Want a refresh ? Tile outlasts grout , so regrouting — matching the original gloss or trying something unexampled — can give your space a novel look .
Getty Images / Ruslan Sidorov
or else of supersede expensive tile , considerrefreshing the surrounding grout . Whether on a kitchen floor or a shower rampart , tile typically outlasts grout . Over time , grout can amass stain or cracks , leaving a dingy appearance . You might reckon you have to substitute it all , but in realness , you ’ll need to know how to regrout roofing tile .
Credit:Getty Images / Ruslan Sidorov
Before Getting Started
The key to progress to regrouting as efficient and painless as possible is to conglomerate the right tools for the job and properly prep the distance beforehand . Trying to chip away at the grout using a chisel or a utility knife will only cease in damage tile or injury . The two chief tools you should corrupt for regrouting roofing tile are an oscillating multitool with a grout - removal bladeand a carbide - tipped grout - remotion puppet .
If you do n’t own an oscillating multitool and are look to save money , you could technically remove all the roofing tile with a manual grout remotion tool , just project on the task taking much longer .
Once you ’ve gather your instrument , be certain to prep the orbit to foreclose damage to the surrounding control surface . If the grout you ’re off sits above a delicate airfoil , such as a countertop or bathtub , protect the surface with tape and thick cardboard to prevent the grout from scratching it as it fall .
You ’ll also need to wear protective oculus covering to keep debris out of the eyes and ear auspices when using power tools to remove the grout .
What You’ll Need
Equipment / Tools
Materials
Instructions
How to Regrout Tile
Remove the Grout
Fit the oscillating multitool with the grout removal blade and begin cutting the grout out of the joints , being thrifty not to pit the bound of the roofing tile with the sword . To help in holding the tool steady , rest your arm against thetile surfaceas you carry the cock and smoothly move it through the junction . Refrain from forcing the blade into the grout . or else , rent the blade ’s oscillation and vibration do the work . Focus on the grout in the middle of the joints rather than the portion sticking to the tile .
If you feel the leaf blade is beginning to work slower , modify its positioning on the head of the tool to utilize a sharper portion of the blade .
Vacuum Grout Lines
As you snub off the grout with the oscillating multitool , employ your plastered / ironic vacuum to remove any pieces and rubble .
Manually Remove Remaining Grout
get rid of the remainder of the grout using the carbide - lean manual grout removal tool . To do so , flip the triangular blade until you discover a size that fits in the grout blood line and skin back and forth to clean away all of the remain grout .
Grout remotion putz are designed to scratch aside grout without scratching the tiles . However , they can still scratch tile and should be used cautiously .
Vacuum Every Grout Line
Thoroughly vacuum the integrality of the tiled surface transfer every flake of loose grout and dust from each joint . Failure to do so will compromise the hold of the young grout .
Mix New Grout
Mix the new grout accord to the manufacturer ’s book of instructions , or simply purchase ready - to - use grout . For most grouts , the instructions will specify coalesce a destiny of the water in a bucket with a share of powder , then tally more as you mix to achieve the final commixture and proper consistency . in good order mixed grout should be chummy yet still pourable .
Mix grout to the right consistency — too lean , and it will ladder from the lines before set ; too much pee , and it will dampen , reducing its functionality .
Apply New Grout
Using a safety grout swim bladder , take up the grout from the bucket and calumniate it into the grout lines . To do so , agree the ice-cream float at a 45- to 60 - degree angle from the tiles and approach the joints at an angle between parallel and perpendicular . This will allow the grout to make full the joint without the float pulling it from the joint . To guarantee each joint is fill , make another pass in the opposite direction .
Let the Grout Set
permit the grout set for the specified sentence on the manufacturer ’s instructions .
Sponge Grout Joints
hock a grouting parasite and ring out nearly all of the body of water . Wipe the grout articulation and tile surface in a rotary motion , smoothing the grout joints and slay the excess grout . permit the grout dry completely .
Buff the Tiles
take away any grout haze left behind on the roofing tile by buffing them with a microfiber cloth . If necessary , practice a haze - removal solution to remove refractory haze .
Seal the Grout (Optional)
confer with the manufacturer ’s teaching to determine whether or not the grout should be sealed . If sealing is ask , apply the grout sealant to the amply dry grout as directed .
How to Maintain and Clean Grout
Believe it or not , keeping grout blank foresighted - term is potential — even white grout . The key is to ensure the grout is seal after installation , should the grout necessitate waterproofing . After sealing the grout , on a regular basis pass over it down with your everydaycleaning spray of choiceto keep the buildup of malicious gossip and grime . Always check to verify whatever product you ’re using is safe for roofing tile and grout control surface , then test it on an invisible spot first . Toclean groutthat has lost its luster , you could make a strong grout cleaner with item you likely already have on hand .
Frequently Asked Questions
While you’re able to regrout over old grout , it may not stick well to the existing grout . Consider the condition of the grout . If it is crack or crumbling , it ’s best to remove it and lend oneself Modern grout . If you do put Modern grout over old grout , check that it ’s the same case of grout or an epoxy resin grout , which is quite durable .
Remove as much grout as you may to provide a upright base for applying raw grout . If the existing grout is damaged , young grout wo n’t adhere and will finally begin to chip .
apply new grout cost less than the toll of replacing roofing tile . replace the grout will improve the look of your tile and Modern grout will help hold out cast and mildew .
