New Spectralock 1 Grout

[RichVT]

All the benefits of epoxy in a one part premixed grout. Sounds too good to be true but maybe it is. It does have a longer cure time than epoxy.

https://laticrete.com/en/tile-and-st.../spectralock-1

Sal DiBlasi video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5KAZNf0UDhk

[cx]

Interesting. Looks like a competitor for MAPEI's Flexcolor CQ and Custom's Fusion Pro. A bit difficult to compare just reading the data sheets, though.

Originally Posted by Laticrete Features & Benefits

outperforms traditional premixed grouts currently available on the market.

As far as I know there's still no industry standard for those "single component" grouts, so I'm not sure just what a "traditional premixed grout" is and just how this new guy outperforms them.

It does not appear to have the restrictions against use in submerged applications or in steam showers, though, so that would differentiate it from both other single component grouts with which I'm familiar. Might be that this really is a new and improved product, but it's a bit early to say.

Unlike in the old days we'll (TYW) probably not rush out to buy a bucket to test, but I'll be curious to see how our members like it, 'specially those who have already used the other two "single component" grouts out there.

[tilemanct]

It could be a game changer or not. Remember how many changes to the formulation Spectra Loc Epoxy went through. Lets keep our fingers crossed.

[rmckee84]

Talked to a few people that did the trials before it hit the market and they all said it was nice to work with.

[Lazarus]

As Laticrete was the Company that first invented (or set up) latex modified morter...many years ago, I tend to trust their research and technology. If it wasn't right, I doubt they would release it. I would have zero problems trying out anything they put on the market.....

[HS345]

I am not a fan of the single component grouts. I will likely not be using this product, but would hope that any of you who do would review it here.

[Lazarus]

Some of the newer single component grouts are excellent. One is the Flexcolor CQ

[Metropolitan Ceramics]

I saw the 'coming soon' at Laticrete's Total Solutions booth and have seen some advertisements for it. Laticrete has tried a couple of times to get into the 'ready-to-use' segment (Plasma was their swing and a miss a few years ago). I worry that using the Spectralock name is going to get confusing since there really are advantages to epoxy that a one-component product isn't going to fully match. I'll be curious to see what your experience actually is with the product, I'm sure a lot of R&D went into it.

[Karls tile Inc]

I was just going to point out how Laticrete Plasma was discontinued due to problems. I used it a couple backsplashes and it seemed fine.
I have used Mapei Flex color CQ in my own main floor and really liked it.
I hope to try this new product from Laticrete.

[John Bridge]

I'm in my usual spot of being in the middle (We sponsor Laticrete, Mapei and Custom). I'll agree with Dan Marvin, though, in that Laticrete has probably done a thorough testing of the product. I won't be attending Coverings this year, so I won't have my usual opportunity to get up close and ask a bunch of questions.

[Sharon @ LATICRETE]

Originally Posted by Laz

As Laticrete was the Company that first invented (or set up) latex modified morter...many years ago, I tend to trust their research and technology. If it wasn't right, I doubt they would release it. I would have zero problems trying out anything they put on the market.....

I believe this formula went through over 10,000 iterations in 7 years in our lab before we released it. You bet it's been through the ringer with testing! I encourage all of you to try it and test it for yourselves.

Another great benefit of this grout is that for those who are allergic to epoxy in general, this grout does NOT have the epoxy resins in it (however has the performance of epoxy), so it can be used by those with allergies.

As with any product we always recommend the the proper use of PPE.

[Tiger Mountain Tile Inc]

They've hyped this up a lot and are putting the Spectralock name on it. So far, their versions of premixed grout have been underwhelming, to say the least, but this new one sounds promising.

They're saying "epoxy performance" with a premixed grout. The video I saw shows that it's much harder than Fusion or Flexcolor. Does harder = better? It might.

[Ryan349]

Anyone use Spectralock 1 yet?

Wondering how easy to clean it is?

[cx]

Advanced Search feature; spectralock = This thread in the Professionals' Hangout.

[Mr_Stop]

I like the Mapei Flexcolor CQ quite a bit and has become my go-to. It is so much easier than bagged grout, you pretty much just open the container and go. No having to get your water ratios just right, don't have to mix-slake-mix and clean your bucket in between batches. The premixed stuff is a huge time saver for this solo guy.

I have been considering using the Spectralock 1 on my current job to see how it compares.