Yes, it's possible for you to DIY regrouting floor tile or regrouting a shower. Some of the tools and materials for this are grout, a saw, a cleaner, a grout float, sealant, and caulk. It'll take a few hours out of your day to complete the project.
ANSWER - It is possible to grout over existing grout if there is enough depth to do so. 1/8 inch depth may or may not be adequate depending on the type of grout used. A latex modified grout may work, but you have to properly clean the existing grout to ensure the new grout adequately bonds.
Regrouting isn't as difficult as it may seem, and it can make a huge difference in how your bathroom looks. This blog post will discuss step-by-step instructions on the best way to go about regrouting bathroom tiles yourself, so even if you're new to DIY projects it should be easy to follow.
Do I have to remove all old grout before regrouting? Yes and No. If the old grout is mouldy, cracked and discoloured you can invest in the best grout cleaner to see what the grout looks like after cleaning. If a clean makes little difference it makes sense to remove as much grout as possible.
The process is relatively simple and an entire shower regrout can usually be finished in about a day – even by someone who has never grouted tile before.
You would also notice that adding new grout will not be aesthetically pleasing, as the new layer would be thin. This means that your old grout will be seen beneath, and if you were to only treat one area, you would see the difference in the “repaired” area versus the area that you did not add grout to.
If you're regrouting a bathroom or kitchen splashback put the plugs in the basin or bath to stop dust and debris from blocking your drains. The grout should be dug out a minimum of 3mm deep (preferably deeper) so that new grout can have a firm base and a larger surface area of the sides of the tiles to adhere to.
Let the grout set for 15 to 30 minutes, and wipe up the excess grout with a dense grout sponge soaked in water. (If you think it's going to take you longer than 30 minutes to grout all of the tiles and be ready to move onto cleanup, you may have to work in smaller sections.)
On average, the cost to regrout a shower is between $600 and $2,500 (or $10 to $25 per square foot). Prices hinge on the size of the shower, the type of grout, and how much old grout needs to be removed. We break down what you can expect to pay below.
By far, it's cheaper to regrout your shower than it is to retile it. If your tiles are in good condition, you might want to consider regrouting the shower. But, if your tiles are in poor condition, you may need to retile your shower.
Tile regrouting is a worthy home improvement project, but who you hire will determine whether your investment was worth it. Regrouting is one way to whip your tiled surfaces into shape with minimal investment compared to a full-scale tile replacement. It greatly improves the look and function of your tile.
Whether you are replacing old cement grout that has become weathered and worn or you want to update to a safer grout, Starlike epoxy grout is perfect for the job. It doesn't require sealing and it can withstand even the harshest weather conditions, making it ideal for both inside and outside applications.
As long as the tile is in good shape, regrouting the tile can work wonders by making the entire installation look brand-new. All you need is a couple of special tools and some time. Plan on spending about two hours to remove the grout on each 16-square-foot (4-by-4-foot section), plus another hour or two to regrout.
You probably wouldn't want to take on a big job with an electric grout remover, but they are great for smaller jobs on counters or walls, or for removing grout in corners or tight spots. Note that electric grout removers work best on unsanded or sanded grout, but struggle a bit with epoxy-based grout.
You want it close to being flush with the tile edges; otherwise, you'll be able to both see and feel the corners of your tile when you walk over it. A higher-level of grout is also much easier to keep clean than grout lines that fall halfway down the tile.
Regrouting is the best option when tiles and grout begin to show signs of discoloration or the stains are so deep that they cannot be removed. As grout ages, it naturally deviates from its original color. If the white grout turns yellow or is covered with stains, you must regrout very soon.