Walk into any modern home, and you’ll probably notice the intricate tiling in bathrooms, kitchens, or even outdoor patios. Behind those neat and appealing tiles lies an unsung hero – grout.
Today, we shine a spotlight on a specific brand of grout: Bostik Never Seal Grout. This product has been making waves in the tiling industry, and today, we delve into a comprehensive review.
What Makes Bostik Never Seal Grout Stand Out?
The key feature that distinguishes Bostik Never Seal Grout from its counterparts is the claim in its name—’Never Seal’.
Bostik asserts that once you apply their grout, you’ll never need to seal it.
A significant departure from traditional grout that requires regular sealing to maintain waterproofing and stain-resistance.
In theory, this means less maintenance, less hassle, and ultimately, more value for money.
But does it live up to the hype?
The Pros of Bostik Never Seal Grout
Let’s begin with the good news. Bostik Never Seal Grout offers a multitude of advantages that make it an attractive choice for many homeowners and professional tilers alike.
- No Sealing Required
As the name suggests, Bostik Never Seal Grout doesn’t require sealing. This is a godsend for anyone who dreads the tedious task of resealing grout periodically. The built-in sealing technology makes this product an excellent time and money saver.
- Easy Application
Ease of application is another winning point for Bostik Never Seal Grout. It’s pre-mixed and ready to use, eliminating the hassle of mixing grout powder and water to the right consistency. Plus, it’s easy to spread and adheres well to a variety of surfaces.
- High Durability and Flexibility
Bostik Never Seal Grout displays remarkable durability and flexibility. These are essential characteristics for any grout, especially in areas exposed to temperature changes or movements, like bathrooms or outdoor patios.
- Wide Range of Colors
When it comes to color options, Bostik Never Seal Grout offers a comprehensive palette. This enables you to match your grout color with your tiles, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of your space.
The Cons of Bostik Never Seal Grout
While the product has many commendable features, there are some cons to consider before making a purchase.
- Higher Cost
The most common concern among customers is the higher price tag. Bostik Never Seal Grout is more expensive than traditional grouts. However, considering the built-in sealing technology, the overall cost could be comparable when factoring in the expense and time associated with regular sealing.
- Difficult to Clean Up
Some users report that Bostik Never Seal Grout can be difficult to clean up after application. If not immediately cleaned, it can harden and stick stubbornly to the tile surface.
But you can still go for it despite those issues. And if you do, here is an instructional video for you.
Bostik Never Seal Grout and Its Competitors: A Comparative Review
When considering grout options, it’s worth examining Bostik Never Seal Grout alongside its market competitors. Some of the closest competitors are SpectraLOCK Pro Premium Grout and MAPEI Flexcolor CQ, etc.
- SpectraLOCK Pro Premium Grout
SpectraLOCK Pro Premium Grout is a product by LATICRETE, well-known for its durable epoxy grout solutions.
This product claims to offer high durability and resistance to cracks and stains.
Plus, it’s available in a wide array of color choices.
Comparison with Bostik Never Seal Grout
SpectraLOCK Pro Premium Grout is similar to Bostik in terms of durability and color options. However, unlike Bostik, it requires mixing before application, which can be time-consuming.
Additionally, while SpectraLOCK Pro Premium Grout is stain-resistant, it doesn’t offer the same ‘never seal’ benefit that Bostik does. This difference means you may need to reseal SpectraLOCK periodically to maintain its performance.
- MAPEI Flexcolor CQ
MAPEI Flexcolor CQ is a premixed grout that offers ease of application similar to Bostik Never Seal Grout. It is also resistant to mold and mildew, making it a suitable choice for damp environments like bathrooms or kitchens.
Comparison with Bostik Never Seal Grout
While both Bostik Never Seal Grout and MAPEI Flexcolor CQ are premixed and ready to use, MAPEI Flexcolor CQ doesn’t come with the ‘never seal’ promise of Bostik.
However, MAPEI’s grout is renowned for its ease of clean-up post-application, a point where some users have critiqued Bostik.
- Custom Building Products Fusion Pro
Fusion Pro, a product of Custom Building Products, is a single-component grout, meaning it’s ready-to-use straight from the container. It is known for its advanced stain resistance and easy application. Furthermore, it does not require sealing, a feature it shares with Bostik Never Seal Grout.
Comparison with Bostik Never Seal Grout
Fusion Pro and Bostik Never Seal Grout are similar in many ways, both being single-component grouts with built-in sealing properties. The difference comes down to individual product experience.
While Fusion Pro has its fan base for its excellent stain resistance, some users report that it can be slightly more challenging to work with than Bostik, particularly when it comes to cleanup.
- TEC Power Grout
TEC Power Grout is a high-performance grout known for its superior strength, color consistency, and quick setting time. It offers a broad spectrum of colors, allowing for aesthetic versatility in your tiling projects.
Comparison with Bostik Never Seal Grout
In comparison to Bostik Never Seal Grout, TEC Power Grout shines in its fast curing time, reducing the waiting time before the tiled area can be put to use. However, unlike Bostik, it does require sealing for optimal stain resistance and durability.
Therefore, while TEC Power Grout is an excellent choice for quick turnaround projects, Bostik Never Seal Grout may be more advantageous in terms of long-term maintenance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
No, Bostik grout does not need to be sealed. This feature is one of the key selling points of Bostik Never Seal Grout.
Bostik grout typically takes 72 hours to fully cure. However, you can walk on the tiled area after 12 hours of grout application.
Grout sticks to a variety of surfaces, including ceramic, porcelain, glass, and natural stone tiles. It’s important to note that the surface should be clean and free from dust or debris for optimal adhesion.
Urethane grout is a type of pre-mixed grout that contains urethane polymers, which provide superior water resistance, stain resistance, and flexibility compared to traditional grout. Bostik Never Seal Grout is an example of urethane grout.
The Verdict
In conclusion, Bostik Never Seal Grout is a versatile product with many attractive features, such as the no-seal requirement, easy application, high durability, and color options. The downsides, such as the higher cost and potential cleanup difficulties, are considerations to weigh.
However, the value it brings, particularly in time and maintenance savings, makes it a viable choice for many users. As with any product, individual preferences and project requirements will ultimately guide the decision.