Why is epoxy trowel for mosaic?
The cement-sand mixture accumulates strength as it solidifies and, in the end, becomes an almost unbreakable monolith. However, as is known, the stone water is sharpened, and with frequent moisture penetration into unclosed spaces between the tiles, the cement may begin to crumble. Being the most expensive and at the same time the most reliable among others, epoxy grout for seams due to its high density differs excellent moisture resistance, as well as resistance to sudden changes in temperature.
Grouts containing epoxy resins are only suitable for lining with wide spaces between tiles. In the gaps already six millimeters, having the same depth, the seam seam will not fill completely.
In addition to the main components, we often add pigments to the grout we are considering, so that the edging of the tiles can have contrasting colors, creating very effective combinations of tones. Due to its aesthetic appearance, the epoxy grout is the most preferred for the treatment of walls covered with mosaic, porcelain stoneware and even glass or mirror tiles.
Such trowels, which are odorless and environmentally friendly, can be used not only in living quarters, but also in offices, as well as in shopping malls, hospitals and laboratories.
How is epoxy based trowel used?
The viscosity of the coating for the tile depends primarily on the component composition, and undoubtedly the epoxy resin compositions have the highest level of viscosities and adhesion. But it is the density of such grouting that makes the work with it particularly difficult, and, as already mentioned, does not allow the filling of narrow seams.
And yet with epoxy putties you can work, and they are extremely necessary where frost resistance and durability are required from the grouting. To get the working composition, you need to mix the components that are already sold dosed. For mixing, you need a narrow rectangular trowel made of plastic or any plastic slightly bent plate, you need to achieve absolute homogeneity of the mass, which usually takes 1-2 minutes.
The setting time of the grouting is usually indicated on the package, but it is advisable to manage faster without bringing the to the deadline. Seams are filled with a rubber spatula, it is better to remove excess immediately with the same tool. Horizontally, it is easier to work, washing off the tiles with the composition of the composition already frozen around it, you do not need to make sure that the water does not get on the seam just pinched.
Vertically, it is best to move from the top down, so the putty drops do not fall on the finished surface. To clean the tile from the trowelling is necessary in 2 stages: a sponge with hot water for rough washing and dissolved acetic acid in the amount of 100 grams per 10 liters of water for finishing. It is desirable to change water more often.
Some subtleties of working with epoxy coating
There are several types of grouts with epoxy base, among which not the last place in popularity is the modified coating with Portland cement in the composition. If you have worked with cement putty, the modified composition will be familiar to you, while its characteristics far exceed the properties of cement. The only thing in which it is inferior to conventional epoxy putty is its resistance to chemicals.
What else is important to know about epoxy resin coatings, they react unstably to contact with some metals, which change the color of the composition, breaking down under its influence. Typically, such reactions are observed when working with specialized grouts, so it is best to always use rubber or plastic tools. Agree, the yellowed epoxy grout will not be a very beautiful contrast.
If the tiles are not cleaned correctly, sticky stains remain on the tile, which will not dry out as much as the mixture in the seams. To avoid this, use as much rags and clean the lining carefully, not missing a single centimeter. Often the entire surface of the tile is abundantly wetted with water when the seams around dry, then gently, trying not to break the integrity of the coating, begin to rub with a moistened sponge. The composition dries on average in 6-7 hours, and the lining long before that should already be clean.