency is … I do have videos to help you with this and they will show you how you can get your floors and walls flat. At least 2/3 by depth of the old grout needs to be removed when replacing or repairing grout. Often, the finished results look sloppy due to variations in the floor or wall and in the tile. Within 40 to 60 minutes of water application, you should notice cracks starting to appear in your thinset. When grout has been stained to the point that it cannot be maintained or returned to its natural color, you can return the grout back to near its original color or any other color through the use of a "grout stain." This performance comes at a price as epoxy thinset is much more expensive than regular thinset. They are more similar to polymer fortified cementitious grout (ANSI A118.7) but may have better chemical resistance than some polymer fortified grouts. Looked at under a microscope, there is a large surface area to absorb stains. Similarly one may ask, how do you mix Redi epoxy tile? The high compressive and bond strengths of these mortars make them ideal for industrial applications and commercial kitchens. can be very difficult to color. It is important that the solvent you use to thin the epoxy will evaporate completely and fast, so that it does not remain in the epoxy … Great for the do-it-yourselfer or pro working on a smaller project. Ready-to-use mortars don't require mixing with water and are useful for smaller tiles in non-submerged areas. When the colorant is applied, some will get on the tile. Direction of the plywood sheets and placement of gaps. Also, you will want to try a test area since grout treated with a colorant does not look the same as originally colored grout. Since thinset tile mortar has a tendency t… You may start to notice the marks fading and the thinset … Not all resins mix the same! More than that, you don't have to mix some types of modified thinset with water before spreading it out on the subfloor. To mix grout, start by adding the grout powder to a bucket along with ¾ the total water needed. As a last resort, some installers elect to cut out the grout and regrout. It’s important to note several things when mixing epoxy resin and hardener:*Does it mix equal parts A and B or does it mix two parts A to one Part B (or perhaps even something else)? Your email address will not be published. The same contaminants that made the old grout dirty may prevent new grout from sticking properly. Epoxy mortar comes in a two-part mix consisting of a resin and a hardener. This one-step, polymer fortified, thin-set mortar is also designed to mix with water. Okay, maybe it can be done if you have 2 hours to blow on just mixing the thin set. Let the mixture slake or stand 5 – 10 minutes; stir again and use. What is the standard for variations in grout joints? *Does it mix by weight, volume or either? Also, depending on the tile, it may be impossible to allow the grout to sufficiently cure for best color uniformity and still remove it from the tile. This movement can cause the grout to crack, and if sufficiently severe, can cause tile to crack. This product dries extremely fast, you can not forget anything. Epoxy is made up of anything from one to three components that get mixed together. From high-strength construction epoxy adhesive to thinset or thick bed mortar, LATICRETE adhesives are custom-formulated to deliver speed and efficiency on the entire range of applications. Also, it is much more difficult to shape and slope; this can be done easily with cementitious grout and is often needed to transition from one tile to another. It may take a few passes for you to start to notice the thinset coming off the face of the tile but go slow so as not to damage the tile's surface. LATAPOXY 300 Adhesive is a factory-proportioned kit consisting of epoxy resin, hardener and chemical resistant silica filler. Therefore, you can see this can be difficult to assess without an on-site inspection. Is the subfloor plywood over joists 16" on center? Kerabond™ Premium thin-set tile mortar. Mold may grow more easily on caulk (except caulk treated with mildewcide) than on grout. Stir occasionally, but do not add more water. This can create problems when using the epoxy such as air pockets in the finish, streaks, and self-leveling problems. Despite the material's strength and durability, tile setters might be reluctant to recommend do-it-yourselfers use the product because the epoxy sets very fast. This makes them very easy to use. Any LATICRETE latex fortified thin-set, polymer fortified thin-set, or epoxy adhesive can be used to install tile over the above mentioned membranes. Even good alkaline cleaners, if not properly rinsed, will leave a sticky soap film. ft./3.2 … It is very easy to mix and spread. Grout made with an excessive amount of water or polymer additive. How to Prep Concrete for Epoxy: Epoxy coating has numerous applications due to the fact that it can protect concrete from decay, corrosion, and extreme temperatures. Learn how your comment data is processed. Stapling the two layers together could be problematical. Even better, if epoxy grout is used, it is virtually as stain proof as the tile. Were all layers present installed according to the applicable ANSI standards? It holds your tile to the substrate and is used in commercial applications, “wet wall” applications (such as a shower floor), or with heavier tiling materials such as Ankara Travertine Stone Tile. Also, extreme care should be used when handling any acids. Non-Toxic Thin-Set Mortar. Were expansion joints used in the installation to allow for normal movement? Each type of sealer has its advantages and disadvantages. Thinset is your go-to tile mortar for most indoor and outdoor applications. Mixing Procedures. Then, try to lift and scrape off the thinset. There are also penetrating sealers that repel oil based stains that are even more expensive. Purchase 0.39 gallon (1.5 L) cooking pots from home hardware stores. An epoxy thinset offers a greater bond strength and chemical resistance than other types of adhesive. Just a few more important points: As the grout can absorb the soap as well as a stain, do not clean with oil or wax based cleaners (Murphy's Oil soap, Pine Sol, etc.). Cons. Ideal for use over masonry, concrete, cement backerboard, mortar beds and gypsum wallboard*. Glitter Epoxy. Make sure surface to be treated is completely dry and clean. We are often asked about epoxy grout and mortar versus conventional grout and mortar. While mixing epoxy properly may seem overwhelming, there are some simple tips and tricks you can follow to get a perfect mix every single time. However, grout colorants work best with grout that has not been sealed. Medium Bed Mortar vs. Thinset. Use a sponge to gently scrub the thinset. From high-strength construction epoxy adhesive to thinset or thick bed mortar, LATICRETE adhesives are custom-formulated to deliver speed and efficiency on the entire range of applications. In general, the topical sealers are less expensive but give the grout a plastic appearance. All cement based materials have a pot life. The penetrating sealers are more expensive but also more durable. It is also heatproof, so it won't lose its grip in hot environments. I would suggest that you ask the tile installer what he or she thinks about the workmanship and techniques used. Often, installers use grout in place of caulk for these reasons: However, when grout is used in place of caulk, the grout can cause structural and aesthetic problems. However, it should be noted, elsewhere in the standards the plane of the subfloor is required to be similarly flat. Can also be used as an adhesive. The Ditra packaging says to use modified thin-set mortar ANSI A118.11…. This can be purchased from most Home Centers or through your local Professional Floor Covering Dealer. 90-100 sq. An example would be if you had 32 ounces of epoxy that you were mixing you would only add up to 3.2 ounces of acetone to that mixture. The color of the grout in my shower is inconsistent and in some areas the grout is a darker color? Here are a few of the most common questions: There are several things that can cause cracked grout and we would be guessing as to the cause. On some tiles, the installer must "hand-tool" the grout to keep grout off the bevel. can be very difficult (or impossible) to color. Ready-to-use adhesive for interior tile projects. Certain color grouts are not as easy to control. Premium … Silicone, urethane, or multi-polymer caulks are better choices but can be harder to apply. Was the subfloor screwed to the joists? Made from epoxy resins and a filler powder, the grout is extremely hard, durable, and nearly stain proof. Be sure to let the first layer of thinset cure properly before setting the tile. Grout is usually colored with an epoxy paint made for the purpose and sold in tile shops. Typically, grout that has been treated with a colorant does not need to be sealed. Thin-set mortar for glass and mosaics. The components are not combined until the time of use. Grout colorants work best with grout that has not been sealed. Are they suitably sized for the span to achieve the L/360 deflection standard under the expected live and dead load? Add part A to part B, and mix both parts together for three minutes before pouring. Use the Right Ratios When Mixing Epoxy … Yeah, I don’t know what world they are living in, but it is not my world. What is the surface of the tile; can it be easily scratched? Keep in mind though, that grout is based primarily of cement and sand. Then, squeeze in more water with a sponge, mixing it thoroughly into the grout as you go. Thinset tile mortar provides a very strong bond and is resistant to moisture and mold growth. However, if the grout is not porous (from sealer or dirt) or the adjoining tile is rough or absorptive, it may be impossible to get a satisfactory result. Using grout from a bag that was previously opened (and gained moisture during storage). Additionally, there are hybrids on the market combining advantages. To mix most two-part epoxies that you may use with your glitter epoxy floor, you will use a 1:1 mixing ratio. You might wonder why this type of grout is not used all the time. However, there are many installation mistakes that can cause uneven color including improper mixing of the grout (typically by using too much water), mixing partial bags (this is a problem if the colorant was not evenly distributed), using grout from a bag that was previously opened (and gained moisture during storage), adding water after the first mixing (rehydrating), failure to slake the grout, improper joint packing, using too much water too soon when wiping the joints, inadequate cleaning of the sponges, using unclean water, allowing traffic on the floor too soon, etc. Generally, grout fails because of movement of the substrate or improper mixing and installation of grout. Remove the wedges from the shower base and use a notch trowel to spread an even layer of mastic across all of the shower base. Was the thinset coverage satisfactory? AVAILABLE AT SELECT RETAIL LOCATIONS ONLY Changing grout color is more commonly done but; again, the results are generally not as good as the original item. To thin the epoxy, once the components have been mixed, usually either lacquer thinner or acetone are recommended, and sometimes denatured alcohol can be used. Denatured Alcohol . Although 1/16" of an inch may seem unimportant (for example, on a 12" tile), it represents a 50% variation in a grout joint 1/8 inch wide. Professional, ready-to-use tile adhesive . The best way to settle this issue is to thin the epoxy. What is the standard for determining the size of a grout joint? Modified thin-set mortars must dry for the polymers to coalesce and form a hard film in order to gain strength. The adhesive needs to coverage at least 80% in the dry areas. FAQs. Uneven grout color is not normal, but there can be a number of things that can cause blotchy grout. Recommend over acetone and other solvents. How about cushion vinyl, luaun, water-soluble patching compounds or mortar materials. There are also cleaners with enzymes that attack stains similar to enzyme pre-soaks for laundry. The consistency of the thin-set … The fella working at Lowe’s called it “thin-set” but it’s not called thin-set anywhere in the bag. Grout that has been sealed or has been washed with oil-based soaps (Pine Sol, Murphy's Oil, etc.) What was the notch size of the trowel used? The liquid that goes into the grout ultimately must evaporate (except for that consumed by cement hydration). As the plane of the tile changes, the grout joint allows for this change. Polyacrylate also … Clamp the pieces together while the glue dries. Prior to staining, the grout joint should be cleaned thoroughly to remove any dirt, oils, grease, or sealers with a professional strength Tile & Grout Cleaner. Generally it is not possible to grout directly over the old grout without cutting the old grout out. big no-no! And it can cost three to eight times as much as cementitious grout. Also, they are subject to wear and tear and very sensitive to water in the grout while curing. It will dry out quick on you and this can cause an improper bond and it can also make it hard to get the tiles even. Generally, you’ll use these ready-mixed … The easier it is to remove from the tile (and the better it sticks to the grout), determines in part how good the finished result appears. Step 8. The sand grains can easily bridge a narrow joint - in this case the grout may be only on the surface and have little strength. Some tile installers use stronger acids that they carefully dilute. What is the span of the joists? Add Redi Poxy™ Part C Filler Powder and mix to a smooth, trowelable consistency. Accordingly, it is better to clean grout with an alkaline cleaner (Spic and Span, Mr. Clean, etc.) In cases which involve floor tiles, thinset mortar is most typically used. FLOOR APPLICATION. These "100% solids" epoxy grouts should not be confused with epoxy emulsion grouts which are a mixture of cement and epoxy resins (ANSI A118.8). The unique formula produces a mortar with greater bond and compressive strengths and improved chemical resistance over conventional cement or … Joints larger that 3/8" usually need a more heavily sanded grout to accommodate the large joint. It has a smooth and slippery consistency, similar to mud. This usually doesn’t show until the next day. Ready-to-use adhesive for interior tile projects. If using an automatic dosing pump avoid contact with metals made of … *What are the minimum and maximum mixing amounts of the resin?These resin mixing instructions ar… Removing stains from cementitious grout is similar to removing stains from clothing. To remove thinset, start by pouring boiling water over the thinset to weaken the material. Improper cleaning of the grout and grout haze off the tile (usually by wiping too soon and with too much water). The grout should be very dry and well packed into the joints. When sandwiched between two impervious materials such as KERDI and ceramic tile, including porcelain tile, drying takes place very slowly through the open joints in the tile covering. Normal floor tile will not be affected by a using a scrub pad, but some decorative tiles do not have the same surface hardness. Thinset is usually sold in a dry, powder-like form that won’t do any good unless you mix it with the right amount of water. Even when the caulk exactly matches the grout color when installed, it may not match six months later (caulk will "age" differently from the grout). Two-component epoxy grout, easy to apply and excellent cleanability, with a bacteriostatic agent and BioBlock ® technology, ideal for grouting ceramic tiles and mosaics. For this reason, many owners choose to seal their grout - usually the better the sealer, the more the grout joint is protected. actually in place of the packets you can use a mix of white vinegar and water due to the acid in the vinegar. Premium Mortar. dont let the epoxy haze dry on the tiles. We do not recommend the use of any organic based adhesive (mastic) for installation over any membrane. Find Local Retailer. Mix with LATICRETE 333 Super Flexible Additive for increased performance or LATICRETE 3701 Mortar … While specific instructions vary by manufacturer the basics are the same. Epoxy Thinset and Epoxy thin-set is a very important part to tile and stone installation. The top sheet should be installed so that the joints don't fall over the lower layer gaps nor above the joists. Thinset … tile readi 3 part epoxy have you put the tile down already. What is Thinset? Thinset, while it is also sometimes referred to as a “mortar” is an adhesive. As they do not coat the grout (but penetrate in), they do not change the large microscopic surface area. Changes in the thickness of the tile (often this applies to hand-molded tile), Variations in the rustic profile of the tile. Some manufacturers sell a "wide joint" mix (for joints bigger than 3/8"), but you can make the same thing by adding coarse sand to regular grout. This lifts the dirt off the joint. Caulk will need to be maintained more often than grout. In fact, since the tile is usually so easy to clean, the tile can often be cleaned with water. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Where absolute color uniformity is desired, epoxy grouts are often recommended (they are much more expensive though) as they cure and clean up differently from cementitious grout. During demolition, thinset requires considerable labor to remove. Would recommend to others. Have you wondered what the difference is between modified thinset and unmodified thinset mortar? Is Schluter Allset the best thinset for large format tile? JUST BE READY. On the other hand, epoxy … Epoxy resin is a solid material that can be utilized as a sealant and an adhesive, as well as many other things. Technically, anywhere there is a change in substrate or backing surface such as the joint between walks and floor and wall joint, caulk should be used in place of grout since these surfaces move independently of each other. What is the difference between epoxy grout and mortar and conventional grout and mortar? A smaller joint will exacerbate the differences between tiles as the human eye can readily see very small differences as a percentage of the total grout joint. The edge of the tile also makes a difference in the success of the colorant - tiles with well-delineated edges are easier to treat than tiles with a large bevel or textured edge. Oh, they look so cute and cool. Pour part B into the provided bucket. When evaluating grout joints, it is important to consider that the grout is used to adjust for differences in the following: The standards for the manufacture of tile allow for variation from tile to tile. As with all acids, follow the manufacturers warnings carefully and use caution. This is possible although care must be taken to not damage or loosen the tile. This is especially true if sanded grout is used in joints narrower than 1/8". 24 hours. Leave a 1/4 inch of unglued area around the edges to prevent the epoxy from squeezing out when it's pressed against the tile. Brands. It is always best to use the liquid to powder ratio (as stated on the product packaging and data sheet) as a guideline, and then mix to a certain consistency. It’s really important to get the thin set mixed properly. They can be applied on the grout sooner than the topical sealers, as they are usually vapor permeable. What is the amount of variation from tile to tile? A premium thin-set mortar that can be used for interior use on both floors and walls. Dry-mix thinset is inexpensive and easy to use. TECHNICAL DATA: Pot life of mix: 45 minutes. Type 1. Wipe off the excess glue with a cotton swap that has been dipped in acetone or other solvent. Are any dimensionally unstable or questionable materials also in the tile/subfloor/joist sandwich? Polymer-Enriched Thin-Set Mortar Porcelain Tile Mortar is a regular-setting, polymer-enriched (“modified”) mortar for installing a wide range of tile and stone over a diverse range of substrates in thin-set applications. Available at: Find Local Retailer Calculate Materials. than an acid based cleaner. Tenax Fixtop Epoxy Setting Adhesive 2 Gallon Kit (1 A + 1 B) Tenax Fixtop Epoxy Adhesive is a true 100% two-part epoxy glue...not water based. A thinset is ideal for wet areas and floor tiles, so it works great for your bathrooms and shower floors. It could be that a field inspection is needed to determine why your grout is cracking. Obviously, these are not fired but rather become part of the cement/sand matrix. While experienced professionals can do this, there are great risks in doing so. To remove the grout, start with an alkaline cleaner and a nylon scrub pad. Premium Mortar. Perhaps due to these variables, there is not a numerical standard to which the tile grout joint must conform. Epoxy mortar is a fast-curing, sticky resin used to set tile or patch concrete. Premium Mortar. Chemical Resistant Epoxy Mortars Chemical-resistant epoxy mortars are formulated for installations where exceptionally high strength, chemical and impact resistance are required. ANSI A108.02, Section 4.3.8 of the ANSI A108 standard says, "Nominal centerline of all joints should be straight and of even width with due allowances for hand-molded or rustic tiles. If you follow these steps you will have perfect thin set every single time. Ready-To-Use Mortars. The general rule of thumb is a maximum of 20% added to the epoxy … A common mistake is to set the tile too close. Grout must adjust for these differences between tiles so understandably there can be some variation in the width of a grout joint. For the exact amounts to add, you should check with the manufacturer of the grout you plan to use. One can always remove the grout and replace it if that is the only acceptable solution. While the standard details this exactly, it is not uncommon for some manufacturers to ship tile with about 3/32" difference between the largest and smallest tiles in a box. If you skip the first step, water simply won’t have time to properly mix … You can either sign up for Tile university to get access to those videos along with many others or just sign up for my project planner and I will also send you a link to those videos at no charge to you! Epoxy grout (meeting ANSI A118.3) is quite different from cementitious grout and epoxy emulsion grout. Again, these specialty cleaners will not affect most floor tiles; however, it is prudent to check. While this works, it is not recommended by the grout manufacturers - needing to regrout is sometimes the result. Many people feel that a joint smaller than three times the average variation from tile to tile (or two times the maximum variation) tends to look irregular and poorly installed. But what is thinset? The bevel is often a glazed surface which is intended to transition from one tile to another. Add water, apply and let the mortar cure for 6 hours. If you have some of the grout left, the TCNA lab can test the grout. However, it is important to recognize and make the end user aware of some important points. The edge of the tile also makes a difference in the success of the colorant. It can be the ideal solution for residential garages, warehouses, offices, hospitals, and more. For cementitious grout, there are two broad classes of sealer: penetrating sealer that chemically bonds with the grout and repels water (and water based stains) and topical sealers that coat the surface of the grout and repel almost everything (until they are worn off by foot traffic).