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The Origins & Evolution of Epoxy (and Epoxy Grouts)—and What’s Next

From lab discovery to bathrooms and balconies

Epoxy resins were developed in the 1930s by Swiss chemist Pierre Castan and, independently, S.O. Greenlee in the U.S. Their breakthrough reaction—epichlorohydrin with bisphenol A—created tough, low-shrinkage thermosets that later became the backbone of epoxy adhesives, coatings…and eventually epoxy grout. ScienceDirect+2Wikipedia+2

As epoxies spread from aerospace and industry into building products, the tile trade adopted reaction-resin grouts for areas where cement grout struggled: commercial kitchens, pools, food prep zones and wet areas. Today, international standards classify grouts as CG (cementitious) or RG (reaction-resin/epoxy)—a system used globally and adopted in Australia via AS ISO 13007.3. Iteh Standards+1

In North America, performance requirements for chemical-resistant, water-cleanable epoxy grouts are covered by ANSI A118.3—a specification many leading products are designed to meet. The ANSI Blog+1

Why epoxy grout changed the game

Leaking Shower Tile Repair (No Tile Removal) | Epoxy Finish

Non-porous & stain/chemical resistant. Properly installed epoxy grout doesn’t absorb like cement grout, which helps it resist staining, acids/alkalis and frequent cleaning—ideal for leaking shower repairs, balcony leak repairs, and heavy-use bathrooms. GlobalLanding

Built-in hygiene tech. Modern epoxies often include antimicrobial or bacteriostatic additives. Examples include LATICRETE® SPECTRALOCK® with Microban® and MAPEI Kerapoxy CQ with BioBlock®. AQUATICA+3cdn-global.laticrete.com+3cdn-global.laticrete.com+3

Low-VOC options. Many leading epoxies carry third-party emissions certifications (e.g., GREENGUARD/EMICODE EC1 Plus), supporting better indoor air quality. sweets.construction.com+1

Easier clean-up, better handling. Newer “easy to apply and clean” formulas reduce the dreaded epoxy haze while keeping the durability benefits—for instance ARDEX EG-series and Kerapoxy Easy Design/CQ. Ardex+1

Kitchen Splashback Tiles – Stain-Resistant Epoxy Grout

The evolution: from “industrial-tough” to “bathroom-friendly”

First generation (industrial workhorse). Early epoxies delivered unmatched toughness but were viscous, fast-setting and difficult to clean—great for factories, less fun in showers. ScienceDirect

Second generation (installer-friendly). Formulators added water-cleanable systems (per ANSI A118.3), refined hardeners for better pot life, and incorporated colour-coated quartz fillers for smoother joints and easier clean-off (e.g., Kerapoxy CQ). The ANSI Blog+1

Today’s state-of-the-art.

  • Antimicrobial & low-VOC as standard in many lines. cdn-global.laticrete.com+1

  • “Easy-clean” epoxy positioned for wet areas, pools, and food-prep spaces—while reducing haze risk (e.g., ARDEX EG 18 PLUS; MAPEI Easy Design). Ardex+1

  • Clear use cases: bathrooms/showers, kitchens, splashbacks, and commercial wet zones where cement grout can struggle. GlobalLanding

A quick guide to the standards (plain-English)

  • ISO/AS ISO 13007-3 (Australia follows ISO): classifies grout types and performance. RG = reaction-resin (epoxy) grouts. CG = cementitious. NormSplash

  • ANSI A118.3: U.S. performance spec for chemical-resistant, water-cleanable epoxy grouts/adhesives. If a product lists A118.3 compliance, you’re looking at a genuine performance epoxy.

Where epoxy grout is heading next

Where epoxy grout is heading next

1) Faster, cleaner installs. Expect more flowable or easier-tooling epoxy systems that keep bond strength but improve workability and clean-off—an active development focus in pro trade media. tileandstonejournal.com

2) Health & sustainability.

  • Wider adoption of low-emission certifications, better amine chemistry (less odour, better yellowing resistance), and bio-based components (e.g., bio-epichlorohydrin, lignin/vegetable-oil–derived epoxies). AQUATICA+2MDPI+2

  • Continuous work on UV stability/colourfastness via improved curing agents and additive packages. merlinchem.com+1

3) Smarter hygiene. Expect longer-lasting antimicrobial tech and bacteriostatic additives tuned for humid environments like showers and balconies. cdn-global.laticrete.com+1

When should homeowners choose epoxy grout?

Choose epoxy regrouting when you need:

  • Water exposure, always (showers, niches, floors, linear drains, balconies).

  • High stain load (kitchens, rental stock, Airbnb turnovers).

  • Hygiene (mould/mildew control, easy maintenance).
    Standards classify these as RG applications for a reason: you’re buying chemical resistance, dense non-porosity and durability that cement grouts (even CG2W) can’t fully match in harsh wet conditions.

Bathroom Miracles: our approach (non-destructive, dust-managed, warrantied)

We specialise in non-invasive leaking shower repairs without removing tiles, precision epoxy regrouting, and balcony leak repairs. We manage dust at the source, keep the mess contained to the work area, and finish with hygienic, long-life joints. Free quotes. 10-year warranty. 15+ years’ experience. (Ask to see our local before/after gallery.)

FAQs

FAQs

Is epoxy grout “waterproof”?
Epoxy grout is non-porous and water/chemical resistant and is specified for chemical-resistant, water-cleanable applications under ANSI A118.3. In a real bathroom, overall waterproofing still depends on the membrane and detailing; grout is one part of the system. The ANSI Blog

Why do some installers avoid epoxy?
Older formulas were harder to spread and clean. Newer epoxies are far more installer-friendly (longer working time, easier wash-up) yet keep the durability benefits. Ardex

Will epoxy help stop my leaking shower without removing tiles?
Often, yes—especially when leakage is through failed cement grout or perimeter joints. Our non-destructive regrout process targets those pathways; if the membrane is compromised, we’ll advise the best fix. Megasealed

Helpful standards & product references