Epoxy Resins
Two-part epoxies for reinforcing slabs, bonding seams and mitres, fixing sinks and making strong, water-resistant repairs.
- Slab reinforcement
- Seams and mitres
- Undermount sinks
Best to buy: Feb–Apr, Sep–Oct
Read guideSee epoxy vendors
Chemicals buying guideLast updated October 2026
Setting Adhesives and Grouts
The right mortar prevents stains, warping and hollow tiles.
- Price level
- Budget
- Best to buy
- Feb–Apr, Sep–Oct
- Top sources
Photo: Lahoucine Boukhanchouch, CC BY-SA 4.0
Overview
What it is
These are the mortars that fix stone tiles and panels to floors and walls. For natural stone, choose improved cementitious adhesives (class C2, deformable S1 or S2 under EN 12004) or reactive epoxy adhesives (R2) for wet or difficult substrates.
Light marbles and limestones need white, rapid-setting, low-water adhesives: slow grey mortars can stain them. Moisture-sensitive stones such as green marble can curl with water-based adhesives and need epoxy or rapid-set products. Grouts come as cementitious (CG2 under EN 13888) or epoxy (RG).
- Standards
- EN 12004 and EN 13888; ANSI A118 (US)
- Classes
- C2 F/T/E, S1/S2 deformable, R2 epoxy
- Light stone
- White, rapid-set, low-alkali
- Sensitive stone
- Epoxy or rapid-set (green marble, some limestones)
- Coverage
- 95% in wet and exterior areas (ANSI A108)
Applications
Best used for
- Floor and wall tilesStandard stone installation.
- Large-format stone and sintered slabsDeformable adhesives, back-buttered.
- Wet rooms and poolsEpoxy adhesives and grouts.
- Exterior pavingFrost-resistant mortars and grouts.
Origins
Which countries to source from
The producing countries that matter for setting adhesives and grouts, what each is known for, and a direct link to vendors there.
Italy Leading source
Global adhesive brands
- Mapei
- Kerakoll
USA
North American brands
- Laticrete
- Custom Building Products
Germany
European brands
- Ardex
- Sopro
Timing
Best time of year to buy
Chemicals are made to order all year. Ship resins and water-based products in mild months: summer heat shortens shelf life in transit, and winter cold can freeze or crystallise them.
- Jan: slower or pricier
- Feb: best time to buy
- Mar: best time to buy
- Apr: best time to buy
- May: normal
- Jun: normal
- Jul: slower or pricier
- Aug: slower or pricier
- Sep: best time to buy
- Oct: best time to buy
- Nov: normal
- Dec: slower or pricier
Best time to buy Normal Slower or pricier
- Epoxy hardeners and water-based sealers can crystallise or freeze in unheated containers in winter.
- Summer container temperatures can exceed 50 °C, which shortens the shelf life of polyesters and catalysts.
- Most products have a 12 to 24 month shelf life: buy for your usage, not for a discount.
Import costs
Tariffs and import duties
Base duties for the main import markets, the extra US surcharge by origin, and the trade remedies to check before you quote a landed price.
HS codes
- 3824.50Non-refractory mortars
- 3214.10Epoxy grouts and mastics
Base import duty (MFN)
- United StatesFree to 3.7%Cement mortars free; epoxy grouts 3.7%.
European Union5% to 6.5%
United Kingdom4%Non-refractory mortars and concretes are subject to a 4% duty rate. Glaziers putty and related mastics also carry a 4% duty rate.
Importing into the US? Add the 2026 origin surcharge
Section 301 rates in force since 24 July 2026, stacked on the MFN rate above.
- Italy10% min.Section 301 (2026) tops the duty up to at least 10% in total; no surcharge if MFN is already higher.
- USAMFN onlyNot on the July 2026 Section 301 list: MFN rate only.
- Germany10% min.Section 301 (2026) tops the duty up to at least 10% in total; no surcharge if MFN is already higher.
- Bagged mortars are heavy and cheap, so freight usually outweighs any saving from importing. Buy locally unless the product is specialist.
- Chemical products require a Safety Data Sheet and CLP labelling. Products may be subject to VOC content restrictions and REACH registration.
Rates checked October 2026. Indicative rates for planning, not a customs ruling. Duties depend on the exact tariff line, origin, trade agreements and the rules in force on the day of entry. Confirm with a licensed customs broker before you price an order.
Before you order
Buying checklist
- 1Choose C2 S1 or better for natural stone, in white for light stones.
- 2Use rapid-set or epoxy for moisture-sensitive stones.
- 3Back-butter large formats for full coverage (95% in wet and exterior areas).
- 4Test grout colour on a spare tile: pigments can stain porous stone.
- 5Respect open time and temperature limits.
Price level: Low cost per square metre; cheap to buy locally.
Vendor Network
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