Grouting floor or wall tiles used to be a difficult chore, but not anymore. The new TrafficMaster Stainproof Grout with Scotchgard protector kit makes it easy to repair tile surfaces or lay new tile on floors, walls and countertops. The Scotchgard protector makes the grout easier to clean. Unlike cement-based grouts, do-it-yourselfers don't need to mix this grout or use a grout sealer. The all-in-one kit features built-in Scotchgard protector that helps protect the grout and caulk against tough stains, like fruit juice, catsup, coffee and other spills that can seep into the grout and caulk, resulting in stained floors, walls or countertops.

"Customers are looking for simple, affordable home-maintenance products," said Brian Kubicek, business development manager, 3M Protective Materials and Consumer Specialties Division. "The TrafficMaster Stainproof Grout with Scotchgard protector kit is an easy-to-use, reliable solution for the consumer or the professional contractor. A single kit contains everything the customer needs to repair worn or cracked grout or caulk in tiles on floors, around fixtures or on walls. Once installed, TrafficMaster Stainproof Grout and caulk are extremely easy to clean because they are made with stain-resistant Scotchgard protector."

For consumers who are concerned about mold, TrafficMaster Stainproof Grout is particularly innovative because it protects the grout against unsightly mold and mildew. The grout also saves consumers time and money by eliminating the need to apply a separate sealer.

Each TrafficMaster Stainproof Grout Kit comes with a complete set of supplies to tackle home tile repairs, including:

• A quart of stainproof grout
• A tube of tile and fixture caulk
• A grout removal saw
• A grout applicator
• A hydrophilic sponge

The kit is available with three neutral grout colors - bone sanded, delorian gray sanded, and bright white non-sanded - that match just about any color surface.

The TrafficMaster Stainproof Grout and caulk, developed and manufactured by Roanoke Companies Group Inc., also are sold separately. The individual grout is available in 30 colors ranging from butter cream to ocean blue and quarry red to fit any decor. While traditional cement-based grout requires a messy mixing process and can vary in color, the latest products in the TrafficMaster brand family with Scotchgard protector are premixed and ready to use, ensuring a consistent color that will not fade.

Unlike other grout products, TrafficMaster Stainproof Grout and caulk sticks to existing grout, so it's the perfect solution for filling in cracks and smoothing out gaps between old tiles without having to remove the old grout.

The TrafficMaster Stainproof Grout Kit, as well as the individual grout and caulk, are sold exclusively at The Home Depot with a 25-year grout manufacturer's limited stain warranty that the product will resist most common household stains such as wine, coffee, mold and mildew when used properly. The TrafficMaster repair kit retails for $19.99.

About The Home Depot

Founded in 1978, The Home Depot is the world's largest home improvement specialty retailer and the second largest retailer in the United States with fiscal 2004 sales of $73.1 billion. The company employs approximately 325,000 associates and has 1,900 stores in 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, nine Canadian provinces and Mexico. The company recently announced the creation of a business development operation for retail expansion into China. The Home Depot has been recognized by Fortune as the #1 Most Admired Specialty Retailer for 2004. Its stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE:HD) and is included in the Dow Jones Industrial Average and Standard & Poor's 500 Index.

About 3M - A Global, Diversified Technology Company

Every day, 3M people find new ways to make amazing things happen. Wherever they are, whatever they do, the company's customers know they can rely on 3M to help make their lives better. 3M's brands include Scotch, Post-it, Scotchgard, Thinsulate, Scotch-Brite, Filtrete, Command and Vikuiti. Serving customers in more than 200 countries around the world, the company's 67,000 people use their expertise, technologies and global strength to lead in major markets including consumer and office; display and graphics; electronics and telecommunications; safety, security and protection services; health care; industrial and transportation. For more information, including the latest product and technology news, visit www.3M.com.

Scotch, Post-it, Scotchgard, Thinsulate, Scotch-Brite, Filtrete, Command and Vikuiti are trademarks of 3M.

Cohn & WolfeJill Wallis, 212-798-9837jill_wallis@nyc.cohnwolfe.comor3M Public RelationsColleen Harris, 651-733-1566www.3M.com/profile/pressbox/media_contacts.jhtml