Replies

1. 
   Saltworks | Apr 16, 2009 02:09am | #1

   I've used Spectralock epoxy grout 3 times on granite tile countertops, and I like it.  My primary reason for using it is its stain resistance.  I haven't used it on a floor.  It is easy to use, but be very certain to complete your cleanup in the required time period.  With regular cement based grout you have a fair amount of latitude in cleaning up.  Basically with Spectralock if you leave any haze you will probably be stuck with it forever.

   You may find more info and reviews at http://www.johnbridge.com which is a tile specific website with lots of very experienced tile people

1. 
   Butch70 | Apr 16, 2009 03:58am | #2

   Thanks for the info!

1. 
   xxPaulCPxx | Apr 16, 2009 04:02am | #4

   I used it on the floor and walls of my bathroom, across a wide variety of spacings.

    

   Loved it completely!

   Tu stultus esRebuilding my home in Cypress, CAAlso a CRX fanatic!

   Look, just send me to my drawer.  This whole talking-to-you thing is like double punishment.

2. 
   JeffBuck | Apr 18, 2009 09:13am | #20

   for any epoxy grout ... I'll give the same advice I was given before my first time.

   for the bucket of wipe down water ...

   run it so hot U can barely put your hand into it ...

   and that's how U know it's almost hot enough.

    

   the hotter the better for cleaning the epoxy off the face of the tiles before it sets forever. Hot, hot, hot really makes a difference. And then work as fast as humanly possible. It isn't foolproof by any means.

   Jeff    Buck Construction

    Artistry In Carpentry

        Pittsburgh Pa

1. 
   JeffBuck | Apr 18, 2009 09:17am | #21

   and U can eyeball and mark the various containers in quarters, thirds or halfs ...

   mixing smaller amounts and work as you go.

   seal them back up and as long as they're not mixed they won't flash ina  typical work day. I've done this with most every common epoxy grout on the market with no problems.

   this way I can work smaller areas and get them 100% clean before moving on.

   comes in handy on a larger custom shower with alot of detailed areas ... work one wall at a time.

   Jeff    Buck Construction

    Artistry In Carpentry

        Pittsburgh Pa

2. 
   PeteDraganic | Apr 16, 2009 04:02am | #3

   what color grout? Darker colors will hide stains well but are harder to put down due to the mess of the dark coloring.

   I have had great success with Mapei grouts. Mostly their Ultracolor line. I use a lot of the fast-curing stuff.

    

   I refuse to accept that there are limitations to what we can accomplish.        Pete Draganic

    

   Take life as a test and shoot for a better score each day.          Matt Garcia

1. 
   Butch70 | Apr 16, 2009 04:17am | #5

   Grout color is a light Beige!

3. 
   andybuildz | Apr 16, 2009 05:19am | #6

   There are literally chapters and chapters you can read from posters about it over at John Bridges Forum for more in depth reviews.

   I tried it once in a small room and liked it a lot...and was glad I didn't have to try it out for the first time in a big room b/c it took some getting used to. For a small room your size you should be fine with it.

   Like everyone says...you need to work in a very orderly and timely manner with the stuff. Any unused portions can be temporarily kept in the freezer....

   Tons to read over at JB's Forum about it.

   For the most part for medium colored grouts and up I'll probably stick with regular grout and as usual put a good cpl of coats of sealer over it. If I ever have to use white or similar grouts in a heavy traffic area I'd stay with Spectra.

    

    

    

   http://www.cliffordrenovations.com

   http://www.ramdass.org

    

4. 
   EricPaulson | Apr 16, 2009 05:24am | #7

   I have limited experience laying tile and no experience with this kind of grout.  I have read some mixed reviews on the web about this grout.

   I think everyone is doing more talking than listening.

   Salemanship 101.

    

    

   "When the spirits are low, when the day appears dark, when work becomes monotonous, when hope hardly seems worth having, just mount a bicycle and go out for a spin down the road, without thought on anything but the ride you are taking." — Sherlock Holmes, 1896

1. 
   xxPaulCPxx | Apr 16, 2009 05:30am | #8

   Fine.

    

   I've laid grout twice in my life.  My best experience was with the Spectra lock.  I had no issues with using it.  It was easy.

   Tu stultus esRebuilding my home in Cypress, CAAlso a CRX fanatic!

   Look, just send me to my drawer.  This whole talking-to-you thing is like double punishment.

1. 
   Butch70 | Apr 16, 2009 03:32pm | #9

   Thanks to all for your input!

   I will jump in and get wet!

5. 
   Hackinatit | Apr 16, 2009 05:37pm | #10

   FOLLOW the directions. Mix one box at a time and don't be afraid to throw some of each batch away. Have plenty of vinegar on hand. Putting it in the freezer will slow set-up considerably. DO NOT allow sunlight on it... heat speeds set-up. Once it starts to set, you better be done working it. The color matched sanded caulk is a DEAD-ON match.

   FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS! 

   Love it's look and performance.

   A La Carte Government funding... the real democracy.

1. 
   Butch70 | Apr 16, 2009 07:44pm | #11

   Thanks!

    

   I will post my results!

6. 
   Hiker | Apr 16, 2009 08:56pm | #12

   It is all we use.  You might want to have some help since it is your first time.  It is not that complicated, but if it gets warm you have to work fast. 

7. 
   YesMaam27577 | Apr 16, 2009 10:15pm | #13

   Specta-Lock is an epoxy-type grout. Is uses a two-part mixture in conjunction with colored sand, to produce a truly stain-resistant grout line.

   Unfortunately, epoxy-type grouts are rather unforgiving to the installer, compared to portland-based grouts.

   And since this is your first experience, I would strongly recommend that you not use the spectra-lock. Its just too easy to not get this stuff cleaned up right on installation.

   Instead, pick the color you want from the "normal" grouts. These portland-cement based products are quite easy to install, easy to get right the first time, and easy to clean-up while installing.

   And when you are done, wait a day or two (until the color evens out) and then seal the grout with one of the grout sealing products that are generally available. It is this step that helps avoid stains.

   And once every two or three years, do the sealing thing again.

   Politics is the antithesis of problem solving.
8. 
   brucet9 | Apr 17, 2009 12:47am | #14

   I just did 130 sq ft of 18x18 porcelain tile the color and pattern of travertine and grouted with a light-colored SpectraLok grout. This was only my second full tile job in 20 years, so it doesn't take a pro to use the stuff.

   I was concerned as you are about people saying it's harder to use than regular grout, etc. etc. I didn't find it very difficult at all, just two extra steps is all. I laid my tile with 1/8" grout joints and still had no problem working the grout into them, so your 3/16" joints will be easy to do.

   The instructions are a little confusing where they say to do the first rinse after 20 minutes. I knew I couldn't do the grouting in just 20 minutes, but they mean no SOONER than 20 minutes.

   Be sure you have a hard grout float to work the grout into the joints and a white buffing pad to scrub the excess epoxy off the tiles. I recommend wearing nitrile gloves too.

   The first rinse with the sponge removes excess grout from tile surfaces but inevitably leaves a shiny coating of epoxy behind. Be careful to wipe gently at 45° to the grout lines.

   The purpose of the second rinse is to remove that glossy epoxy; easier to see on matte tile than on glossy tile, of course. For that you use the buffing pad and second rinse mix. Try to work with light at a shallow angle, say from a low window or a lamp on the floor, to make it easier to see the shiny spots.

   What they don't tell you is that if you miss some spots with the second rinse, you can mix 2 oz white vinegar to a half gallon of water and use a buffing pad or 3-M scrubbing sponge to remove the remaining patches of the stuff. It takes 24 hours for a substantial cure, so it still scrubs off easily up to 8 hours and I removed a couple of spots 24 hours after grouting.

   Since it is a small space, consider laying the tile diagonally. It may require a few more cuts, but you'd be amazed at how much bigger the space will look that way.

   Good luck

   BruceT
9. 
   brucet9 | Apr 17, 2009 02:47am | #15

   I advised you in the previous post to consider setting tile diagonally to make the floor look larger.

   Here are some before and after pictures to show what I mean.

   View Image

   View Image

   View Image

   View Image

   BruceT

   
1. 
   Butch70 | Apr 17, 2009 03:32pm | #16

   Thanks for the pictures it does make a huge difference. 

    I will lay this small room with 12 x 12 tile on the diaganal.

1. 
   xxPaulCPxx | Apr 17, 2009 09:18pm | #18

   This is what I did with mine.  I used Parchment and Sea Glass colors.

   View Image

   This was taken before I finished everything off.

   Tu stultus esRebuilding my home in Cypress, CAAlso a CRX fanatic!

   Look, just send me to my drawer.  This whole talking-to-you thing is like double punishment.

1. 
   Butch70 | Apr 18, 2009 05:36am | #19

   Very nice!!!!!!!!!

   I am impressed with everyones talent!

    

2. 
   Butch70 | Apr 17, 2009 08:02pm | #17

   You really did a great job on the floors in the photos, they are very beautiful and they certainly enhance the looks of the room.

1. 
   brucet9 | Apr 18, 2009 09:36am | #22

   Thanks. That's nice of you to say so.One more thing. Since you are using large porcelain tiles, which are not very porous, and epoxy grout that is also not porous, you may want to allow an extra day for excess moisture to work its way out of the thinset before grouting.BruceT