Trying to figure out the best grout colorant between Grout Refresher and Grout Renew? Why don’t you read my grout refresh vs. grout renew to find out?
Mapei Grout Refresher is a polymer-modified colorant, but Polyblend Grout Renew is an acrylic stain.
Another difference is that Grout Refresher offers 42 colors, whereas Grout Renew offers 40 colors. Nevertheless, there are many other differences between these two sealers and colorants that you should know to pick up the right one.
So, let’s dive deeper and see how many differences they have.
A Quick Comparison Table
Here is a quick comparison table between Mapei grout refresh and Polyblend grout renew:
| Aspects | Mapei Grout Refresh | Polyblend Grout Renew |
| Product Type | Universal Grout Colorant And Sealer | Epoxy Modified Acrylic Latex Colorant |
| Special Feature | Seal And Protect Against Common Stains | Fade-Resistant Formula |
| Benefits | Offers More Benefits | Offers Fewer Benefits |
| Usage | Interior & Exterior | Interior & Exterior |
| Performance | Superior To Grout Renew | Inferior To Grout Refresh |
In-Depth Comparisons Between Grout Refresh And Grout Renew
Information from the quick comparison table is not enough to make an informed decision. You need more details about that.
Here are some key differences between Mapei grout refresh and Polyblend grout renew:
Product Type
Click On Image To View On AmazonMapei Refresh and Polyblend Renew have been designed to offer the same purpose: coloring and sealing grouts. But they are two different products.
Let’s see how differently they are made.
Mapei UltraCare Grout Refresh is a Universal Grout colorant and comes as a ready-to-use and nonflammable formula.
The polymer-modified colorant features a water-based solution and sealer for grout joints.
On the other hand, Polyblend Grout Renew is an all-in-one colorant and sealer. It comes as a waterborne acrylic stain and changes the color of cement grout joints.
With fade-resistant pigments and sealant properties, you can seal the grouts while coloring.
Application Process
The application process differs significantly between Mapei Grout Refresh and Polyblend Grout Renew:
Mapei:
- Premixed formula is ready to brush on right out of the container with no mixing required
- Second coat can be applied in just 1-2 hours for faster project completion
Polyblend:
- Powdered formula must be mixed with water per instructions before applying
- Spread on using a standard grout float as you would for original grouting
- Requires full 24 hours of drying time before grouting adjacent areas
For most homeowners, Mapei’s simpler paint-on application will provide the easiest and quickest grout refresh process. But Polyblend works well for those accustomed to traditional grout application.
Coverage
Mapei Refreshes yields more total coverage per container:
- Approximately 200-400 sq ft per quart
- Up to 150 sq ft per gallon
Polyblend Grout Renew coverage when mixed with water:
- 30 sq ft per 1 lb tub
- 90 sq ft per 3 lb tub
For refreshing large tile jobs, Mapei is the clear choice to cover more ground efficiently. Polyblend can provide cost savings on smaller projects however.
Features
Having more features is always beneficial for a product like grout colorant and sealer. After knowing their features, you can determine which product would work best for you.
You can apply Grout Refresh on cement, epoxy, urethane, and acrylic grouts. It will also create bonds to these substrates. Besides, you will be able to seal and protect against the most common stains.
Most importantly, grout refresh will allow grouts to change to any UltraCrae Grout Refresh colors.
On the contrary, Polyblend grout will make your grout joints look new again. Besides, you can easily change to other Renew colors on cement grouts.
You can use this fade-resistant formula to seal grouts on tile and stone installation.
Polyblend grout Renew also seals and protects against common stains along with fade resistance.
Benefits
You can quickly make up your mind after looking at the benefits offered by UltraCare Grout Refresh and Polyblend Grout Renew. Let’s see what they have to offer.
UltraCare Grout Refresh is a ready-to-use formula. So, it’s easy to apply on grouts and maintain properly. Besides, it brings back the new look of tile grouts.
Most importantly, you will get uniform color with Mapei’s full palette of grout colors.
In contrast to Grout Refresh, Polyblend Grout Renew completely changes or restores the color of cement grouts. Plus, it comes with the ability to seal against any stains.
Stain Protection
Mapei’s premixed formula contains sealers to boost stain resistance and repel water, a nice added benefit.
Polyblend does not include sealers so it’s recommended to apply a separate grout sealer after application for protection.
Mapei saves a step by including sealers upfront.
Usages
Click On Image To View On AmazonWhile both grout sealers have one primary purpose: sealing and coloring grouts, they are designed to work on various substrates.
Grout Refresh works excellent on interiors and exteriors. You can revitalize old grout joints using this colorant and sealant in various vertical and horizontal applications.
While it works on most surfaces, you will get top-class results in some preferred substrates, including Sanded grout joints, Unsanded grout joints, Epoxy grout joints, Acrylic grout joints, and Urethane grout joints.
In contrast, Polyblend Grout Renew also works excellently on interior and exterior applications. Use this colorant to restore and change grout colors on concrete substrates and tiles.
Available Colors
Being a stain sealer and grout colorant, the number of available colors is essential for both products. The one with more color options can be a better option for you.
We already know that UltraCare Grout Refresh is available in a full palette of grout colors offered by Mapei. The palette holds 42 colors, to be precise. White, Harvest, Walnut, Chocolate, Black, Ivory, Smoke, Frost, Brick Red, etc., are some of the colors.
On the other hand, Polyblend Grout Renew comes with 40 color options. You can choose from Snow White, Saddle Brown, Natural Gray, Platinum, Linen, Fawn, Khaki, Dove Gray, Haystack, Urban Putty, Greystone, Arctic White, Shadow, Etc.
Performance
Looking at performance, Grout Refresh can cover 50 square feet to 300 square feet per 237 ml bottle. Besides, it will take half an hour to two hours to dry completely.
But you’ll have to make sure that nobody sets foot on it for 2 hours after applying. Plus, protect it from water for 24 hours.
Polyblend Grout also covers 50 square feet to 300 square feet with a 237 ml bottle. It requires 2 to 4 hours to touch dry and 14 hours to dry completely. But you’ll have to protect it from water for 72 hours.
Available Sizes
You will get only one bottle size for both grout colorants. UltraCare Grout Refresh comes as an 8 oz. or 237 mL bottle. On the contrary, Polyblend Grout Renew comes as a half-pint or 237 mL bottle size.
Which Grout Colorant & Sealer Is Best For You?
Now it’s time to pick up the best product for your grout sealing and coloring task.
It shouldn’t be tough to say which one is better with all the facts and data.
You should be able to pick up the right one by now.
From the comparisons, it’s clear that Mapei UltraCare Grout Refresh is better than Polyblend Grout Renew. It offers more color options and easy application.
Besides, you will need less time to dry the colorant and be ready for traffic.
On top of that, Grout refresh will work better even in higher temperatures than Grout Renew. So, you must use Grout Refresh for your task.
Frequently Asked Question (FAQ)
Mapei Grout Refresh is a polymer-modified grout colorant and sealer. With its nonflammable ready-to-use formula, it will last 3 to 5 years.
PolyBlend Grout Renew is another all-in-one grout stain and sealer. It comes as a water-based acrylic formula, and you’ll get 3 to 5 years of longevity from this product.
Mapei Grout Refresh is very delicate and absorbent. It requires sealing porous tiles and natural stone substrates with an UltraCare penetrating sealer from Mapei.
Mapei UltraCare Grout Refresh is easy to use grout colorant and sealer. This grout colorant is nonflammable. It seals stains and colors grout joints on various substrates.
Polyblend Grout Renew is a powdered acrylic formula that mixes with water to create a grout-like substance for repairing and refreshing discolored or damaged grout. It fills in cracks and adheres to old grout to provide a color-matched facelift. It must be mixed, applied with a grout float, and allowed to fully cure like traditional grout.
Yes, grout refresh products like Mapei Grout Refresh and Polyblend Grout Renew provide a long-lasting facelift for discolored grout. The grout will maintain its revitalized appearance for 1-3 years before requiring re-application in most homes. Proper sealing extends the results. Grout refresh avoids the need for time-consuming and messy complete regrouting.
Final Thoughts
Sealing and coloring grout joints make your space look more attractive and bold. But choosing a suitable colorant is essential. Substandard or below-average grout pigments will never give a satisfactory result.
After reading my grout refresh vs. grout renew review, now you know the best option between the two. So, go ahead, purchase it and seal your grout joints.