14 Tips from an Epoxy Grout Pro

By: Guest Author, Sean Mcleod

Sean Mcleod, Owner of Twisted Tile Works

In this guest blog, Sean Mcleod, an exclusive user of LATICRETE® SPECTRALOCK® epoxy grout for over 10 years shares some of his secrets to a successful install.

1. Storage - Temperature is critical! During summer months I always make sure to chill my SPECTRALOCK® Parts A and B and keep Part C stored in a cool place. This extends the open time of the epoxy grout.
2. Tools - I use a new premium soft grout float. This helps to pull as much excess grout off the surface. This is my favorite grout float to use. It’s smooth and leaves the surface clean.
3. Sponge Health - I usually put a teaspoon of the cleaning additive provided in 3 gallons of water to wash with. This keeps my sponges from gumming up and swelling. If you run out of the cleaning additive, you can use vinegar (acetic acid) in its place.

SPECTRALOCK epoxy grout project by Sean McLeod

4. Measurement - I leave about a 1/4 cup of SPECTRALOCK Part C in the carton* because it’s just a hair thick when I use it all. It just seems way easier to spread and it leaves me a small amount for any repairs if needed.
*Please note: this will affect coverage by reducing the volume by that amount
5. Timing - Timing is everything. You must wait 15 to 30 minutes to wash depending on temperature and humidity. Usually I go by the color change. Epoxy cures darker and SPECTRALOCK (usually starts to change color about 15 min or so) unless the temperature is below 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
6. Tile Preparation - I never dampen the surface of the tile. If water is in the joints, then it will sag sometimes.

SPECTRALOCK epoxy grout project by Sean McLeod

7. Temperature - After mixing a full unit of SPECTRALOCK epoxy grout I usually break it up into 3 piles on scrap cardboard. This helps reduce the temperature of the epoxy grout that is generated especially when in a bucket.
8. Workflow - On a 3’x5’ shower I smear all 3 walls, then wash and dry.
9. Air - Don’t use fans and stay away from direct moving air.

SPECTRALOCK epoxy grout project by Sean McLeod

10. Water - Always use clean, cool water.
11. Residue Prevention - I would say that drying the surface area after washing is the most important step to prevent sticky residue.
12. Client Notification - When grouting stone I always inform the client that epoxy grout will enhance the stone.

SPECTRALOCK epoxy grout project by Sean McLeod

13. Avoid “Picture Frame” Effect - I slurry the whole tile and let it sit about 5 minutes to absorb into the stone to avoid a picture frame effect.
14. Grout Release - If I'm grouting a rough surface (or anything with an aggressive profile) like slate and quarry, I use grout release.

“I have been using SPECTRALCOCK epoxy grout from LATICRETE exclusively in showers for over 10 years now. For color consistency and flawless performance I trust no other grout in wet areas. “- Sean Mcleod

Learn more about the #1 epoxy grout in the industry for over 15 years and how you can enter to win monthly prizes and a grand prize drawing for a new 2019 Chevy Silverado 1500 truck!

Epoxy Grout Sweepstakes from LATICRETE

About Sean Mcleod
Sean Mcleod is the owner of Twisted Tile Works out of Heber Springs, AR. He started in epoxy coatings, industrial epoxy floors and then was a terrazzo mechanic installing epoxy and sand cushion terrazzo. He has been installing tile for almost 20 years. About 4 years ago he decided to specialize in tile showers. He’s a small company with attention to detail and design.

By using SPECTRALOCK® Pro epoxy grout epoxy grout exclusively in showers he has found a niche in his market with good results. He started Twisted Tile Works 3 years ago. Before that it his company was named Mcleod Tile. He works primarily in Heber Springs Arkansas, however does travel to other cities like Little Rock, Ft. Smith and Memphis.

Twisted Tile Works
415 South 12 St
Heber Springs, AR 72543
501-270-0782

Iconic Raffles Hotel in Singapore Gets Renovation with Help from LATICRETE

Source: Raffles Hotel

The iconic Raffles Hotel in Singapore, South East Asia is receiving a major face lift. After nearly 30 years the 130-year old property is working on several renovations to the existing hotel as well as the addition of new buildings. The hotel has a ton of history behind it! This famous hotel is the home of the Long Bar, a “place to be and be seen” among tourists and former patrons like Ernest Hemingway who would eat and drink at Raffles. Also, the bar and billiard room was the place where the fabled last tiger in Singapore was shot and killed. Learn more the RafflesSingapore fable.

The hotel is not only famous for past events, but modern-day events such as the upcoming blockbuster movie, Crazy Rich Asians which the hotel was featured in. The hotel was being revamped not only for the filming but also the residency of several world-renowned chefs on the property.

The hotel will now cater to modern travellers, but showcase the strong history of the hotel and what has made them famous. The key to the renovation was update and expand the footprint but at the same time restoring some of the historic original features.

We’re proud to say that not only were LATICRETE products used on the current renovation, but the previous one done back in the 1980’s (costing $280 million)!

RAFFLES HOTEL AT 1 BRIDGE ROAD

Developer: Beach Road Hotel (1886) Ltd

Architect: Aedas Pte Ltd

Contractor: Sunray Woodcraft Construction Pte Ltd

LATICRETE Products Used: Restoration Plaster, 325 Cementitious Adhesive, 1600 Tri-Poly Fortified Unsanded Grout and SPECTRALOCK® PRO Grout – epoxy grout

Learn more about the RafflesHotel renovation.  

Creating Memories While Constructing a Lasting Tribute During the 2017 Mosaic Marathon

Guest Blog by our friend Sue Majewski (SAMA member and Marathon Coordinator)

Shared with Permission of the Society of American Mosaics Artists

Finished mosaic mural created by the Society of American Mosaic Artists
Photo: Sue Majewski

2017 Mosaic Marathon

Mural created at the Society of American Mosaic Artists (SAMA) Annual Conference, Detroit, MI; and installed May 8, 2017 at the Children's Hospital of Michigan

When you have a friend like mine, one that inspires and impresses you with her kindness, whimsy, exactitude, and infallible attitude, you tend to stick close. Knowing every time you're together, you teach each other about life, love, and mosaics. What could be better? 

Then this wonderful friend starts talking crazy about the 2017 SAMA American Mosaic Summit in Detroit. “I'm gonna do it! I may be going through the most intense personal issues right now, but, by golly, I'm gonna make this happen! I'm gonna devote all my efforts into making this a reality. Are you coming along?" Really, who could hesitate?! 

Crazy talk, maybe. But how can you not support Joan Schwartz when she looks you right in the eye and says “I really could use your help here.” Okay, I’m in. What’s it gonna take? “I need you to head up the Mosaic Marathon.” Al-righty!

Joan Verdiano
Photo by Tim Stassines 

My good friend, Detroit artist Grace Serra, has worked as a public art coordinator and art educator for almost 30 years. She began the Children's Hospital of Michigan (CHM) Healing Arts Program in 2004, and listened carefully when I described a project that about 250 of my closest, most talented friends could work on together, ultimately donating the handmade piece to a final recipient. 

She guided me to CHM (dedicated since 1886 to providing the highest quality of care to children and adolescents and the first children's hospital in the state) which was building a new emergency entrance that included a long, blank wall, which would be viewed by children coming out of triage and into bays for further treatment and evaluation. It was decided that by creating an uplifting subject, they might be calmed as they continued their journey to improved health. The illustrative theme throughout CHM is safari animals. During my first visit there I found beautiful, colorful murals of different wild animals at each level of the parking structure. In the hospital, each floor is designated by a different animal. Using this information, I drew up a cartoon based on the available 48” tall by 96” wide space.

The Mosaics Artists of Michigan (MAM) is a unique group of like-minded folks from all over our beautiful state. The combination of talent, creativity, and personality is evident at every second-Saturday meeting. Every other year or so, we take on a project—a collaboration— for donation. So when I started calculating the amount of work involved in producing this mural, I knew I could count on our group to get things done.

First, we prepared the substrate by tracing the full-sized patterns on three panels of wallboard with marker. Then, we used a fourth sheet to cut out additional pieces that would define certain aspects by emphasizing depth. I used my jigsaw, set at a 45-degree angle, to cut them out, after which they were adhered with thinset to the base panels. Many of our members were there in the final hours of preparations, helping to ensure a result we were all proud of. Their help and devotion will always be remembered.

Kim Wozniak of Wit’sEnd.com and Smalti.com donated all of the Mexican smalti. In estimating colors and quantities beforehand, I found it was easiest to simply order mixes—blue mix for the sky, green mix for leaves, etc. Kim also donated her personally designed frames for the finished panels which her son, Jesse, helped assemble. 

LATICRETE International also sponsored the Mosaic Marathon, donating SPECTRALOCK® PRO Grout (epoxy grout), as well as Glass Tile Adhesive (non-sag, polymer fortified adhesive mortar that is specifically formulated for use in glass tile applications), which was individually mixed and used to apply the smalti to the wallboard panels. 

Starting Tuesday, May 2, I set everything up in the Duluth Conference Room of the Detroit Marriott at the Renaissance Center and we were officially ready for our volunteers to begin the Marathon.

Photo by Tim Stassines 

The atmosphere was one that Marathon volunteers have come to expect—sharing techniques, making new acquaintances, catching up with old friends, and mingling the sound of laughter with the snapping of tiles. We worked long, hard hours, determined to complete it on time. And we did!

Photo by Tim Stassines 

I am so very proud of this project. From start to finish I was honored and humbled by the faith everyone had in us and the fabulous time we had, creating memories while constructing a lasting tribute from our talented SAMA friends to our city. What a great experience—definitely a bucket list week for me! Meeting my ‘mosaic crushes’ and spending time connecting with creative personalities from all over the world! 

Sue Majewski sits in front of the finished piece
Photo by Tim Stassines

Much gratitude and positive, creative energy from me to all of the productive, imaginative souls we were able to share our time with. 

Born and raised on the east side of Detroit, Sue Majewski completed a graphics degree at Wayne State University. Art has always been a passion and creating mosaics was an easy transition, having dabbled in every other media available. “Once I created my first mosaic, I knew I was hooked.” Acquiring a kiln enabled Sue to create her own handbuilt pieces, offering even more variety to her style. sumajetski@yahoo.com

Top 10 Favorite LATICRETE Products – Told to Us by Our Facebook Fans

Earlier this month we ran a contest on our LATICRETE International Facebookpage asking our followers to tell us which two LATICRETE products were their favorite and why. We received over 275 responses! We randomly selected three lucky winners from those who commented on our post. The winners each got to choose two great prizes! 

Congrats to our winners: Paul Luccia of Cabot & Rowe in Texas, Elmar Roennig of Coastline Flooring & Design in Alabama and Kris Klinge in Texas! 

If you haven't liked our Facebook page already you're missing out on contests, product and installation tips, industry news, events and more. Just click here to like and follow us on Facebook or check us out on other social channels like Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn! 

We compiled all the responses from our contest and have come up with the top 10 favorite LATICRETE products told to us by our Facebook fans. See them below along with comments from our fans.

1. HYDROBAN® - the industry’s premier standard in liquid applied, thin, load bearing, waterproof, anti-fracture membrane. The product that started it All! 

“Easiest to install product of their kind, bulletproof, consistent and provides the best in industry warranty.”

“It's wicked. Super easy to apply! Saves time and money!”

2. PERMACOLOR®Select – advanced high performance cement grout offering the industry’s first dispersible dry pigment solution

“Color consistent, workability and I can stock all 40 colors on one shelf.”

“Best grout on the planet! True color every time, workability A+, select any color is very cool, and you can also get a few colors off the custom grout chart. Seriously, I love all your products and will continue to try out all of them with confidence. Thank you!” 

3. TRI-LITE™ - lightweight, high performance tri-purpose mortar designed for large and heavy tile, thin bed and wall installations.

“The best period no explanation needed. Non-sag and gives the shower system a 25 year warranty! Rad stuff!!”

“Is one of the most versatile thinsets, and so nice to work with. It’s creamy smooth, and holds the trowel well, non sag, works like a medium bed, the bags are light to carry (old guy friendly).”

4. SPECTRALOCK®PRO Premium Grout  – the world’s # epoxy grout

“Easiest to install product of their kind, bulletproof, consistent and provide the best in industry warranty.”

“The color consistency is amazing! I have never had any problems with final color. Workability is superior to other epoxies I've tried.”

5. 254Platinum – one-step, polymer fortified, thin set mortar for interior and exterior installation of ceramic tile, stone, quarry tile, pavers and brick

“Tenacious bond which allows you to install over practically everything.”

“It will stick to anything and everything. When doing a premium job nothing less than a premium thinset will do.”

6. ThePEOPLE – while, this isn’t s a product, many responses also included the people of LATICRETE! We’re glad to hear it as our mission is to be a customer-focused company who pride ourselves on the service we offer.

“I must say far and away the best part of LATICRETE is the people who work there. Second-to-none customer service consistently provided by well trained and friendly employees (and owners!) put LATICRETE International, Inc. at the forefront of our industry. Sure they make great products, but that wouldn't mean as much without the people who make it all happen.”

“#1 the team behind the products! I have found that LATICRETE has the best staff in the industry!” 

7. STRATA_MAT™ - Allows you to use the appropriate thin-set mortar for the job, with this next

generation high performance uncoupling membrane you get anti-fracture protection, a quicker time to grout and great adhesion all compliments of the mortar hydration vents.
“It's a money-making, back-saving, technological marvel that provides a lightweight and fast way to give many of our installations the high-end base it deserves!”

“Has been a go-to for the past year now. I actually got local shops to keep it on standby for stock. It makes the job go so much easier and the customer gets an amazing product with an amazing warranty. I like the fact that I can see the coverage as well when installed.”

8. HYDROBAN® Board – made with two layers of waterproof sheet

membrane and XPS you can triple your waterproof protection with this new lightweight, easy to handle, ready to waterproof tile wallboard. No tab washers required on the wall, just add HYDRO BAN liquid, Sheet Membrane or Adhesive & Sealant for the seams and penetrations to get the industry’s most comprehensive warranty!

“It’s so easy to work with and yet stiffer than any other foam board I've worked with.”

“Efficiency = money to an installer. The only way to make more (without stretching your family life thin) is to install more jobs per year. HYDRO BAN Board saves me around 6 hours on the average shower. If I hustle, that's several showers per year I can install in the saved time. Lighter and faster is unbeatable.”

9. 4-XLT - multi-use, polymer fortified adhesive mortar for non-sag wall installations and more

“Is our only choice for thinset/medium bed (we only stock one thinset). It is great for all applications: floors, walls it doesn't slide, interior and exterior and sold together it gets the end user a 10 year warranty. It was a no brainer for us to make the switch, and doing very well with it!”

10. GlassTile Adhesive - one-step, non-sag, polymer fortified adhesive mortar specifically formulated for use in glass tile applications

“We install a lot of glass tile and love to work with GTA. Completely bright white creamy and smooth. Satisfied customers every time.”

Thank you to all who participated in our 'Pick Two' contest. We appreciate the comments and feedback! Stay tuned for our next contest by following our social media pages! 

LATICRETE Family Story: Doing Business LATICRETE Way!

Story by: Sujit Singh, LATICRETE® Middle East GM

A small scale landscaping company maintains many private gardens in our residential area. My wife Seema usually calls this company owner to seek advice on seasonal plants and maintenance issues. Being very social, Seema would also inquire about his business, challenges and growth prospects. The company owner shared how he started from a very small venture who has grown rapidly having maintenance contracts for 50 villas in our communities.

During one of the casual chats with Seema, the landscaping owner declared proudly that he recently added a general maintenance company to his portfolio and he was trying hard to land some big contracts. Seema promptly advised him to start working with a reputable company such as LATICRETE, so he will have better chances securing big projects. Seema asked him to visit the LATICRETE Middle East office to collect some brochures to keep handy to present to any high profile prospects as an assurance of quality work. It was all just a casual conversation.

After few months, the owner of the maintenance company returned excited, telling Seema that he is bidding for a project of refurbishment of swimming pools for an international chain of hotels called, Banyan Tree. She told him to submit LATICRETE products as samples to increase chances of approval. After a prompt visit to the LATICRETE office, purchased a range of LATICRETE swimming pool products, payed cash and submitted it as sample to the project.

Until this time I was not aware of this project until last month when my wife called me and told me that the landscaping guy has landed a big swimming pool refurbishment project and he is going to use LATICRETE products!  He may contact me for a good price. I asked her, “When did he start working with LATICRETE products? How big is this project?” The answer: 70 + swimming pools!  I was taken aback, speechless. She narrated the whole story while I wondered how come she managed to sell LATICRETE products without any help!

Her answer and approach was very simple. She believes that products of a high quality, and with a good brand image will help him win the project. She did not try to sell anything, she just tried to help someone who wanted to become successful.

I learned a very important lesson…you do not need to hard sell a product. You just need to try to help someone achieve his or her goal with the help of your product if it can help.

Last week the maintenance company purchased their first initial stock of LATICRETE 254 Adhesive and SPECTRALOCK® epoxy grout. I expect him to be back soon to try more LATICRETE products as he’s currently getting approvals for HYDRO BAN® / LATICRETE 302 waterproofing membrane materials.

We’re not only happy to have a new customer, but happy to be able to help out a ‘guy’ trying to make his dreams come true. 

Click here to learn more about our company and the products we offer.

StainProof Grout ! In India.

Click on video to view

Laticrete product commercial developed by our team in India.

These commercials have been developed in the Hindi language and are then dubbed into various regional languages and currently telecast on local regional channels.

THE Grout To Use

Click on image to enlarge

Grout

StainProof Grout

Pool Mosaics

"Installed!! Blue skies in the forecast in the foreseeable future. I am SO glad to be finished with this installation, and happy that it went well, finally. Thanks to all for the helpful advice. Created with Mexican Smalti, kiln formed glass fish, and glow in the dark outlines on the compass. SpectraLock grout. 254 Platinum thinset. A couple glasses of wine to wind down and celebrate."

Dianne Sonnenberg Mosaics

Marble Shower Soon

Click on photo to enlarge

One last shot of all the materials. NOW I'm 100% ready.
Orlando Car
Certified Floor Covering

Laticrete Event in Tamworth

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Storefront Entry

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I was on a mall storefront (PS Aeropostale) job that need serious prep work, being away from home, I ran to the local Dal Tile store and grabbed some LATICRETE 816 to flash patch. Used HYDRO BAN for the area as an antifracture membrane.
Finished off with SPECTRALOCK as grout.

Brian Bolt
Johnson City, NY 13790
607 343 9349 cell
www.bctile.com

Glass Mosaic Pool

Click on images to enlarge

"As a developer and licensed engineer, I don't mess around and cut corners...we only approve use of the best pool waterproofing and setting materials, thus LATICRETE is our first choice for demanding applications such as continuously submerged water conditions such as glass tile swimming pools.

Attached are a couple pics of the last pool (residential hillside all glass tile infinity edge swimming pool and spa) we did at different stages. We used the LATICRETE Tile Swimming Pools, Fountains and Spas Technical Design Manual as our source for specifications and details.

We first used a cement based waterproofer for negative waterproofing, then 254 Platinum bond coat with mortar bed to render/float shotcrete shell to accept tile. After that everything is LATICRETE....another very thin 254 Platinum bond coat to fill voids in mortar bed, then HYDRO BAN® liquid waterproofing membrane, 254 Platinum for paper faced glass tile, SPECTRALOCK® Pro epoxy grout and finally LATASIL™ silcone sealant for expansion joints and penetrations. Needless to say it quite a time consuming and expensive process.

Thanks
Sherwin
 

A recently completed job

Henry,
Greetings from the Eastern Shore of Virginia. Always nice to hear from you! We just gutted the Master Bath today and need to move the drain before we can open a bag of 253. Of course we upgraded them to Spectralock. Once the room starts taking shape I'll tag Laticrete again in the photo. Feel free to use that photo if you'd like for starters. Attached is a recently completed job using 253 and all Spectralock. Our installer will only use Spectralock on natural pebbles, no standard grout. :)

Regards,
Dona
Dona L. Danziger
Clay Werks Ltd.
4253 Lankford Hwy.
Exmore, VA 23350
Ph. 757.414.0567    Fax 757.414.0571
www.claywerksltd.com

Click on photos to enlarge