The Ultimate Tile Grout: A Deep Dive into Litokol's Epoxy Grouts
Grout may not be the star of the show in a tiled space, but it plays a crucial role. Traditional cement grout can be a pain, but there's a new hero in town: Starlike epoxy grout. Litokol, a leader in tile installation products, offers a game-changing selection of epoxy grouts that are as durable and versatile as they are beautiful. Let's dive deep into the world of Litokol's epoxy grouts and see why they're the perfect choice for your next pool, kitchen, or bathroom tile project!
The Advantages of Litokol's Epoxy Grout Products
Epoxy grout products offer a host of advantages that set them apart from traditional cement-based grouts. One of the most notable benefits is their exceptional durability and resistance to stains, cracks, and water damage. Unlike cement grouts, which are prone to discoloration and deterioration over time, epoxy grouts maintain their integrity and aesthetic appeal for years to come. This makes epoxy ideal for high-traffic areas and wet environments.
The First Grout that Provides Limitless Design Option
One of the most exciting aspects of Litokol's grout products is their versatility in design. Available in a wide range of colors, textures, and finishes, these grouts offer endless possibilities for creating custom tile installations that reflect your personal style. Whether you're aiming to match the color of your tile or using the opportunity to create visual interest with contrasting colors, Litokol’s epoxy grout is built to suit all your needs.
Unlike cementitious grouts that use dyes to achieve their color, the Starlike® EVO line contains small, colored quartz beads that give the grout its color. This means the color won’t fade over time like other grouts. It’s also what gives the EVO line its smooth texture, making it easy to apply.
Starlike® EVO line features multiple collections offering colors and styles for every part of your home. For instance, the Warm Collection includes more traditional, neutral colors and earth tones. For a more vibrant look, the Glam Collection showcases a wide variety of bright, unique colors perfect for any tile.
Many designers are using grout as an opportunity to create contrast and highlight the tile being installed. A popular choice is white subway tile with blue, green, and even red grout. This creates a chic, modern design. No other company offers this amazing selection of color for tile grout.
If a wide variety of color wasn’t enough, Litokol has 5 additive options to change the look of the grout and make your tile job stand out. The Galaxy, Spotlight, Gold, Night Vision, and Metallic additives, give the grout unique and exclusive effects without compromising the product’s special ease of cleaning.
These additives are sold separately in pre-batched packages for the 2.2 - 5.5 - 11 lb. (1 - 2.5 - 5 kg) package of Starlike® EVO and are mixed as a third component with the Starlike® EVO two-component epoxy grouts. Here’s a breakdown of the effects:
Galaxy additive
This adds a soft metallic sheen to the grout, adding a delicate shimmer to the finish.
Spotlight additive
The Spotlight adds larger, more prominent specks of silver glitter, making your grout really shine.
Gold additive
Like the Spotlight, the Gold adds large, prominent specks of gold glitter, transforming any grout into a brilliant accent.
Night Vision additive
Ever imagine your grout glowing in the dark? This special additive makes it possible! After being exposed to light, your grout will emit a soft, blueish glow for about an hour in the dark, without significantly changing its original color.
It’s important to note that the Night Vision is only suitable for select colors. Please contact us to learn about which grout colors it’s compatible with.
Metallic Collection additive
These special Platinum, Shining Gold, Bronze, Copper, and Rusty additives let you create unique metallic effects in your grout, all without making it any harder to clean. Just mix a small amount of the chosen additive with your Starlike® EVO 113 Neutro grout (sold separately). These additives come in pre-measured packages that are perfect for the 5.5 - 11 lb. (2.5 - 5 kg) size of Starlike® EVO 113 Neutro.
The Starlike® Crystal EVO: The Chameleon Grout
While choosing a colored grout can transform your tile job, some designers opt for a look that blends the grout lines and tile to create one cohesive look. But how do they do it? The answer: The Starlike® Crystal EVO.
Perfect for glass tile, this grout uses small glass beads in place of the quartz aggregate used in the other colors. This results in a translucent grout that reflects the color of the surrounding tiles; it’s why we’ve dubbed it the ‘Chameleon Grout’! No tile grout has ever been more compatible with glass tile!
If you want this grout with a hint of color don’t worry, we have you covered. Litokol has several options in the Starlike® Color Crystal EVO collection that offer the Crystal grout with a colored tint. Additionally, we also carry the Tile Doctor’s Jewels Collection which offers nearly 30 color packs specially formulated for the Starlike® Crystal EVO that produce stunning and vibrant colors that mimic the look of precious gems and stones.
Starlike® EVO Grout for Pools: Unmatched Performance
When building or renovating your pool, every detail matters, but when it comes to a successful installation, choosing the right grout ranks as one of the most important. In the world of pool grouts, the Starlike® EVO collection stands out as a superior choice, offering unparalleled performance and aesthetics for your aquatic oasis.
The Starlike® EVO grout is a user-friendly, two-component grout that offers great protection against chemicals. The first component, Part A, is an epoxy resin blend that acts as an adhesive, ensuring a strong bond.
Moreover, Part A includes unique additives that enhance the grout's flexibility, crack resistance, and overall appearance. Part B contains a safe activator that aids in the hardening process of the grout.
When you mix these two parts, it creates a smooth, creamy mixture that's even suitable for walls and floors. Once it hardens, the grout becomes very strong, durable, and chemical resistant, even withstanding exposure to acids.
Unveiling the Power of Epoxy Tile Grout:
Traditional cementitious grouts, while widely used, often come with limitations in pool environments. They can be susceptible to water absorption, staining, and cracking over time, leading to costly repairs and potential hygiene concerns. Epoxy grout, on the other hand, offers a revolutionary solution by addressing these challenges and exceeding expectations.
Unmatched Waterproofing
Unlike cement grouts, Litokol's epoxy grout forms an impenetrable seal between tiles and the substrate. This exceptional waterproofing property is vital for pool environments, preventing water from seeping in and causing damage to the tiles and foundation. This not only ensures the longevity of your pool but also prevents the growth of mold and mildew, promoting a healthy swimming experience.
Exceptional Durability
The grout for pool tile not only protects your investment but also enhances the aesthetics of your pool. While cementitious grouts can deteriorate after a few years, requiring repairs or replacements, the Starlike® EVO boasts a 10-year warranty and exceptional durability. Additionally, its superior resistance to shrinking and cracking ensures a long-lasting, worry-free experience.
Flawless Finish and Stain Resistance
Imagine a pool that retains its pristine beauty for years to come. Starlike® EVO comes in over 150 stunning colors, offering a vibrant and diverse palette to complement any design vision. More importantly, its stain-proof nature ensures your chosen colors remain vibrant, resisting fading from UV rays and pool chemicals. Say goodbye to unsightly discoloration and hello to a pool that continues to impress year after year.
Additionally, Litokol's epoxy grout products are made with cutting-edge additives and technology, boosting their effectiveness, and making them easy to use. These tile grouts have low porosity and strong resistance to chemicals, making them perfect for areas like kitchens, bathrooms, and pools. Their smooth surface is easy to clean, keeping tiled areas spotless and hygienic with little effort.
Beyond the Pool: Versatile Applications for Every Project
While Starlike® EVO shines in pool environments, its amazing qualities extend far beyond that. Its versatility makes it a perfect choice for various applications.
Bathrooms and Showers
Experience the same exceptional benefits in your bathroom or shower. Starlike® EVO’s stain and fade resistance ensures a spa-like ambiance that endures, while its non-slip properties enhance safety.
Kitchens and Backsplashes
Elevate your kitchen with the elegance and durability of Starlike® EVO. Its diverse color options and stain resistance allow you to create a personalized and easy-to-maintain space.
High-traffic Areas
For areas like hallways and entryways, Starlike® EVO’s exceptional durability and stain resistance ensure your floors look flawless for longer.
The ZHERO Risk Commitment: Environmentally Friendly Innovation
One reason AquaBlu stands behind the Litokol brand is that they demonstrate their commitment to the environment and your health through their ZHERO Risk program. This program ensures that the entire Starlike® EVO collection is eco-friendly and safe to use, featuring:
• Ultra-low VOC emissions
• No strong odors
• Non-corrosive and non-toxic properties
By choosing Starlike® EVO, you can rest assured that you're making a responsible choice for your health and the environment.
When it comes to installation, proper preparation and technique are key to achieving the best results with Litokol's epoxy grout products. It's important to follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully and use the recommended tools and techniques to ensure a successful installation. As always, we recommend contacting a licensed professional when planning a tile project.
Litokol's epoxy grout products offer a winning combination of durability, versatility, and aesthetic appeal, making them the preferred choice for tile installations of all types. Whether you're renovating your kitchen, updating your bathroom, or designing a luxury spa retreat, these grouts provide the performance and aesthetics you need to bring your vision to life. Explore the Starlike® EVO collection today and transform your space to a beautiful and functional paradise.
Contact us today at (800) 971 1442 for assistance planning your project. Our AquaPro’s are here to help.
