Epoxy Grout | Why Epoxy is the Best Choice| Right way to fill epoxy in tile gaps
When it comes to finishing tile work, choosing the right grout is crucial for both aesthetics and durability.
Two of the most common options are White Cement Grout and Epoxy Grout.
What is White Cement Grout?
White Cement Grout is made by mixing white Portland cement with water. It’s traditionally used to fill gaps between tiles and is popular due to its affordability and easy availability.
However, white cement grout comes with several limitations:
High water absorption: Easily absorbs moisture, leading to stains and weakening over time.
Staining issues: Dirt, oils, and other substances easily discolor the grout.
Cracking: As the cement dries and ages, cracks develop, causing it to chip and fall out.
Frequent maintenance: Requires regular cleaning, sealing, and repairs to maintain appearance.
What is Epoxy Grout?
Epoxy Grout is a modern alternative made from a combination of resin, hardener, and filler powder. It is far superior to traditional cement grouts in several ways:
Waterproof: It does not absorb moisture, making it ideal for bathrooms, kitchens, pools, and outdoor areas.
Highly stain-resistant: Spills from coffee, oils, chemicals, or colored liquids do not penetrate or discolor the grout.
Extremely durable: Resistant to cracking, chemicals, and heavy traffic.
Low maintenance: Requires minimal cleaning and no sealing over its lifetime.
Seamless finish: Provides a smooth, glossy or matte look that enhances the beauty of tile installations.
Though epoxy grout is more expensive upfront, its long-term benefits easily outweigh the initial cost, especially when you consider reduced maintenance and longer lifespan.
Why Epoxy is the Best Choice
Long-Term Investment: Although epoxy grout costs more initially, it reduces repair, replacement, and cleaning costs over time.
Superior Performance: Ideal for both residential and commercial spaces where durability and beauty matter.
Enhanced Aesthetics: Available in a wide variety of colors and finishes, epoxy grout complements modern tile designs perfectly.
Peace of Mind: Once applied properly, epoxy grout provides years of worry-free performance without cracking, discoloration, or water damage.
How to Calculate Epoxy Grout Quantity
Before starting your project, it’s important to estimate the correct amount of epoxy grout needed.
The calculation mainly depends on:
Tile size (length × width)
Tile thickness
Joint width (gap between tiles)
Total area to be grouted
Here’s a simple formula you can use:
> Epoxy Grout Consumption (kg) = [Tile length (mm) + Tile width (mm)] ÷ (Tile length (mm) × Tile width (mm)) × Joint width (mm) × Joint depth (mm) × 1.75 × Area (m²)
Where:
Tile length and width are in millimeters (mm)
Joint width is in millimeters (mm)
Joint depth is usually tile thickness minus 1-2 mm
Area is in square meters (m²)
—
Example Calculation:
Let’s say you are grouting:
Tile Size = 600 mm × 600 mm
Tile Thickness = 10 mm
Joint Width = 3 mm
Area = 100 m²
Step 1: Find joint depth (approx 8 mm)
Step 2: Apply the formula:
> (600 + 600) ÷ (600 × 600) × 3 × 8 × 1.75 × 100
= (1200 ÷ 360000) × 3 × 8 × 1.75 × 100
= 0.00333 × 3 × 8 × 1.75 × 100
= 0.00333 × 4.2 × 100
= 0.013986 × 100
= 1.3986 kg
So, you will need approximately 1.4 kg of epoxy grout per 100 square meters.
(Note: Always add 10-15% extra for wastage and cutting errors.)
simple step-by-step guide to fill epoxy in tile gaps the right way:
1. Clean the gaps properly
Use a brush or vacuum to remove dust, old grout, grease, or dirt.
If needed, wipe with a damp cloth and let it dry fully — epoxy doesn’t stick well to dirty or wet surfaces.
2. Choose the right epoxy grout
Use a high-quality two-part epoxy grout (resin + hardener).
Mix it according to manufacturer instructions — usually 1:1 or as specified.
Mix thoroughly until uniform in color and texture.
3. Tape the tile edges (optional)
If you want super clean lines, apply masking tape along the tile edges.
Epoxy can stain porous tiles, so taping is smart especially for marble, natural stone, etc.
4. Apply the epoxy grout
Use a rubber grout float or a rubber spatula.
Push the epoxy firmly into the tile joints, working at a 45° angle.
Press hard to fill the gaps completely — no air pockets.
5. Remove excess epoxy quickly
Hold the float almost upright and scrape off extra grout across the tiles (again at 45° angle).
6. First cleaning
Within 10–20 minutes, clean the surface with a damp sponge (with warm water or a special epoxy grout cleaner).
Wipe gently in circular motion — not digging into the joints.
7. Second cleaning (after 1 hour)
Check for haze or sticky residue.
If needed, use a cloth and a little bit of vinegar water or a dedicated epoxy haze remover.
8. Let it cure
Let the grout cure for 24–48 hours depending on the brand and weather.
Avoid water contact until fully hardened.
Tips:
Work in small sections — epoxy hardens fast!
Wear gloves — epoxy is sticky and hard to clean from skin.
Don’t wait too long for cleaning — hardened epoxy is very tough to remove