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Marble gum vs Seal vs Acrylic/Epoxy
- Grout ProTech LLP
- Oct 22, 2020
- 5 min read
Updated: Mar 17
Understanding Marble Gum Grouting: Is It the Right Choice?
When it comes to maintaining and restoring tile surfaces, many homeowners and businesses consider marble gum grouting as a solution. Unlike traditional regrouting methods available in Singapore, marble gum grout provides a polished, seamless finish that enhances the look of floors while filling in uneven surfaces. However, with various options available, including epoxy and seal-based solutions, it's essential to compare marble gum vs epoxy grout to determine which best suits your needs.
Before making a decision, understanding the price, durability, and maintenance requirements can help you choose the right solution. This guide explores the differences between marble gum grouting and other alternatives to help you make an informed choice.
Why Choose Marble Gum Grout Over Other Grouting Methods?
Marble gum grouting is a specialised technique primarily used to restore and enhance the appearance of tiled surfaces. Unlike standard grouting methods, it involves grinding tiles to a uniform level and applying a marble gum adhesive, resulting in a glossy, seamless finish.
This method is particularly favoured for its ability to rejuvenate aged or uneven tiles, offering a polished look that standard sealing or epoxy grouting might not achieve. However, it's important to note that marble gum grout may require re-polishing every few years to maintain its lustre.
Benefits of Marble Gum Grout for Flooring
While marble gum grouting offers several advantages, it's crucial to weigh them against other methods to determine the best fit for your flooring needs.
Aesthetic Enhancement:
Provides a high-gloss, polished finish that revitalises the appearance of older tiles.
Surface Leveling:
Effectively evens out tile surfaces, addressing minor imperfections and creating a uniform look.
Stain Resistance:
The non-porous nature of the marble gum adhesive offers resistance to stains, making maintenance more manageable.
Durability:
When properly maintained, marble gum grout can extend the lifespan of your flooring by protecting the underlying tiles.
The Process of Marble Gum Grouting in Singapore
The marble gum grouting process is meticulous and involves several key steps to ensure optimal results:
1. Removal of Existing Grout:
Carefully scraping out the old grout to prepare the joints for the new application.
2. Application of Marble Gum Adhesive:
Filling the cleaned grout lines with a specialised marble gum adhesive designed for durability and finish.
3. Grinding:
Smoothing the tile surfaces to ensure they are level and free from imperfections.
4. Polishing:
Buffing the tiles to achieve a high-gloss, reflective finish that enhances the overall aesthetic.
This process requires specialised equipment and expertise, underscoring the importance of engaging experienced professionals for the task.
Marble gum
Originally the process of marble polishing is meant to be used on natural stone tiles, but with the streamlining of porcelain/homogenous tiles in the construction line, marble polishing companies also start to find methods to polish such tiles
In essence they have to grind your tiles to the same level and apply a layering of wax/glue to attain the flat surface before buffing it and creating the gloss finish
After 3-5 years marble gum /wax wears off, and is needed to polish again.
Its main function is to polish tiles and flat surface on flooring.
Cons:
The grout will still turn black over time
Needed to Polish again after 3 years
Grout Sealing
Grout sealing uses back the exact same grout powder to regrout and then proceed to use
a bottle of liquid (paint/wax -like) substance to "seal" the grout powder,
They do not upgrade or improve your grout, they merely redo the same process all contractors do and then apply something on top to rebrand it as "regrouting".
Current grout sealing applicators in Singapore are told to mix their product with W1(cement hardener) to give tiles a finer finished look. This is actually not a
ccepted by relevant authorities(BCA) as this does more harm to your tiles than help.
To attain a levelled finish with your grouting, applicators have to harden the base of your grout with cement hardener, which in return will not leave the space for tiles to expand and contract thus causing further damage to the integrity of your tiles.
Grout should remain, to the best of your applicator's abilities within the designated grout joint.
Filling up the grout lines to the brim " Flat surface”, applicators are actually creating the problem of grout lines popping out in the future - Cutting sensation when your walk on
For more serious cases, tiles popping is a possibility. Ending with you to go back for retiling/resealing, reoccurring buisness.
In short, grout sealing is a grout accessories for short term cover up
Pros:
Cheap and fast touch up
Can be done on top of old grouting
Cons:
Last for a few months
After a few weeks will have peeling problems, will need frequent touch up
Acrylic/ Epoxy Grouting
Every condo or public swimming pool using epoxy grout. You won't see they using grout seal or marble gum on it.
Acyrlic grout is the most durable grout that can withstand strong water pressure, acid wash and scrubbing.
Because acyrlic is non porous type can withstand all kind of brush or chemical for easy maintain and last long for years.
Acrylic grouting can also give your tiles a smooth finish at the same time maintaining the required grout width.
Looking at all aspect for grout requirment, maintenance and funtion, Acrylic grouting comes on top of all grouting and grout accessories currently on market globally.
Pros:
Last 10 years and above
No maintenance/peeling/cutting sensation
Can acid wash/scrub
Great flexibility for joint movement
So acrylic grouting is basically to upgrade the grouting material, making grout will not turn black anymore, Or peeling/cutting problems like grout sealing/marble gum.
Cons:
Longer time to cure
Great workmanship is needed
Grout tools is needed
Pricing of Marble Gum Grouting in Singapore
The cost of marble gum grouting in Singapore varies based on factors such as property type, total area, and specific client requirements. Below is a general pricing guide:
Property Type | Estimated Price Range |
HDB 3-Room Flat | $4,000 – $5,000 |
HDB 4-Room Flat | $5,200 – $6,500 |
HDB 5-Room Flat | $6,400 – $8,000 |
Condominium Unit | $4,800 – $6,000 |
Landed Property | $8,000 and above |
Please note that these figures are approximate and actual prices may vary based on factors such as the condition of the existing flooring, total area to be covered, and individual service providers.
When evaluating marble gum vs epoxy grout, it is important to consider both function and longevity. Marble gum grout is ideal for those looking for a polished, high-gloss finish, but it requires periodic maintenance due to wear over time. On the other hand, epoxy grout provides a more durable, long-lasting solution that resists moisture, stains, and chemicals, making it a preferred choice for high-traffic areas. Ultimately, selecting the right grout depends on the specific needs of the space, whether prioritising aesthetics or long-term durability.
Frequently Asked Question
What is marble gum grouting?
Marble gum grouting is a process used to level tile surfaces and provide a high-gloss finish by applying a special compound to fill gaps between tiles.