FAQ - Epoxy for tile and Stone installation

Epoxy Installation

Will the water-based epoxy be less efficient in a shower since it is water-based?
Absolutely not! The hardener is water diluable  meaning that less solvent is used (the hardener does not contain any solvent). Having a water-based epoxy compatible with water makes the cleaning step much easier. However, once the mixture is dry, the formula is just as efficient when in comes in contact with water and chemical products than any other 100% epoxy grout on the market.

Is it true that the epoxy pot life varies according to the temperature?
You should be advised that temperature has an effect on any epoxy system. At high temperature levels, the epoxy mix will become more liquid and the pot life will be reduced. At first view, the product looks good because it is still liquid but actually, the product is too liquid to be installed on vertical/ceiling areas and the cleaning step will be more difficult. Here is what you can do to prevent this situation:

• If the epoxy is installed when the temperature is hot (25-30 C), install all of the 5 kg kit within 45 minutes.
  

• Use fans when the temperature is high.

• Epoxy grout pot life :

  30 C = 45 minutes
  22 C = 70 minutes
  18 C = 80 minutes

• Refer to the technical bulletin for more details.

What are VOCs?
VOC stands for Volatile Organic Compound. They are in some way the trans fats of chemical products. In concrete terms, they are solvents that escape when certain chemical materials come in contact with each other, as is the case with epoxies. These gases are not necessarily harmful but once they are put in contact with nitrogen oxides, the primary component of "smog", they are considered to have an effect of the ozone and this is why VOC emissions have to be controlled.

By proposing a water-based epoxy we are attempting to eliminate as much as possible the use of solvents. There are presently no Canadian laws controlling VOCs. Meanwhile, a law similar to the one used in the United States should be coming into effect in 2007

I have grout residue still on my tile. Why and what should I do?
This is often a question of cleaning after grout installation. We recommend using a high density sponge for superior cleaning. The sponge should be rinsed often. You may use a neutral pH detergent and water with a scrub pad within the first 24 hours. If epoxy grout residue still remains on your tile, use the Polykleen Oxy.

How much time is needed for the epoxy to cure?
The complete curing process takes approximately 14 days. Meanwhile, normal traffic is permitted after 24 hours. In the case of showers, we recommend waiting at least 72 hours after grouting before using it.

If I need a small amount of the POLY 700 epoxy grout, do I absolutly need to mix the entire unit?
The poly 700 is offered in a smaller size of 1kg. PROFIX strongly recommands to mix the entire unit at once. However, if you prefer to split the 5kg unit, use the same proportions of each component. Proportions have to be respected. Carefully weight every components to correctly split the unit.

Once the Poly 700 epoxy grout is mixed, how much time do I have to do my project?
The pot life of the EPOXY 700 water based grout is approximately 70 minutes as per temperature. In consequence, you have approximately 1 hour working time at 70 degrees F (22 degrees Celsius) after is mixed to do your tile and stone installation.

How much POLY 700 epoxy grout do I need for my project?
The amount of grout required depends on the tile size and the depth and width of the joint. A PROFIX grout coverage calculator is available on our website under "TOOLS".