There are three main choices for tile joint filling: cement-based tile grout is the most common and DIY-friendly; beauty grout (epoxy sealant) has become popular in recent years, coming from mainland China, with a glossy waterproof finish but inconsistent quality; epoxy grout (such as Mapei Kerapoxy) is the professional-grade, most durable option, essential for swimming pools and commercial kitchens. The right choice depends on the application and budget.
Note: For bathroom and kitchen grouting, following the product instructions is generally sufficient. For high-demand environments such as swimming pools, commercial kitchens, and laboratories, strict adherence to TDS specifications is required, and consulting relevant professionals is recommended.
What Is Beauty Grout (Epoxy Sealant)?
If you follow mainland Chinese renovation trends, you will have seen "beauty grout" or "epoxy sealant" mentioned frequently. They are actually the same thing — a two-component epoxy resin adhesive (AB glue) applied with a caulking gun into tile joints. After curing, the surface is smooth and glossy, resembling ceramic — hence the Chinese name "true ceramic adhesive."
This product has been very popular in mainland China over the past decade, mainly because:
- Attractive appearance: cures to a glossy, smooth finish with gold, silver, and various colour options that look luxurious
- Waterproof: cured epoxy resin is 100% waterproof
- Mould-resistant: the smooth surface does not harbour dirt like cement grout does
Sounds perfect? But in practice, there are quite a few issues. Details below.
There are many beauty grout products on the market. When purchasing, check the product ingredients and user reviews carefully.
Cement Tile Grout vs Beauty Grout vs Epoxy Grout
These three joint-filling materials range from standard to professional grade, each with their own pros and cons:
| Comparison | Cement Tile Grout (CG2WA) | Beauty Grout / Epoxy Sealant | Epoxy Grout |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main ingredients | Cement + polymer modifiers | Epoxy resin (AB glue) | Epoxy resin + quartz sand |
| Appearance | Matte, sandy texture | Glossy, smooth ceramic-like finish | Matte to semi-gloss, sandy texture |
| Waterproofing | Water-resistant but not 100% (CG2WA grade) | 100% waterproof | 100% waterproof |
| Anti-mould | Most formulas include anti-mould agents | Surface resists mould growth | Excellent — does not absorb water or grow mould |
| Lifespan | 5-10 years | 5-8 years (cheap products may fail in 2-3 years) | 20+ years |
| Chemical resistance | Average | Moderate | Excellent (resistant to acids, alkalis, and cleaning agents) |
| Application difficulty | Low, DIY-friendly | Moderate, requires skilled applicator | High, requires experience |
| Working time | 30-60 minutes | 10-20 minutes | 45-90 minutes (varies by product) |
| Suitable joint width | 1-6mm | Requires at least 2-3mm depth | 1-7mm |
| Cleaning difficulty | Wipe with damp cloth | Must clean quickly | Requires specialist cleaner |
| Ideal applications | Indoor/outdoor general tiling | Indoor bathroom, kitchen decorative use | Swimming pools, commercial kitchens, laboratories |
Problems with Beauty Grout
Beauty grout sounds appealing, but in Hong Kong's climate and usage conditions, there are several common pitfalls:
Peeling and Delamination
The most common problem with beauty grout. Typical causes include:
- Joints not cleaned deep enough — beauty grout needs at least 2-3mm depth to bond properly. If old grout is not fully removed, the new beauty grout will not adhere and will peel off
- Joints too narrow — joints under 1mm do not provide enough surface area for the beauty grout to bond
- Moisture at the base — if the substrate is not fully dry before application, a water film forms between the beauty grout and the base, significantly reducing adhesion
Yellowing and Oxidation
Cheap beauty grout formulas lack UV resistance and begin yellowing within six months to a year. White and light-coloured beauty grout is especially affected, making the entire bathroom look aged.
Bubbling and Whitening
If the substrate (cement base, tile joints) still contains moisture, bubbles form during the curing process, causing white hazing or bubble marks on the surface. This problem is particularly common in Hong Kong's humid weather.
Difficult to Repair
Once beauty grout peels or yellows, removing and redoing it is very troublesome. Because it is hardened epoxy resin, specialist tools are needed to scrape it off — unlike cement grout, which can be easily scraped out and refilled.
When to Use Cement Tile Grout?
Cement tile grout is the most commonly used joint-filling material, suitable for the vast majority of situations:
- Indoor floor and wall tiles — living rooms, bedrooms, bathrooms, and kitchens
- Exterior wall tiles — choose a waterproof type (CG2WA grade)
- DIY projects — just add water, mix, and apply — no special skills needed
- Standard budgets — the best value-for-money option
Modern high-quality cement grouts (such as Mapei Ultracolor Plus) include polymer modifiers and anti-mould formulas, offering much better waterproofing and durability than older grouts. With dozens of colour options, they offer great flexibility for tile matching.
Is tile grout waterproof? High-quality cement tile grout (CG2WA grade) is water-resistant and suitable for bathrooms and kitchens. However, it is not 100% impervious — permanently submerged environments (such as swimming pools) require epoxy grout.
When to Use Beauty Grout (Epoxy Sealant)?
Despite the issues mentioned above, beauty grout still has its place in certain situations:
- Glossy finish desired — both cement grout and epoxy grout have a matte texture. If you specifically want a glossy, smooth joint finish, beauty grout is the only option
- Decorative bathrooms — gold and silver beauty grout can create a luxurious effect
- Small-area touch-ups — using beauty grout as decorative accents on a few bathroom joints
Important: when purchasing, check the product ingredients, user reviews, and application results carefully. Before application, joints must be cleaned to a sufficient depth (at least 2-3mm) and the substrate must be completely dry.
Wah Hing does not currently supply beauty grout products — we focus on professional-grade cement grout and epoxy grout, as these offer superior performance and durability for construction projects.
When to Use Epoxy Grout?
Epoxy grout is the most durable of the three, suitable for high-demand applications:
- Swimming pools — permanent water immersion and chlorinated water environments require epoxy grout
- Commercial kitchens — resistant to grease, acids, alkalis, and cleaning agents, meeting hygiene standards
- Laboratories — resistant to chemical corrosion
- Food processing facilities — non-toxic, non-absorbent, easy to clean
- Steam rooms / spa facilities — resistant to high temperature and humidity
Epoxy grout has a different formula from beauty grout — in addition to epoxy resin, it contains quartz sand as a filler, giving it a texture similar to traditional grout (matte, sandy), but with waterproofing and chemical resistance far exceeding cement grout.
Representative products include Mapei Kerapoxy and Weber Weberepox Easy, both internationally recognised professional epoxy joint fillers.
Which Grout for Swimming Pools?
This is a frequently asked question. The answer is straightforward: swimming pools must use epoxy grout.
Reasons:
- Permanent water immersion — while cement grout is water-resistant, prolonged immersion will cause gradual penetration and deterioration
- Chlorinated water attack — the chlorine used for pool disinfection accelerates the breakdown of cement grout
- Temperature fluctuations — outdoor pools are subject to sun exposure and water temperature changes; epoxy grout has a wider temperature tolerance
- Hygiene requirements — epoxy grout does not absorb water, does not grow algae, and is easy to clean
Suitable products for swimming pools:
- Mapei Kerapoxy — two-component epoxy joint filler, multiple colours available, commonly used in pools
- Weber Weberepox Easy — epoxy joint filler with better workability
- Ronacrete Ronagrout EPG — UK brand, high-performance epoxy grout
Although beauty grout (epoxy sealant) is also made from epoxy resin, it lacks quartz sand filler, so its abrasion resistance and structural strength are insufficient — it is not suitable for swimming pools.
Application Tips
Cement Tile Grout Application Tips
- After mixing, let it stand for 5 minutes then remix (slump), allowing the polymers to fully activate
- Working time is approximately 30-60 minutes — do not mix too much at once
- Use a rubber float at a 45-degree angle to press grout into the joints
- After 10-15 minutes, clean the tile surface with a damp sponge in circular motions — do not wait until fully hardened
- Allow 24 hours before foot traffic, 72 hours before water exposure
Beauty Grout Application Tips
- Clean tile joints to at least 2-3mm depth using a specialist grout removal tool or craft knife
- Substrate must be completely dry — use a hairdryer to blow-dry if needed
- Working time is only 10-20 minutes — work quickly
- Smooth edges with a scraper immediately after application, then clean overflow with damp wipes
- Fully cures in 24 hours — avoid water contact during this time
Epoxy Grout Application Tips
- Part A (resin) and Part B (hardener) must be mixed in the exact ratio
- Working time is approximately 45-90 minutes (depends on product and temperature) — higher temperatures mean faster curing
- Application method is the same as cement grout — press into joints with a rubber float
- A specialist cleaner (such as Mapei Kerapoxy Cleaner) must be used to clean tile surfaces — plain water will not work
- Do not wait until hardened to clean — once epoxy grout hardens, it is extremely difficult to remove
- 24 hours for foot traffic, 7 days for full cure
Important: Epoxy grout application requires more experience. If it is your first time, we recommend using an experienced tradesperson, or testing on a small, inconspicuous area first.
Wah Hing Recommended Products
Cement Tile Grout
Mapei Ultracolor Plus Anti-Mould Coloured Grout
- Standard: CG2WA (waterproof, high abrasion resistance)
- Features: BioBlock anti-mould technology, DropEffect waterproofing technology, rapid-dry formula
- Colours: 40+ colours available
- Applications: Indoor/outdoor floor tiles, wall tiles, bathrooms, kitchens
- View product >>
Optimix TG410E High-Performance Anti-Mould Coloured Grout
- Standard: CG2WA
- Features: Hong Kong brand, fast local warehouse delivery
- Applications: Indoor/outdoor general tile grouting
- View product >>
Weber Webergrout Fine Narrow-Joint Coloured Grout
- Features: Designed for narrow joints (1-6mm), smooth texture
- Applications: Indoor precision tile grouting
- View product >>
Mapei Flexcolor Ready-to-Use Grout
- Features: Ready to use straight from the tub — no water or mixing needed
- Applications: Small-area repairs, the most convenient option for DIY
- View product >>
Epoxy Grout
Mapei Kerapoxy Epoxy Grout
- Type: Two-component epoxy resin + quartz sand
- Features: International swimming pool construction standard product, 100% waterproof, chemical-resistant
- Colours: Multiple colours available
- Applications: Swimming pools, commercial kitchens, food processing facilities, laboratories
- View product >>
Weber Weberepox Easy Epoxy Adhesive Grout
- Type: Two-component epoxy resin
- Features: "Easy" formula with better workability, suitable for tradespeople less experienced with epoxy grout
- Applications: Swimming pools, commercial kitchens, wet areas
- View product >>
Ronacrete Ronagrout EPG Epoxy Grout
- Type: High-performance epoxy grout
- Features: UK brand, under Sika, high strength
- Applications: Swimming pools, heavy-duty floors, industrial facilities
- View product >>
Epoxy Grout Cleaner
Mapei Kerapoxy Cleaner
- Purpose: Removes residual epoxy grout film left on tile surfaces during application
- Note: Must be used before the epoxy grout fully hardens — once hardened, it cannot be cleaned
- View product >>
Most of the above products are typically in stock. For specific colour enquiries or bulk orders, WhatsApp Wah Hing.
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FAQ
Is tile grout waterproof?
High-quality cement tile grout (CG2WA grade, such as Mapei Ultracolor Plus) is water-resistant and suitable for bathrooms and kitchens. However, it is not 100% impervious. For permanently submerged environments (such as swimming pools), epoxy grout is required.
What is the difference between epoxy grout and beauty grout?
Both use epoxy resin, but epoxy grout (such as Mapei Kerapoxy) contains quartz sand, giving it a texture similar to traditional grout — matte and abrasion-resistant. Beauty grout (epoxy sealant) has no quartz sand, resulting in a glossy, smooth surface. Epoxy grout far exceeds beauty grout in durability and chemical resistance.
How to use Kerapoxy? Is it difficult to apply?
Kerapoxy is a two-component product — Part A (resin) and Part B (hardener) must be mixed in the correct ratio. The application method is similar to cement grout, but working time is limited (approximately 45 minutes), and Kerapoxy Cleaner must be used to clean tile surfaces. We recommend having an experienced tradesperson handle the application.
Which grout is best for swimming pools?
Swimming pools must use epoxy grout, such as Mapei Kerapoxy, Weber Weberepox Easy, or Ronacrete Ronagrout EPG. Neither cement grout nor beauty grout is suitable for the permanent immersion and chlorinated water environment of swimming pools.
What to do when beauty grout peels?
Use specialist tools (grout removal tool or power tool) to scrape off the peeling beauty grout, clearing to at least 2-3mm depth. The substrate must be completely dry before reapplication. If you want to avoid recurring problems, consider switching to high-quality cement grout or epoxy grout.
Which Mapei grout is most commonly used?
Ultracolor Plus is Mapei's best-selling cement grout — CG2WA grade, anti-mould, waterproof, with 40+ colours. For epoxy-grade performance, use Kerapoxy. For small-area repairs, the ready-to-use Flexcolor is the most convenient option.
Last updated: April 2026
Disclaimer: The above information is for reference only. Actual application should be adjusted according to the product instructions and site conditions. For enquiries, WhatsApp Wah Hing.
