Modern bathrooms are often finished using ceramic tiles, which are the most functional and versatile. An important role is played by the correct laying of the material, including such a stage of this process as grouting tile joints in the bathroom. Do it yourself with your own hands is simple, but first we’ll consider what are the features of this procedure.
Which mixture to choose?
Processing of tile joints in the bathroom is carried out using a special mixture, which is characterized by a good level of moisture resistance, when dry, gives a little shrinkage and at the same time has high strength. If the grout is selected correctly, then the seams will be repaired qualitatively, and the wall coating itself is obtained not only reliable in operation, but also convenient for cleaning. Consider which grout is better for tile joints in the bathroom.
Cement: simple and cheap
Portland cement is at the heart of the simplest grout mass, but a number of components are added to its composition. Their task is to make the mass more stable, fluid, while slowing down the setting. Cement grout is suitable for processing joints with a width of not more than 5 mm; for joints wider it is advisable to use a cement-sand grout. In most cases, the grouting of the tile joints in the bathroom with your own hands is performed using exactly the cement composition. Even an inexperienced finisher will do the job competently.
Modern cement grouts are available as ready-made formulations or as dry powder. Finished compounds must be used immediately after purchase, but if there is material left, you will have to throw it away. In this regard, it is more advantageous to use dry powder, since it is possible to calculate a certain amount of material, which is diluted. Cement grouts are in demand due to the convenience and ease of use, versatility, wide color gamut. But users note that they are not resistant to pollution and are destroyed under the influence of household chemicals.
Popular Brands: Ceresit
Modern types of grouts are distinguished by a wide color variety, which allows translating a variety of design decisions into reality. Ceresit tile grout is very popular among buyers. Ceresit CE 33 Super is suitable for narrow joints up to 5 mm wide. A distinctive feature of the material is its antifungal effect. The advantages of this composition include:
- 26 available color schemes;
- surface smoothness;
- water and frost resistance;
- the possibility of use in external and internal finishing work;
- environmental safety.
Grout for tile joints in the Ceresit bathtub is used to process joints in ceramic, stone cladding, as well as when sealing joints on uneven surfaces inside and outside buildings.
Fuga de-lux
Solutions for grouting joints of this brand are available in the form of a dry mixture, where mineral binders, fillers, modifying additives are added. This composition is advisable to use when grouting joints in the bathroom on the floor and walls, which are lined with ceramic or concrete tiles, natural or artificial stone. The width of the seams that can be processed with this material is from 2 to 20 mm. Its feature is the ability to use on underfloor heating.
Epoxy grout: modern and new
Epoxy grout for tile joints in the bathroom includes epoxy resin, hardener and pigments that give the material a specific color. This mass is good in that it makes the seams dense, resistant to moisture and various chemicals, in particular household chemicals. A distinctive feature of such compositions is the increased viscosity, which complicates the application process. In general, working with this material is not so easy, so most often they turn to professionals.
Epoxy grout for tile joints in the bathroom is moisture resistant, most often consists of two components - pigmented resin and hardener. They are mixed, the polymerization process begins. It turns out that the seam is filled with polymer, in which there is no cement, which means that high protection against moisture is provided. Until recently, such materials were used only for industrial purposes and were produced in white and gray colors. And today, colored epoxy grouts are relevant for finishing work, which attract attention:
- possibility of use as glue;
- good resistance to mechanical stress;
- water and vapor impermeability;
- resistance to pollution;
- chemical inertness.
How to work with epoxy grouts?
Epoxy grout for tile joints in the bathroom requires a special approach in terms of laying. The consistency of this material is dense, but you can achieve the optimum state by adding a hardener and thorough mixing. After mixing, it is advisable to transfer the mixture to a clean container. This will make the seam of high quality. Epoxy grout begins to polymerize immediately after mixing, so you should not wait for setting, as with cement compounds. Once the seams are filled, you can wash off the residues from the surface.
Popular Brands: Kerapoxy Design
Kerapoxy Design is a high-quality grout for tile joints in the bathroom, consisting of two components and available in eight colors. You can use this composition both inside and outside the premises, but most often it is used in the processing of seams of glass mosaics. Distinctive features of the composition are high resistance to acid, ease of use and durability. Using the special Mapeglitter additive, you can give the filler a metallic sheen.
If the material is used correctly, the surface of the joints will be bright and translucent, they will be resistant to chemicals and water, and the joints themselves will be protected from cracking. The material does not require the addition of water. The surface itself must be carefully prepared. The aggregate should be cleaned before the mortar hardens.
Litokol
Epoxy grouts of this brand fill the inter-tile space, while they will perform two functions - protective and decorative. This moisture-resistant grout for tiles in the bathroom consists of a hardener and a colored pigment. The resulting polymer seam is resistant to moisture, resistant to aggressive chemical compounds, moreover, no contamination will form in the pores. After hardening, the seams are obtained as high-quality as well as environmental friendly to human health.
LITOKOL two-component grouts can be used for facing horizontal and vertical surfaces, no matter what material is used - ceramic or glass mosaic, marble, ceramic or porcelain tile, natural stone. Due to the presence of epoxy resin in the composition, the material can be used to finish not only internal and external surfaces, but also interior elements - countertops in the kitchen or furniture facades.
Thanks to this brand of high-quality and reliable, grouting of tile joints in the bathroom is obtained. The colors of this composition are presented in a huge variety, and it is possible to choose grouts with optical effects, for example, with sparkles or a transparent structure. Users note that the placeholder will retain its color throughout the entire period of operation.
STARLIKE
Epoxy grouts of this brand allow you to fill the seams when using glass or artistic mosaics, and the seams should be up to 2 mm. The distinctive features of this composition include:
- smooth surface of the seam, since the filler is a fine fraction;
- good light transmittance;
- no cracks after the seam has dried;
- ease of operation;
- increased resistance to various influences;
- excellent adhesion to any surfaces;
- the possibility of using in the decoration of surfaces, which are subject to increased requirements for hygiene and sanitation.
This composition can be used as a grout for ceramic tiles in the bathroom on the floor and walls. In addition, the composition is used to create exclusive visual effects and such original interior elements as columns or countertops in the kitchen. Users note that the main advantage of choosing the grout of this brand is more than 100 color schemes with various effects, which allows you to make the interior even more original.
Advantages of water repellents
Water-repellent grouts are practical and versatile, and it’s easy to work with. Resistance to pollution, preservation of the original appearance throughout the entire life cycle, excellent water-repellent effect even with prolonged contact with water - all this distinguishes these compounds. When choosing, it is worth remembering that the quality of the grout depends on what components were used to create it. When using cement grout, experts advise to cover the joint surface with moisture-resistant impregnation in order to improve the protective properties. It happens with a matte or glossy surface, so the seam between the tiles, grout can be decorated very beautifully.
If you are for profitability, then choose cement compounds. True, it is important that the dry mixture, for example, be of high quality, and this depends on what plasticizer is contained in its composition. If the costs do not matter, choose an epoxy grout, however, you will have to invite specialists to work with it. But you will provide reliable protection against moisture in the bathroom, and the walls and floor will shine and delight you with their appearance.