Description
Ardex EG18 PLUS Epoxy Grout is an easy to apply and clean epoxy tile grout, that combines the performance of an epoxy based grout with the ease of application associated with cement based grouts.
Suitable for joints 2-12mm in width.
Ardex EG18 PLUS Epoxy Grout is available in 5 colours, in 4kg tubs: White, Grey, Silver Grey, Anthracite, and Bahama Beige.
Ardex EG18 PLUS Epoxy Grout has high chemical and abrasion resistance and, being impervious; it also produces hygienic joints that require minimal maintenance. Unlike traditional epoxy grouts, however, it is easy to apply and clean off, requiring no special tools and cleaning off up to 60 minutes after application.
Ardex EG18 PLUS Epoxy Grout is resistant to aqueous salt solutions, chlorine water, commercial cleaning agents, alkalis, as well as a wide range of dilute mineral acids. Please refer to the chemical resistance table overleaf for more detail. Full chemical resistance is achieved after 7 days at normal temperatures.
Ardex EG18 PLUS Epoxy Grout is particularly suitable for use in swimming pools, showers, bathrooms, shops, hospitals, hydrotherapy and spa baths, sports centres and other buildings where high standards of hygiene and cleanliness are required.
Coverage:
This will depend upon the tile size and joint width, and depth. The grout coverage figure for Ardex EG18 PLUS is 1.5. Use the grout calculator below to estimate the approximate grout requirements for square or rectangular tiles.
Usage Instructions:
Preparation: Before grouting, ensure the tiles are firmly fixed and that the tile faces and joints are clean and free of dust, excess adhesive or standing water.
Mixing: Empty the contents of both the resin and the hardener into the empty larger outer bucket. Thoroughly mix the two components together to obtain a homogeneous mixture. Add all the filler and then continue to mix until a smooth, homogeneous mortar is produced. The use of a propeller-type stirrer in a slow speed drill is advantageous. Mix slowly and thoroughly to a uniform colour. Avoid entraining air by mixing at too high speed or by over-mixing.
Note: Transfer some of the mixed mortar back into each of the resin and hardener pots to disperse any remaining materials left in these container (back mixing). Transfer this material back into the main mixing bucket then thoroughly mix in until a uniform mortar is produced. Mixed epoxy grout working time 20°C: approx. up to 60 minutes when applied to tile surface. This is reduced at higher temperatures and extended at lower temperatures. Apply at temperatures above 10°C and below 30°C At high temperatures, it is recommended that the mortar is spread out immediately after mixing as self-heating in the container will reduce the working time/pot life.
Application:
1. Check potential staining risk or scratching by applying to an unused tile before proceeding, if required a protective sealer can be applied.
2. For glass, some natural stone, profile trims, absorbent textured or soft ceramic tiles which may be vulnerable to surface scratching, test in a small inconspicuous area to ensure compatibility, or consult the tile manufacturer/ distributor for further advice. See also BS 5385: Part 1 for further information.
3. Work in small areas using a Hard Rubber Grout Float. Completely fill tile joints with mixed grout and compact well, removing excess grout from tile surface as work proceeds. Just before cleaning off, apply a fine mist of clean water from a suitable spray bottle to the surface of the tiles to emulsify/soften the grout residues just prior to cleaning down.
4. Clean off within the working time (typically 15-60 minutes depending on site temperature) using a damp sponge and clean water. This time is affected by the ambient conditions, porosity of the tiles and the width of the joints. However, cleaning can commence as soon as the grout surface is firm enough to resist damage and excavation of the joint during the cleaning process. Cleaning must be completed by 60 minutes after grouting.
5. Using a clean, damp, sponge, remove emulsified epoxy/water residue, cleaning diagonally to grout lines. Clean the sponge and wash water frequently to avoid transferring residue back to the tile surface.
6. Clean any remaining light haze from the surface next day with a damp sponge or if required by using a EMULSIFYING PAD (WHITE) or Scotchbrite pad (see below). Tools should be cleaned before the mortar has hardened using a brush and water.
NOTE: Do not allow any surplus grout or haze to remain on the surface for more than 24 hours. All grouting should be completed in line with BS 5385. Protection (food preparation/ storage areas): Tiles/mosaics to be kept dry and not brought into service until the epoxy grout has cured and hardened, 7 days. Ardex EG18 PLUS Epoxy Grout is not recommended for grouting tiles such as soft-glazed wall tiles or tiles with metal décor or lustre.
NOTE: As for all epoxy grouts, Ardex EG18 PLUS may yellow on exposure to sunlight, UV light or strong heat. Where strong exposure is anticipated, consider the use of Ardex EG18 PLUS Grey or Anthracite. Spillages of, e.g. coffee and fruit juices, may stain the surface of the grout if not cleaned immediately.
Textured or profiled nonslip tiles may require the use of a Scotchbrite pad to emulsify the residues. For modern “sandpaper texture” non slip tiles used in swimming pools and other wet areas we recommend the manufacturer also be consulted for additional cleaning guidelines. For contrasting colours (grouts/tiles) and textured tiles, a final clean using a proprietary epoxy required to grout remover may be remove any traces of emulsified residues.
Where acid based cleaning products are to be used on the hardened Ardex EG18 PLUS Grout, we recommend that the product is first tested on the wetted grout before application to ascertain the resistance of the colour/grout. Thorough rinsing off is required to remove any residues of the acidic cleaner to prevent discolouration/damage to the grouted joint.
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