CEG-IG 100% Solids Industrial Grade Epoxy Grout

Applicable Standards

Detailed installation procedures and use of epoxy mortars may be found in the TCNA Handbook under F-114, F-115, F-116E, F-125, F-128, F-143, F-131, F-132, F-134, F-135, F-200, F-205, TR-712 and TR-713 and in addition, in ANSI A108.6. Exceeds ANSI A118.3 specifications. Conforms to requirements for chemical-resistant, water cleanable tile setting and grouting epoxy found in ANSI A108.6, ANSI A118.3, and ANSI A118.5.

Conformance to Building Codes

Installation must comply with the requirements of all applicable local, state and federal code jurisdictions.

Composition of Product

2-part formula, with part A pigmented liquid epoxy hardener and part B liquid epoxy resins combined with recycled aggregates.

Environmental Consideration

Custom® Building Products is committed to environmental responsibility in both products produced and in manufacturing practices. Use of this product can contribute towards LEED® v3 certification:

• Up to 2 points towards MR Credit 5, Regional Materials
• Up to 1 point towards IEQ Credit 4.1, Low-Emitting Materials – Adhesives & Sealants

General Surface Prep

USE CHEMICAL-RESISTANT GLOVES, such as nitrile, when handling product.

All surfaces on which tiles are to be set must be dry, structurally sound, and not subject to temperatures below 65° F (18° C) or above 95° F (35° C). Surfaces must be dry and free of all grease, oil, dirt, dust, curing compounds, sealers, coating, efflorescence, old adhesive residues, gypsum-based underlayments and any other foreign matter. Other substrates like existing ceramic tile, steel, glass and fiberglass must all be free of all oils, coatings, dust and moisture. In addition, these surfaces should be roughened to ensure a good bond. It is also absolutely essential that the existing surface be structurally sound and firmly attached to the supporting structure.

For Construction/Expansion/Control/Isolation Joints, follow installation procedures as outlined in TCNA EJ-171.

NOTE: On porous or rough tiles, pre-grout sealing with a grout release such as Aqua Mix Grout Release or TileLab SurfaceGuard may be necessary to prevent staining. Try a test patch to be sure. Epoxy and epoxy wash residue should not be allowed to dry on painted, anodized and thin metal-plated surfaces. Clean uncured materials from these surfaces immediately with soap and water.

Health Precautions

May irritate eyes. May irritate skin. Do not swallow. Do not get in eyes. Do not get on skin or clothing. Do not breathe fumes. KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN. Wear safety glasses and chemical-resistant gloves. First Aid Treatment: If swallowed, call a poison control center or doctor immediately. Do not induce vomiting. If in eyes, rinse with water 15 minutes. If on skin, rinse well with water.

Limitations to the Product

• Should not be used in an environment with temperature requirements above 360°F (182°C) for any extended period of time.
• When used to install tile in an area that will be continually wet (e.g. swimming pools, gang showers, etc.), it is recommended that the complete installation be cured 14 days prior to constant submersion in water.
• Epoxy, epoxy residue, or wash water will discolor painted or anodized surfaces upon contact. Protect these surfaces from exposure.
• Should be tested for possible staining or slight color changes when used with porous, absorptive, textured tile and stone units such as rough textured ceramic tile, natural stone or marble.
• All epoxies are temperature sensitive. Epoxies are easiest to apply when temperatures are between 70°F and 85°F (21°C and 29°C). Lower temperatures will cause the epoxy to become stiff and more difficult to work and will extend initial set. Higher temperatures will cause the epoxy to become more fluid and will accelerate the set.
• With all epoxies, a crystallization effect can occur when the liquid gets below 45°F (7°C) and/or has experienced multiple cycles of high and low temperature changes. If material is hard, place the sealed container (with the lid on), in warm tap water at approximately 120°F (49°C) for 10 to 20 minutes, and when re-liquified, let the material return to room temperature before mixing.
• Colors may appear slightly different than shown on color samples. When color considerations are critical, a mock-up should be constructed prior to final selection and application.
• Some ceramic, glass, metal, marble or stone tiles can be scratched or damaged by the silica aggregate filler. Perform a test on a small area prior to use. Polyblend® NonSanded Grout may be appropriate for joints smaller than 1/8" or for tile not suited for sanded grout.
• Not for use in movement joints or changes of plane in the tile installation. In these areas us an appropriate caulk or sealant such as Commercial 100% Silicone Caulk or Polyblend® Ceramic Tile Caulk.

Bonding to Concrete Surfaces

In some applications, CEG-IG™ may be used as a mortar when bonding to cement surfaces. Cleaning may be accomplished via mechanical abrasion, scraping or chipping. Smooth, steel- troweled concrete floors must be roughened to ensure a superior bond. Dry porous concrete should not be pre-dampened with water before applying CEG-IG. Instead, skim­coat a thin layer of CEG-IG first, then apply sufficient CEG-IG with the appropriate notch trowel.

Bonding to Existing Surfacing Material

Resilient flooring or plastic laminates must be well-bonded, as well as clean and free of all contaminates. Roughen the surface by sanding or scarifying; rinse and allow to dry. Do not sand flooring that contains asbestos. For existing well-bonded ceramic tile, mechanically abrade the surface. Rinse and allow to dry. When sanding, an approved respirator should be used.

Mixing Procedures

Open Part B and stir thoroughly to eliminate the effects of settling due to shipping. Add the entire contents of two parts pigment Part A to Part B and stir to produce a homogeneous consistency, eliminating any color streaks from appearing in the mixed unit. Do not mix partial units. Make sure to scrape bottom and sides of container during mixing.

NOTE: TWO PART A UNITS OF COLOR ARE REQUIRED FOR ONE PART B RESIN COMPONENT. GROUT WILL NOT HARDEN OR COME TO THE DESIRED COLOR IF INCORRECTLY MIXED. For best results, use a power mixer at 300 RPM or less to avoid entrapping air bubbles which cause pinholes in the grout. Do not overmix as this will cause the epoxy to flash set.

Application of Product

Application for Use as a Grout

Remove all grout from container and spread out in piles over the surface to be grouted as soon as mixing is completed. This will extend working time. When grouting walls, place epoxy on a mortarboard placed on the floor. Grout vertical surfaces as soon as possible after mixing. Apply grout using a hard epoxy rubber float, filling all joints full and even with surface of tile.

It is important to achieve 100% fill coverage with no voids in the joints to prevent pinholes and slumping of the epoxy grout. Remove excess epoxy by holding the grout float at a 90° angle and pulling the float diagonally across the grout joints using it like a squeegee. Removing as much epoxy as possible will make final cleaning easier. Avoid gouging joints. Do not allow epoxy to set on face of tile. Apply liberal amounts of clean, warm water to the grouted area. Adding a few drops (maximum) of dishwashing liquid to the water will aid in cleanup. Using a grout sponge and as little pressure as possible, work in a circular motion across tiles to loosen epoxy film and to finish the joints smoothly. Change rinse water (and sponge if buildup occurs) frequently to aid in cleanup and minimize epoxy residue left behind. As a final step, clean film from tile by dragging a damp, clean microfiber towel flatly across the tiles. Pot life will vary depending on ambient conditions; pot life is approximately 60 minutes at 75° F (24° C).

Application for Use as a Mortar

Spread mixed epoxy with flat side of trowel onto substrate. Then, reapply additional mortar to a depth sufficient to be notched with a suitable trowel. Troweling should leave enough mortar to give minimum of 80% contact with back of the tile and a leave a mortar bed of about 3/32" (2.4 mm) for ceramic mosaic tile to 1/4" (6.3 mm) for quarry tile. Temperature affects set time; therefore, it is advisable to occasionally remove a tile to be sure mortar has not skinned over and sufficient transfer is being made. Approximate tack time is 30 minutes at 75°F (24°C). Pot life is approximately 60 minutes at 75°F (24°C). Should epoxy mortar get on surface of tile, it will be necessary to remove it with a damp sponge before it cures. Epoxy residue should not be allowed to cure on unintended surfaces (e.g. painted, wall papered, carpeted, wood, concrete, masonry and stucco surfaces).

Curing of Product

Available for light traffic after 7 hours with ambient temperature at 70° with 50% relative humidity; narrower grout joints and job site conditions may increase cure time. Because propane gas heaters will yellow epoxy, refrain from using such heaters or properly vent all exhaust during the curing process. Protect from harsh industrial cleaners for seven days and from aggressive chemicals for 14 days. Initial maintenance for the first seven days should be using clean water only. All grouting and cleaning should be completed within 80 minutes. If a grout haze is present on the tile, depending on the severity, use Aqua Mix NanoScrub alone or in conjunction with Aqua Mix Sealer & Coating Remover or Aqua Mix Non-Cement Grout Haze Remover. Mechanical scrubbing with the above cleaners can be used when necessary. 

Exterior applications must be protected from rain, snow and other wet conditions for at least 7 days with temperature above 50° F (10° C). If inclement weather is expected, protect the work area with tenting at least 1 foot (30 cm) above the finished surface to allow air flow. Enclose and protect exterior installations and maintain >50° F (10° C)  temperatures for at least 72 hours for proper cure.

Cleaning of equipment

Clean tools and hands with water before material dries.

Storage

Keep from freezing.

Product Maintenance

For routine cleaning, use Aqua Mix Concentrated Stone & Tile Cleaner or degreasing cleaners like Aqua Mix Heavy Duty Tile & Grout Cleaner or Aqua Mix 1+2 Deep Clean.