Starlike Pro vs Easy vs Crystal: Which Epoxy Grout for Mosaic?

All three Starlike grouts are two-part epoxy gels from Litokol. All three are rated RG under EN 13888, waterproof, and suitable for pools. What separates them is joint width, finish and the substrates each one is approved for. The specs below come from Litokol's current technical data sheets (TDS). Pick by the tile and the joint, not by the label.

The Three Grouts at a Glance

Starlike Pro is Litokol's flagship decorative epoxy gel. It is pigmented with colored quartz microspheres and glass microbeads, which give a smooth, silk-effect joint and deep, stable color. It is the only one of the three approved for marble, granite and natural stone.

Starlike Easy is an acid-resistant epoxy gel built for heavy traffic, commercial and wet areas. The mix is creamy and light, it cleans up easily, and it carries certified antimicrobial protection. Its TDS states plainly that it is not for marble, natural stone or stone materials.

Starlike Crystal is a translucent epoxy gel loaded with ultra-pure glass microbeads. It picks up the color of the tile around it and diffuses light through the joint, which is why it suits glass mosaic so well. It is made for very narrow joints only.

Side-by-Side Specs

All three list superior resistance to acids and alkalis, and each TDS includes an EN 12808-1 chemical resistance table. Check that table when a job involves specific cleaners or industrial chemicals. All three are rated for direct contact with food and drinking water and comply with HACCP (EC 852/2004). Times are at 73°F and 50% relative humidity. Cooler conditions lengthen working and cure times, and Litokol sets a minimum application temperature of 50°F.

Which One to Pick, by Use

Glass Mosaic

Use Crystal on glass mosaic set with tight joints of 3 mm or less. The translucent joint takes on the color of the glass, so blends and gradients read as one surface rather than a grid. When the design calls for a contrasting or matched color line, or the joints run wider than 3 mm, use Starlike Pro. Browse our glass mosaic tile to see where each look fits.

Pools and Spas

All three are rated for swimming pools and fountains, and all three need 7 days before the pool is filled. On pool tile, pick Pro for colored joints on mixed materials or stone trim, and Crystal for full glass mosaic interiors. Easy works on porcelain and glass pool finishes on a budget. Set the tile with PowerGel Pro Max, Litokol's elastic epoxy gel adhesive. It bonds and waterproofs in one layer and is also rated for 7 days before pool use.

Showers and Steam Rooms

Litokol rates all three for wet areas. Easy is a strong value pick for porcelain or ceramic showers, and its antimicrobial certification suits shared or commercial baths. If the shower uses marble or limestone, Pro is the only choice. For a glass mosaic feature wall, use Crystal.

Kitchens and Backsplashes

Epoxy grout doesn't stain, and all three carry food contact approval. Pro is the usual choice on a backsplash because the silk finish and color depth sit well next to decorative tile. Easy is built for the heavy traffic and harsh cleaning of commercial kitchens and food service floors.

Marble and Natural Stone

Use Starlike Pro. Its TDS lists marble, granite and natural stone, while Easy's TDS excludes them and Crystal's doesn't list them. Test-clean a hidden piece of polished or honed stone first. Our stone mosaics pair well with the earth-toned Pro palette.

Wide Joints

Pro covers joints up to 20 mm and Easy up to 15 mm. Crystal stops at 3 mm. For rustic tile, large pavers or tumbled stone with wide joints, Pro is the safe pick.

Mixing and Cleanup Basics

Each kit is pre-proportioned. Mix all of Part B into all of Part A with a low-speed drill until the gel is uniform, and never add water or solvents. Clean the surface while the grout is fresh, using water and a felt pad, then finish with a damp sponge. Once the epoxy hardens, residue has to come off mechanically, so cleanup timing matters more than anything else on the job. For the reasons epoxy outperforms cement on glass, see why we recommend epoxy grout.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Starlike Crystal be used in a swimming pool?

Yes. Litokol rates Starlike Crystal for swimming pools and fountains. Allow 7 days of cure before filling. Keep joints between 0 and 3 mm.

Is Starlike Easy safe for marble or travertine?

No. Litokol's TDS for Starlike Easy states that it is not for grouting marble, natural stone or stone materials. Use Starlike Pro on stone.

What is the widest joint Starlike Pro can fill?

20 mm, a little over 3/4 inch. Starlike Easy is rated to 15 mm and Starlike Crystal to 3 mm.

How long before I can walk on Starlike grout?

24 hours for all three at 73°F. Full service takes 5 days, and pools need 7 days before filling. Cooler temperatures extend these times.

Do I need to seal Starlike epoxy grout?

No. Starlike is a waterproof, nonabsorbent epoxy, so it needs no sealer and doesn't stain the way cement grout does.

Can Starlike be used as a tile adhesive too?

Yes. Starlike Pro and Easy are classified R2T under EN 12004, and Crystal is classified R2. For full pool installs, Litokol pairs Starlike with PowerGel Pro Max as the setting adhesive.

Need help matching a color or estimating quantities? Contact our team with your tile size and joint width.