My ground floor is laid with granite slabs. The contractor does not know what to use to fill the joints between slabs. I saw another contractor using raisin-based putty to fill the joints of marble slabs in my toilets. Can this be used to fill the granite slab joints?
Re: grout for granite floor slabs
My granite fabricator uses epoxy to fill the joints of my kitchen countertop. He also has a set of tinting color to to match the color of the granite.
Re: grout for granite floor slabs
Epoxy would work. Waterproof pa. You may need to apply twice though. My experience with epoxy is that it contracts a bit as it dries. So, when dry, just sand a little, then top off.
If you get epoxy from Polymer products, you can also get pigments for opaque colors.
Re: grout for granite floor slabs
Thank you brothers. What kind of epoxy are we talking about. Any recommendations?
Re: grout for granite floor slabs
I get my epoxy from a boatmaker who buys them by the drum. But he does that as a favor to local boatmakers.
I occasionally get epoxy resin from Polymer Products in Pasig on J Borris street, off C5. It's one of the first streets on the right when you get down northbound from the series of bridge and flyovers across Pasig river coming from the MarketMarket area.
They sell them by the gallon. IIRC PHP2k. It comes in A and B which means you mix them in the right proportion before applying. The result is a syrupy substance. You can then mix it with solids to make putty. I use wood flour for wood gluing. You can also use the granite dust which I hope you saved from sanding/polishing. Polymer Products also has a number of other products you can mix to add body and color. They'd be happy to answer your questions, I'm sure.
Re: grout for granite floor slabs
how does application of epoxy based grout differ from using cement based so to speak (abc, etc)? traditionally, mix the powder in a bucket with water and apply with squeegee, then wipe with water and foam for cleanup. i don't think water and foam will work for this 🙁 ?
my granite floor is grouted with abc and it's turning dark specially in the kitchen area and its a PITA to clean it every once in a while, not to mention that it gets thinner everytime you scrub :(. so i'm thinking of regrouting with something more durable
btw, how does this work for outdoors? - garage, lanai that's exposed to sunlight. afaik epoxy and sunlight aren't good friends...
Re: grout for granite floor slabs
how does application of epoxy based grout differ from using cement based so to speak (abc, etc)? traditionally, mix the powder in a bucket with water and apply with squeegee, then wipe with water and foam for cleanup. i don't think water and foam will work for this 🙁 ?
my granite floor is grouted with abc and it's turning dark specially in the kitchen area and its a PITA to clean it every once in a while, not to mention that it gets thinner everytime you scrub :(. so i'm thinking of regrouting with something more durable
btw, how does this work for outdoors? - garage, lanai that's exposed to sunlight. afaik epoxy and sunlight aren't good friends...
Epoxy comes in a two part mixture package, a base and a hardener. Just mix them according to the manufacturers specs and let it dry. It's going to be a bit tricky cleaning out all your grout but nevertheless if you are able to manage, epoxy will hold longer and better. Mask the edges of your granite with tape to eliminate those pesky over spreads and try to level the epoxy a lil lower than your tile/slab to reduce surface wear and contact. Soon as the film has dried sand them a little to achieve a smooth surface level that will compliment your granite. Buff it with rubbing compound to improve sheen. Epoxy is designed to withstand sunlight and water so no worries for outdoor use. Polymer Philippines also carry colorants for their epoxies. There is a store in Masinag that sells these items. Just ask around when you get near the area of Maris Village and Cherry Foodarama. Granite suppliers all over the metro have also these resins you need. Good luck.
Re: grout for granite floor slabs
Yes. Epoxy and sunlight don't mix well. That is because pure epoxy resin disintegrates over time with UV. But once mixed with a colorant or solids, then it's UV protected already.
For cleanup, use ordinary house vinegar while still wet. Once it dries, it'll be impossible to clean up.
And avoid skin contact. Many people develop severe allergies. If you happen to touch it, wipe off quickly with vinegar.
I always use gloves when working with epoxy.
Re: grout for granite floor slabs
My bad, I was referring to Marine grade epoxy w/c has UV filters for outdoor use. This is what we are using now for our outdoor decking and wall cladding projects. I think Ultracoat in pasig sells different kinds of epoxy resin for different applications (marine, acidic environment, etc.). We have our own epoxy formulation but we only use them exclusively for our projects. A lot has changed with resins technology but the increased climate temperature is the biggest challenge for these new tech.
Re: grout for granite floor slabs
I actually knew what you meant, Willy. Just forgot to elaborate the diff.
Never got to try your homebrew epoxy! Do you still have the same shop location or have you moved already?
Re: grout for granite floor slabs
I actually knew what you meant, Willy. Just forgot to elaborate the diff.
Never got to try your homebrew epoxy! Do you still have the same shop location or have you moved already?
We opened another place in pasig. Been busy with the move and the coming build of my new house.
