Epoxy tile grout (showers, kitchens, hospitals)

The work, step by step

General guidance based on the manufacturer data sheets. Site conditions differ: confirm the system with MCT before you start. Where we do not name a product, ask us and we will confirm the right one.

1. 1

   Step 1: Prepare dry, clean joints

   Check the tile adhesive has fully set. Joints must be dry, clean and clear of excess adhesive and tile spacers. The surface must not be damp to touch, with no standing water (SikaCeram-850 Design p.2, p.3).

2. 2

   Step 2: Protect the tile face

   SikaCeram-950 is an isolation wax for rough, non-absorbent tile surfaces (SikaCeram-950 p.1). Apply it to both sides of the joint, not into the gap, and not in direct sunlight. Grout soon after waxing (SikaCeram-950 p.2).

   SikaCeram-950 Sika Request a quotation

   Suitable for non-absorbing water and rough ceramic tiles surface protection. (TDS p.1)

   Pack

   260g/pail, 60 pails/box

3. 3

   Step 3: Choose the epoxy grout

   SikaCeram-850 Design gives a smooth glossy joint of 2–15 mm on floors and walls in wet rooms, malls, hospitals, kitchens, the food industry and indoor pools (SikaCeram-850 Design p.1). SikaCeram-855 gives a sanded, matt-textured joint for indoor wet areas such as kitchens and bathrooms. It is not for external use (SikaCeram-855 p.1). Its decorative joint width is 1–5 mm (SikaCeram-855 p.2).

   SikaCeram-850 Design Sika

   Grouting tiles for the following interior residential and commercial building applications: Wet rooms, Shopping malls, Hospitals, Commercial / Industrial kitchens, Food industry, Swimming pools (indoors). (TDS p.1)

   Temperature stated in TDS

   +5 °C min. / +35 °C max (TDS p.2)

   Pack

   400 ml double side-by-side cartridge

   SikaCeram-855 Sika Request a quotation

   Suitable for grouting applications on most types of ceramic, porcelain and non-absorbent tiles for indoor wet areas. (TDS p.1)

   Temperature stated in TDS

   +5 °C min. / +35 °C max (TDS p.2)

   Pack

   350ML

4. 4

   Step 4: Gun it into the joints

   Fit the static mixer and pump the gun until both parts come out in one even colour. Fill each joint with no air pockets. Use the mixed grout within 20 minutes or change the nozzle (SikaCeram-850 Design p.3). With SikaCeram-855, discard the first 30 cm of grout (SikaCeram-855 p.2). Smooth at once with a metal ball tool (SikaCeram-850 Design p.3).

5. 5

   Step 5: Clean off the excess

   SikaCeram-850 Design: scrape excess off the tile with a sharp scraper after 6–8 hours (SikaCeram-850 Design p.3). SikaCeram-855: wipe spills at once with a damp cloth, and scrape remaining grout after 8 hours (SikaCeram-855 p.2). SikaCeram-951 Care Cleaner removes grout stains (SikaCeram-951 Care Cleaner p.1).

   Product for this stepAsk us

   The right product here depends on your site. We confirm it before naming it.

6. 6

   Step 6: Let it cure

   Pedestrian traffic after about 24 hours, full traffic after about 72 hours at +23 °C. Heat shortens these times and cold lengthens them (SikaCeram-850 Design p.2; SikaCeram-855 p.2). Apply between +5 °C and +35 °C (SikaCeram-850 Design p.2).

7. 7

   Step 7: Outdoors or heavy chemical duty

   For exterior or heavy chemical areas, use SikaCeram RSG 705, an epoxy grout and adhesive for interior and exterior use (SikaCeram RSG 705 p.1). See the chemical-resistant grout guide.

   SikaCeram RSG 705 Sika Request a quotation

   SikaCeram® RSG 705 is used wherever a high degree of chemical resistance and excellent mechanical properties are required, such as: Food production: meat, fish, vegetable and fruit processing, canning areas, dairies and bakeries, Industrial kitchens and catering facilities, Electrical substations… (TDS p.1)

   Temperature stated in TDS

   +10°C min. / +35°C max (TDS p.2)

Steps and product facts are taken from the manufacturer data sheets (page cited). Products are named only where the data sheet confirms the use; quantities follow a site visit or photos. General guidance: check the data sheet or ask us before you start.