Okay-- a couple of things. First, the sand in Spectralock is extremely fine. It's not going to scratch anything. Secondly, I've used standard sanded cement based grouts on polished marble before in commercial installations, and never scratched it, even grouting using a buffing machine and burlap. Secondly, if you're going to use epoxy on polished stone, you ought to consider as part of the process using an epoxy glaze remover. You WILL leave a little of the epoxy matrix on the face of the stone, and it'll be blatantly obvious, because of the polish, If you're having this done by a pro, he'll most likely want a premium for that (and rightly so). As for sealing prior to grouting, it won't help with epoxy.

Thanks bill. So you don't think I will have an issue with the "picture frame" effect? Shouldn't I still test the tile?

Also regarding removing the cured epoxy film or haze -Laticrete suggests using a combination of a neutral pH detergent/water solution and extra LATICRETE SpectraLOCK PRO Grout Part C powder. They also recommend trying a combination of LATICRETE SpectraLOCK PRO Grout Part C powder with Miracle Company � Epoxy Grout Film Remover or Dominion Restoration - Petra 7. Is there an epoxy glaze remover you suggest?

Lastly, will we be ok to go with a 1/16" grout line with epoxy grout?

Thanks!

Thanks bill. So you don't think I will have an issue with the "picture frame" effect?

You may for a while, until the epoxy resins completely cure and dry out. No way around that with natural stone. That still doesn't stop those who wish to do this kind of installation.

Is there an epoxy glaze remover you suggest?

Hands down, Petra 7 is tops for removing epoxy haze, but I've yet to see any place where it's available to the general public. Stoine Tech makes an epoxy glaze remover that's almost as good, and IS available to the public, and will not harm polished stone.

Lastly, will we be ok to go with a 1/16" grout line with epoxy grout?

I won't say epoxy in general, but Spectralock will be fine.

Now....

Epoxy grout with marble is pretty useless and expensive overkill.

Useless, no. Overkill, I'll agree with. But that hasn't stopped those who've really wanted to use it.

I don't know of a product that will remove the haze and still leave the marble undamaged.

I just gave two, one of which is available to the public, and usually pretty easy to find.

I'm sure somewhere someone has created a grout haze remover that isn't acid based, but I'll bet from just my basic knowledge of chemistry it mostly involves elbow grease rather than chemical action.

My son and I, 2 months ago, cleaned about 2000 feet with the Stone Tech product in about 4 hours on this following installation:

I've installed lots of epoxy grout, and regular grout too. They both need cleaning from time to time. Epoxy can come back to the original light beige color. I use a steamer (cheap steam nozzle device) and a drop of bleach. The other kind of grout can be pretty good too, if you use GroutBoost. Web search this word.

How is GroutBoost & what is it used for?
Our tile dealer is pushing it as a 95% of the way grout stain resistor ADDITIVE vs. the added expense of an epoxy like Spectralock.

Still a rather large $750 upcharge for GroutBoost

Here is a link that might be useful: Groutboost Specs

$750 upcharge for grout boost? How much are you buying? In our area it goes for $65 for a 70oz jug (for 25lb sanded grout). I used Tec Power Grout in my own home and have been happy with it so far.

Our installer used boost in one of the bathrooms, as a way to best avoid stain and mildew. I think it was about $50/bottle. One bottle gets mixed with one container of grout instead of using water. Installer had no issue with using it. I think it was unsanded grout as well (I forget the brand, Tec I think) as we used a combination of glass and subway tile).

We used epoxy grout on the shower floors (ceramic tile) in our steam shower. Grout with boost was used on the walls, because we have some marble mosaic accents.

Not sure yet how much is being requested by our sub but 3 full bathrooms all tiled is what I am guessing right now is what GroutBoost is being used for.

Bill, I know this is an old thread just seeing if I reach you. What do you know about TEC power grout. My installer likes and uses power grout. And I have Carrera marble in master bath, a Basketweave in another and calacatta gold marble subway in kitchen. Will my marble be ok with him using power grout and not scratch? I'm being told it won't scratch. Then my other question, is when a second coat of sealer is put on after the tile is grouted, will it still adhere to my tile? Just wondering if power grout getting on my tile would prevent the sealing of the stone? Thx

Mrs D-- I know I already answered you by email, but for the benefit of those searching the thread-- I'm not familiar with power grout. Not because it's not a good product (TEC has a terrific reputation), but because there are no distributors up here, unless you have a show room. That said, if your installer says he can do the installation without scratching the stone, I'd take him at his word. As for the sealer, personally, I'd prefer to seal it once-- when everything is done. Whichever way your installer wants to do it, I'd go with his recommendation. Some would rather seal twice, others all at one time.

I would not use an epoxy grout on Marble myself. Marble is like a sponge.

I only recommend one epoxy grout and it is the one from Laticrete that I use and have for years.

I have never used power grout. No opinion on that product.

PowerGrout is good stuff. It's all that my one installer uses. He switched to it for color consistency and the fact that it won't scratch marble or glass. And the no callbacks. That was worth the extra $ right there to him.

I see this is an older thread, just wondering how your floor turned out Piscesgirl? I'm currently working on 4 different bathrooms and just trying to decide between all the different grout, applications and sealer. I've already purchased grout from tile shop and currently looking into spectrolock for my white thassos basketweave. I too will have a Calcutta kitchen backsplash and am just concerned about using the right grout and sealer. Any advice anyone? Thank you!

Good advice from the instructions for Mapei's epoxy, but I'm pertty darn sure it holds true for all epoxies.

Note: Marble, granite, limestone, agglomerated stone
and slate are natural products consisting of a vast
combination of minerals and chemicals that may cause
the material to behave or react in a manner beyond
our control. Therefore, determine the suitability of all
materials before proceeding with the installation. To
ensure desired results, a mockup installation is required
before the actual installation.
See MAPEI’s “Surface Preparation Req