Showers can be a particular challenge for grout. Why? Because the moisture level in showers, not only from the direct contact of the water itself, but also from the heavy moisture produced by steam and condensation, can lead to all sorts of problems for grout, especially when the wrong type of grout is used in the shower. Cement-based grout, for instance, can be a real problem because it is porous and easily absorbs moisture. This can lead to a breakdown of the grout itself or to the growth of mold and fungi that can be harmful to anyone living in the house. It also means the risk of cracking and shrinkage over time. This means that cement-based grout should be avoided in a shower or even in a bathroom.
What is the Best Grout to Use in a Shower?
Epoxy grout is a great choice for showers and moist environments. Epoxy grout is water resistant and made from resins and fillers that help it work like a sealing adhesive. Epoxy grout is a better choice for showers, kitchen, bathrooms, and other damp areas because it is stain resistant and requires no sealing, unlike cement-based grout. While epoxy grout can be slightly more expensive than cement-based grout, the added expense is more than made up for in durability and the longevity of the epoxy grout in moist environments. Because it is so reliable and durable, many experienced and knowledgeable contractors will use epoxy grout for tiles and mosaics that will be in moist, damp areas, including outdoor environments and even in swimming pools. Waterproof epoxy grout is ideal for showers and bathrooms because of its bonding power. Epoxy grout won’t crack, stain, or shrink, making it an ideal solution for wet environments.
How to Use Epoxy Grout in a Shower
Prepare the area where you will install the grout by cleaning it thoroughly. Mix the epoxy grout according to the instructions on the grout. It will vary between brands. Apply the epoxy grout with a trowel to fill the joints, then smooth it out. Have a damp sponge ready to wipe any excess grout from the tiles. Work on small areas at a time. Regardless of how quickly you are at wiping away the excess grout, chances are you will have some grout haze. Use a clean cloth and water to remove remaining haze from your tiles. You will no doubt need to do this frequently. If you work slow and methodically, you can minimize the amount of excess grout. Epoxy shower grouting is not a do-it-yourself kind of job. Despite thriving DIY culture, you are better off contacting a business like Premium Residential Remodeling to give the process and the waterproof shower grout the care and attention it needs. It’s not an easy process, if things go wrong, there will be consequences. Say you’ve allowed the epoxy grout haze to dry on the tile face – easy to remove, right? Wrong. Dried epoxy haze requires tile damaging chemicals to remove it. Some people even retile the whole room, it’s difficult to clean away.
The Best Grout Brand for Your Shower
What is the best grout to use in a shower? We’ve already established that epoxy grout is a far better grout to use in a shower or in any other moist environment. The best epoxy grout in the US in 2023 is SpectraLOCK Pro Premium Grout.
Call (281) 789-SOUL and we will estimate and execute your bathroom remodeling project using epoxy grout.