Choosing the right grout and sealant: A professional guide to Kerakoll products

Kerakoll Fugalite Color is not just a grout – it is a complete tiling system. As a two-component epoxy resin functioning both as adhesive and grout, it offers unparalleled performance and versatility, justifying its premium positioning.

Revolutionary dual functionality:

• Single-product solution: High-performance adhesive AND grout in one
• Perfect color continuity: Eliminates the problem of adhesive bleed-through
• Time savings: Reduces construction steps and product inventory
• Consistent performance: Uniform waterproofing throughout the entire covering

Key features:

• 100% waterproof, zero porosity – truly impenetrable
• Exceptional chemical and stain resistance (acids, alkalis, oils)
• HACCP compliance for food industry areas
• Available in 50 colors from the Kerakoll Color Collection
• Suitable for the most demanding indoor and outdoor environments
• Requires no maintenance – remains flawless for decades

Premium applications where Fugalite stands out:

• Swimming pools and wellness centers (the ONLY suitable choice)
• Shower walls and wet areas (outperforms all cement-based alternatives)
• Steam cabins and saunas (handling extreme moisture and temperature)
• Glass mosaic coverings (the adhesive color is visible on transparent materials)
• Commercial kitchens (HACCP compliance + easy cleaning)
• Healthcare facilities (zero porosity prevents bacterial growth)
• Exclusive residential bathrooms (lifetime solution for demanding clients)
• Industrial environments (chemical resistance essential)

Technical data:

• Joint width: 0-10mm (suitable for rectified tiles with minimal joint)
• Mixing ratio: 2:1 (Component A : Component B) – accuracy is critical
• Pot life: approx. 45 minutes at +23°C
• Full chemical resistance: after 7 days
• Material requirement as grout: 0.5-5 kg/m² depending on the format
• Material requirement as adhesive: 2-4 kg/m² depending on the notch size

The business benefits of Fugalite: Considering:

• Dual functionality (replaces two products)
• Zero maintenance throughout the product's lifetime
• No complaints due to mold, staining, or water damage
• Premium positioning allows for higher project margins
• Professional differentiation from competitors

The higher initial cost becomes an investment in reputation and profitability.

Critical advantage in shower applications: Unlike Fugabella Color, which can mold and may require regrouting in shower environments, Fugalite Color offers:

• Durable mold resistance (no organic content to support growth)
• No water absorption, thus no substrate damage
• Maintains its appearance with basic cleaning
• Protects the wall structure from moisture penetration

Neutro Color solves the special challenges of sealing natural stone coverings with a neutral curing silicone that does not damage sensitive surfaces. This special composition is essential for protecting valuable stone investments.

Main features:

• The neutral curing system does not produce acidic by-products
• Safe for ALL natural stones, including marble and limestone
• Excellent adhesion on both porous and non-porous surfaces
• No risk of staining or etching
• Weather-resistant for indoor and outdoor use
• Available in 12 colors from the Kerakoll Color Collection

Critical applications:

• Marble coverings (bathrooms, lobbies, facades)
• Limestone and travertine projects
• Sealing granite countertops
• Monument restoration works
• Multi-million stone projects
• External stone cladding systems

Technical data:

• Joint width: 6-25mm
• Movement capacity: up to 25% of joint width
• No acid release during curing
• Heat resistance: -40°C - +100°C
• Yield: 3-10.4 linear meters from a 310ml cartridge

Why Neutro is indispensable for stone: When working with stones costing 200-500 €/m² or more, using poor sealing material can cause:

• Permanent etching requiring full replacement
• Discoloration that penetrates deeply into the stone
• Legal liability for damaged materials
• Reputational damage from failed projects

The small additional cost of Neutro Color is insignificant compared to these risks.

Residential Bathrooms - Good/Better/Best Options

Good: Fugabella Color throughout, Silicone Color for edges

• Suitable for toilets without shower or bathtub
• Infrequently used secondary bathrooms
• Areas with only occasional water exposure
• Cost-conscious projects

Better: Fugabella Color for floors, Fugalite Color for shower walls

• Optimizes costs while protecting critical wet areas
• Eliminates mold issues in showers
• Balanced approach for main bathrooms

Best: Fugalite Color throughout (adhesive and grout)

• Premium solution for luxury bathrooms
• Lifetime performance with zero maintenance
• Perfect color match between adhesive and grout
• Ideal for glass tiles and mosaics

Swimming Pools - Only One Choice

• Fugalite Color for all adhesive and grouting applications
• Silicone Color for expansion joints and equipment connections
• No substitutes – other products will fail

Commercial Kitchens - Compliance Required

• Fugalite Color throughout for HACCP compliance
• The dual adhesive/grout function simplifies installation
• Chemical resistance handles strong cleaning agents
• Easy maintenance reduces operating costs

Natural Stone Projects - Protect Your Investment

• Fugabella Color for grouting (always test first)
• Neutro Color exclusively for all sealing
• Never compromise – stone damage is permanent

Shower Installations - Rethinking Best Practices

The traditional approach often specifies cement-based grout for showers, but consider:

Why Fugalite Color is better for showers:

1. Zero water penetration protects the wall structure
2. No mold formation eliminates re-grouting
3. Stain-resistant surface stays clean
4. Color stability does not fade or discolor
5. Adhesive function ensures perfect tile bonding

Cost justification:

• Typical shower re-grouting needed every 5-7 years
• Fugalite Color lasts for the lifetime of the tiling
• Eliminates complaints and warranty claims
• Positions you as a premium installer

Surface preparation - The foundation of success

For Fugalite Color:

• Substrates must be completely clean and dry
• Remove all contaminants (oils, dust, residues)
• Mechanical preparation may be required
• Prime porous substrates if necessary

For cement-based products:

• Moisten very porous substrates
• Ensure temperature compliance
• Check the substrate stability

Mixing and application excellence

Fugalite Color accuracy:

• Use a digital scale for accurate 2:1 ratio
• Mix thoroughly for 2-3 minutes
• Work in manageable sections within the pot life
• Clean tools immediately with alcohol

Temperature management:

• Cold slows curing (extends working time)
• Heat accelerates curing (reduces pot life)
• Adjust the dosing sizes accordingly

Professional finishing techniques

Grout application:

• Work diagonally across the joints
• Ensure complete joint filling
• Clean at the optimal time (not too early/late)
• Use the appropriate cleaning agents

Sealant application:

• Proper joint design (2:1 width-to-depth ratio)
• Use a backer rod for correct geometry
• Smooth immediately for a professional finish
• Remove the masking tape while wet

Error: Using Fugabella directly on wet areas
Solution: Specify Fugalite for all wet applications

Error: Forgetting that Fugalite is also an adhesive
Solution: Eliminates the need to purchase a separate adhesive

Error: Using Silicone Color on marble
Solution: Always use Neutro Color for stone

Error: Underestimating expansion joints
Solution: Plan flexible joints from the start

Surface Preparation

All products require clean, dry, debris-free substrates. Completely remove old materials and ensure proper surface preparation according to the manufacturer's guidelines.

Environmental Conditions

Most products should be applied between +5°C and +40°C. High humidity can affect curing times, especially for silicone products.

Timing Considerations

Allow adequate curing time before exposure to water or chemicals. Pools require a minimum of 3 days curing before filling, while pedestrian traffic is generally allowed much earlier.

The success of modern tile installation is more than a technical skill – it requires understanding how to match products to applications for optimal performance and value. Each Kerakoll product serves specific needs:

• Fugabella Color: Reliable, enhanced performance for standard applications
• Fugalite Color: Premium dual-function solution for wet areas and demanding environments
• Silicone Color: Essential flexibility for expansion joints
• Neutro Color: Mandatory protection for natural stone
• Silmat Color: Ultimate aesthetic integration

By mastering these products and their applications, position yourself as a reliable advisor who delivers lasting value. Remember: the right product choice today prevents tomorrow’s problems and builds the reputation that generates referrals.

A small investment in premium materials like Fugalite Color pays off in critical applications through reduced maintenance, eliminated complaints, and satisfied customers who become your best marketing tool.