If the existing tile grout has become dirty or discolored—or if you just want a new look—it is possible to change the color of the grout. Coloring grout freshens up the entire tile layout, all without having to replace the tile.
There are two ways you can change the colour of your grout. You can either remove the old and replace it with new, or you can dye your existing grout. The latter will only work if you currently have light grout and you want to dye it darker.
Changing grout color is an inexpensive DIY project. If you're painting the grout with a colorant, the supplies should cost you less than $40.
Should you paint your grout? Generally, no. In most cases, a professional tile and grout cleaning service can restore 85-95% of the original color, eliminating the need for painting. While painting grout can be a DIY project, it's usually better suited for small areas, like a bathroom, rather than larger spaces. In.
Yes new grout can be installed on old grout. Make sure the old grout is thoroughly cleaned and then wet before installation. I do this all the time. There is absolutely no need to start over and given the quality of the install you have had so far I would say that starting over might introduce more issues.
Before you decide to regrout, evaluate the state of the existing grout. If it's severely damaged, crumbling, or has mold, it may be necessary to remove it entirely.
Choosing the correct grout is a basic step in the process of regrouting over existing grout. The most common grout types are cementitious (which is unsanded or sanded) or epoxy (which is also sanded or unsanded).
How To Change Grout Color: Re-Paint Existing Grout. Painting your existing grout with a special colorant is the least labor-intensive method. You'll need a bottle of grout colorant of your preferred color; Upton recommends Mapei. You'll also need a small brush and a microfiber cloth.
If you're trying to unify your tile, such as with a wood look tile floor, go for a close match that's a little bit lighter than your tile. If you want to highlight a color or accent in your tile, like the gray veins in a marble tile, go for a close match, or a bit darker than that shade in your tile.
Color sealing your grout may be a recent innovation, but it is certainly not just a fad. Quality color sealers repel oil and water-based liquids, which will prevent food and beverage stains. In addition, they contain constant acting mildewcides and other agents that inhibit the growth of bacteria and mildew.
The average cost to regrout a shower ranges between $900 and $2,500. Key factors that affect the cost include the shower's dimensions, the type of grout used—such as high-quality epoxy grout known for its mould and stain resistance—and the labor involved in removing the old grout.
With sufficient maintenance and care, your grout color sealer can last up to ten years or even more. Apart from maintenance, your grout's lifespan also depends on the type of product. To keep it clean and crisp, avoid using solvent-based paint strippers to the tile as they can remove the grout paint.
The white tile with gray grout combination is perfect for a subtle look. Our design pros recommend using this combination when you want to draw attention to another aspect of your space. It has the effect of blending into the background while still appearing like a very intentional design choice.
This really works! The grouting around the tiles in our kitchen and bathroom was looking very tried with several black damp spots. The grout pen covered it all in one coat and was very simple and quick to use. We added an extra coat on the very stained sections and now it all looks like fresh grouting.
However, the grout issue remains the same as that of ceramic tiles. Impact on Grout: Even a single application of vinegar can begin to break down the sealant on your grout. As the sealant degrades, dirt and moisture penetrate, leading to discoloration and staining.
Paint Over the Tiles
You can make them any color you want from calming blue to classic white. Yellow, orange, and green are also great hues for invigorating and engaging aesthetics. Clean and sand the tile, apply a layer or two of primer, and let it dry. Add an epoxy or two-process paint layer with a roller.
White and black are two of the most common tile grout colors. Shades of gray, brown, beige and mossy green are also popular choices. There are even more colors available, depending on what you need.
Recoloring tile joints involves painting a grout colorant onto the grout. Colorants are usually a blend of colorant and sealer. Application is a matter of simply painting the material onto the thoroughly cleaned grout lines with a stiff brush. Best for glazed ceramic or porcelain tiles.
Tile with dark grout is becoming increasingly popular in many design styles, from modern farmhouse bathroom walls to minimalistic kitchen backsplashes.
If you're considering painting over your tile's grout, please don't do it! You'll most likely end up with a re-grouting and possible tile replacement project as a result.
Replacing grout is certainly one way to fix the problem. Instead, use UltraCare Grout Refresh, a water-based color seal, available in 40 standard grout colors. It's made for refreshing the look of old, discolored grout, or completely changing the color of the existing grout.
Grout has mold or mildew issues
Eliminate mold by removing the old caulk and regrouting the tile, there is no other way. Re-grouting tile eliminates residue of mold or mildew (assuming the mold is not coming from the subfloor) as well as old stains, and it can prolong the lifespan of your tile floor.
You can apply new grout right over the top of the old grout. To do this, all you need is a grout removal tool. Use the tool to strike out the old grout, making sure the depth is at least 2mm, which is about the thickness of two dimes stacked one on top of the other.
Jim Whitfield, manager of Technical Services at Mapei told industry professionals, “Because epoxy grout is so tough, it wears extremely well. It doesn't wear down over time and become a tile gutter—like cement grout can—where all the dirt and liquid and junk collects.”
A dedicated grout rake or a Stanley blade is best for removing existing grout. Grout rakes can be both mechanical and electric. Any electric grout rake is usually 240V and has variable speeds. The Rubi Grout Remover helps to remove grout surrounding ceramic and porcelain tiles.