Mixing Ardex Eg8

[TheNamek]

I can be a bit of a stickler when it comes to mixing correct quantities, and I knew I'd be in for trouble when I read the instructions on the Ardex EG8 tub. Basically, it said pour the top bucket into the bottom bucket and mix together! There was absolutely no way I could use up all 4kg of epoxy grout in the working time, especially as it recommended cleaning as you go! Needless to say it was a bit of a waste!

Perhaps it was the overpowering super pungent pong of the powder that shocked my brain into mixing the whole lot in one go but I couldn't figure out a way to correctly measure the two parts for mixing a bit at a time. And the smell upon opening the tub!!!! Man, they don't mention that one!

 

[J Sid]

That's how Ardex make all there money, you have to buy twice as much as you need as you waste half of your mix as it starts to go off.

 

[TheNamek]

And there's no way outside of an Ardex demo that this stuff is as liquid as it is the Ardex video on Youtube! All I could think of, as I was sweating bullets and frantically mashing it into the wall as fast as I could, was "this is just like P38 (car body filler)!". I knew it was gonna kill a sponge or two but I killed a float as well because I was mashing it so hard! Got no choice but to buy some more and endure it again tomorrow!

Incidentally, I discovered that a plastic filler knife works best. Having moaned about the stuff, it is waaaay better than the only other epoxy (BAL) that I'ved used. It's relatively easy to clean off, although still requiring a fair amount of effort.

 

[Dan]

Do you use a tough grout float and emulsifying pad? And only apply to the joints.

 

[TheNamek]

Do you use a tough grout float and emulsifying pad? And only apply to the joints.

I used a rubber backed float and, In fairness, wasn't expecting it to survive the job. Yes, emulsifying pads and a sponge, and applying only to joints (well, as limited to the joints as I could in such a hurry).

I don't have a problem with the grout, nor its application. I was just having a moan about the pre gauged quantities and no obvious, or factory considered way of dispensing/mixing in a smaller quanitity. That and it being a much stiffer mix than advertised, the tub I had anyway. Oh, and the smell!! Even on the tub it says workable for about 45 mins, and recommends not leaving it in the tub to limit the self heating reaction (of most 2 part stuff). I had it spread out on one of those big plastic box lids from Ikea and only got about half hour before unworkable.

 

[Old Mod]

Spontex I think they're called, (sponge cloths) they're great for removing epoxy residue after the pad! ......and a hell of a lot cheaper than countless sponges!
Sharon put me on to that one, great tip!

 

[TheNamek]

Spontex I think they're called, (sponge cloths) they're great for removing epoxy residue after the pad! ......and a hell of a lot cheaper than countless sponges!
Sharon put me on to that one, great tip!

Quid sixty for twenty in TesciBeats!

 

[Old Mod]

That be them!
One wipe each side and rinse in hot water if poss, they last quite well, longer than a sponge for sure!
Using hot water with the emulsifying pad also helps.
Have fun!

 

[Dan]

You're not meant to use hot water with it apparently. Because it's a chemical reaction you're waiting for, the heat cures it quicker than it is meant to be cured. I think that's with epoxy I read that.

 

[Old Mod]

You're not meant to use hot water with it apparently. Because it's a chemical reaction you're waiting for, the heat cures it quicker than it is meant to be cured. I think that's with epoxy I read that.

Haha oh well that told me, then I retract my post

 

[Dan]

Well, I might be wrong there mate and it might be something else I'm thinking of. I know cement isn't meant to be mixed with warm water. I'm almost certain Epoxy isn't meant to involve heat though. Might be worth checking.

 

[Old Mod]

Well, I might be wrong there mate and it might be something else I'm thinking of. I know cement isn't meant to be mixed with warm water. I'm almost certain Epoxy isn't meant to involve heat though. Might be worth checking.

No, no. Sounds plausible, so mixing a little water with it to make it more pliable is a no, no too then? Hahaha


.......that is a joke, please do not try this at home!

 

[Dan]

haha you devil you

 

[TheNamek]

Got onto the second tub of EG8 today. I braced myself for the ridiculous pong upon opening. However, it never came. This tub did not wreak. The last tub made my eyes water and I nearly threw up! It was an ammonia like smell. Makes me wonder if that one was bad or somethin...

I also managed to measure out half of the contents so I'd only waste half the tub and not 3/4 like last time!

Didn't bother cleaning as I went along given the short working time. This tub was much easier to apply than the last one. I used a plastic wallpapering blade instead of my new float - was easier to get the stuff into the gaps as time progressed and the mix starting to going off.

Since I knew what to expect, I was a little less frantic and actually found that the grout behaved as advertised - you can sponge it just like normal grout! Amazingly, the grout wipes away from the lines just like regular stuff. However, paste on the face of tiles takes some effort to remove even with emulsifying pads, but it does come off fine (as it did with the last smelly tub).

So, bit of a mixed experience with EG8 but seems to do what it says on the tin. Just hope nobody else gets a ponging tub!​

 

[Old Mod]

When it's dry try using acetone to wipe off the smeary residue!
(Nail varnish remover)