The grout is the invisible detail that makes everything visible. Litokol Starlike® Crystal is the only epoxy grout in the world that does not block light, but enhances it. Thanks to its patented fourth-generation epoxy gel with 500 million recycled glass microspheres per kilogram, it creates a grout line that seamlessly blends with your mosaic or tiling — without color, without cloudiness, with a subtle silky effect that turns your floor or wall into a design statement. This is the professional choice for projects where detail makes all the difference.
In short: why do professionals and designers choose Starlike® Crystal?
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Translucent photochromatic action → the patented glass microspheres diffuse light instead of absorbing it → your mosaic or glass mosaic is fully showcased, without visual interruption from the grout.
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4th Generation epoxy gel with Zherorisk® technology → free of Oxirane (C12-C14) and non-corrosive → completely safe for installers, users, and the environment — even in professional environments with strict HACCP requirements.
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Grout joint width 0–3 mm, also applicable as tile adhesive → one product for both fine mosaic work and large-format panels → less material on site, less chance of errors.
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Water absorption ≤ 0.1 g after 240 minutes (EN 12808-5) → the grout is waterproof and shrink-free → suitable for swimming pools, hammams, spas, and outdoor applications without degradation of the bond.
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Antimicrobial certified (ISO 22196 + Defender Anti-Microbial technology) → demonstrably prevents the growth of bacteria and fungi on the surface → ideal for wet rooms, kitchens, and any project with strict hygiene requirements.
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Working time > 90 minutes + easy cleanup with water → ample working comfort on site without haste → quick cleaning with clean water as long as the product is fresh, without aggressive solvents.
Where does Litokol Starlike® Crystal fit?
Starlike® Crystal is developed for projects where the grout should not be a distracting element. The most impressive application is completely transparent glass mosaic in a walk-in shower or swimming pool edge: the product visually merges with the glass and creates a continuous surface of light and reflection. But the application possibilities extend further. In luxury kitchens — where ceramic tile panels behind the stove are a design statement — Crystal provides the freedom for the tile's aesthetic to speak for itself. Suitable for floors, walls, indoor and outdoor, underfloor heating systems, swimming pools, fountains, spas, and hammams, but also for exclusive hospitality projects, hotel interiors, and marine environments (approved according to MED Directive 2014/90/EU). Even direct food contact is permitted: the product complies with HACCP/reg. EC 852/2004.
Design synergy: the invisible as a design choice
In a Japandi interior, everything revolves around omission. Starlike® Crystal seamlessly fits this philosophy: the translucent grout visually disappears into the surface, allowing the natural character of a matte porcelain tile or a handmade terracotta mosaic to fully shine. Combine with warm gray or sand-colored formats for maximum tranquility. In a Modern Industrial interior — dark concrete-look tiles, anthracite sanitary ware, matte metal accents — an invisible grout creates a seamless, urban look without visual grid effects. For Art Deco or exuberant mosaic projects with gold-colored glass mosaic or mother-of-pearl inserts, Crystal is the only logical choice: it enhances the play of light from the glass instead of dampening it. For extra effect, Starlike® Finishes are available: glitter, metallic, or photoluminescent effects, exclusively for indoor applications.
Technical superiority: why epoxy gel is the sensible long-term choice
Cement-based grouts shrink, absorb moisture, and discolor. Starlike® Crystal does none of this. The fourth-generation epoxy gel forms a three-dimensional chemical network upon curing that is mechanically extremely stable: compressive strength after 28 days ≥ 45.0 N/mm² and flexural strength ≥ 30 N/mm² (EN 12808-3). UV resistance is inherent to the formula — no chemical pigments are used that can break down. The abrasion resistance is ≤ 250 mm³ (EN 12808-2), making the grout suitable for heavily trafficked floor surfaces. Thanks to the Recycled Crystal Microsphere® technology with >75% recycled glass microspheres, the product also has an EPD (Environmental Product Declaration). An investment that lasts for decades without color change, without detachment, and without maintenance problems.
5 professional tips for a flawless end result
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Always perform a preliminary test grout. Polished porcelain stoneware and certain exotic mosaics may have micro-porosity. Test on an inconspicuous corner to confirm cleanability and adhesion before grouting the entire surface.
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Mix with a slow electric mixer at approximately 300 rpm. Hand mixing is strongly discouraged: a non-homogeneous mixture compromises the final hardness and chemical resistance. Always scrape the sides and bottom of the bucket with a spatula to prevent uncatalyzed residues.
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Respect the processing temperature of +10°C to +30°C. At higher temperatures or in windy conditions, the working time is drastically shortened. Protect the fresh grout from direct sunlight and drafts for the first 12 hours.
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Clean in two phases with the Starlike® Pro Felt and sponge. Use two water buckets simultaneously — one for rinsing the felt and sponge, one for final cleaning — and replace them as soon as they are saturated with resin. Do not leave any residues on the surface for longer than 48 hours; after that, use Starlike® Care or Starlike® Care Pro.
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Provide sufficient expansion joints. Always use perimeter, expansion, and movement joints in the correct positions according to UNI 11493-1. Fill these with sealants from Litokol's Pixel 3D line for a waterproof and durable finish.
Technical Specifications
| Property |
Value / Standard |
| Product type |
Translucent epoxy gel – 4th Generation |
| Color |
Transparent (Crystal 00) |
| Joint width (grouting) |
0 – 3 mm |
| Applicable thickness (adhesive) |
1 – 6 mm |
| Mixing ratio part A : part B |
94 : 6 (by weight) |
| Specific gravity of mixture |
1.65 kg/dm³ |
| Working time (pot life) |
~ 90 minutes |
| Open time (adhesive application) |
> 90 minutes |
| Light foot traffic after |
24 hours |
| Ready for use after |
5 days (swimming pools: 7 days) |
| Application temperature |
+10°C to +30°C |
| Service temperature |
-20°C to +100°C |
| Shrinkage |
≤ 0.25% (ANSI) / ≤ 1.5 mm/m (EN 12808-4) |
| Water absorption (240 min) |
≤ 0.1 g (EN 12808-5) |
| Compressive strength after 28 days |
≥ 45.0 N/mm² (EN 12808-3) |
| Flexural strength after 28 days |
≥ 30 N/mm² (EN 12808-3) |
| Abrasion resistance |
≤ 250 mm³ (EN 12808-2) |
| Initial tensile adhesion strength (shear adhesion) |
≥ 2.0 N/mm² (EN 12003) |
| Glass microspheres |
~500 million/kg | diameter 60–180 µm | >75% recycled |
| Classifications |
RG – EN 13888 | R2 – EN 12004 | ANSI A118.3 |
| Certifications |
ISO 22196 (antimicrobial) | HACCP/EC 852/2004 | EC1+ EMICODE | A+ Air Emissions | EPD | MED 2014/90/EU |
| Packaging |
2.5 kg | 5 kg (post-consumer recycled plastic bucket, Monopack A+B) |
| Shelf life |
36 months in original packaging, store dry and frost-free |
| Manufacturer |
Litokol Lab SpA, Rubiera (RE), Italy |
| Patent |
No. 102018000005366 |
Frequently Asked Questions about Litokol Starlike® Crystal
Is Starlike® Crystal suitable for use in a swimming pool or hammam?
Yes. The product is specifically certified for wet rooms, swimming pools, and fountains. The water absorption after 240 minutes is ≤ 0.1 g (EN 12808-5), and the product is fully waterproof and shrink-free. For swimming pools, there is a waiting period of 7 days before use.
Can I use Starlike® Crystal for all types of mosaic?
Yes, the product is designed for ceramic and glass mosaic, porcelain stoneware, large-format panels, laminated stone tiles, glass panels, and artistic mosaic. The best photochromatic effect is achieved with transparent and translucent glass materials.
What is the difference from a regular epoxy grout?
Standard epoxy grouts contain chemical pigments that block light and can yellow due to UV exposure. Starlike® Crystal contains only pure glass microspheres without chemical pigments. This makes it transparent, UV-resistant, and easier to clean — the spherical microspheres (sphericity index ~1) allow the mixture to flow smoothly and leave no resin residue on the tile surface.
How do I remove residues that have already hardened?
Fresh residues can be removed within 80 minutes with clean water. After 24 to 48 hours, use Starlike® Care (floors) or Starlike® Wall Care (walls). For older residues, use Starlike® Care Pro or Starlike® Remover epoxy cleaning gel. Never use aggressive acids or abrasives on fresh epoxy.
Can Starlike® Crystal also be used as tile adhesive?
Yes. The product is classified R2 according to EN 12004 and can be applied as an adhesive in layers of 1 to 6 mm thickness. For outdoor applications or heavily trafficked areas, always use the back-buttering method according to UNI 11493-1 for complete transfer of the gel to the back of the tile.