Can you paint over grey grout?

Author: Emmet Konopelski  |  Last update: Monday, January 26, 2026

It's highly recommended to never, ever paint over discolored grout. As it pertains to many do-it-yourself projects, a fresh coat of paint can do wonders! If you have ever listed your home for sale, you likely received this advice from your listing agent.

How do you cover GREY grout?

How to Change Grout Color With a Colorant
  1. Scrub the Grout Lines. Use a commercial grout cleaner to thoroughly scrub the grout lines with a small stiff scrub brush. ...
  2. Test the Colorant. ...
  3. Clean and Rinse the Tile and Grout. ...
  4. Mask Off the Tile Surfaces (Optional) ...
  5. Apply Colorant. ...
  6. Wipe Off Excess Colorant. ...
  7. Seal, if Necessary.

Is painting grout a good idea?

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.

Can I paint grey grout white?

Ideally, you'd remove the existing grout and replace it. But realistically, you can just paint over it. You need a good, oil based paint that will grab and even sink into the surface. Latex paint will just sit on the surface and eventually peel off.

What paint will stick to grout?

In contrary to ordinary wall paints, which tend to peel off or flake, the epoxy paint which is available in many colours will stick; however, a second coat may be needed. Tile grout paint is recommended only for sealed or glazed tiles, but not for the unfinished or raw tiles such as terracotta or natural stone tiles.

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What is the easiest way to paint grout?

DON'T rush the job

Painting grout takes patience and a steady hand. Apply grout paint with a tiny brush — trim the bristles a bit for greater control. Or pour some paint into a crafts store applicator squeeze bottle, and squirt it onto the grout, then spread it with your fingertip.

Can you paint over old tile grout?

The short answer is yes, just like painting tile backsplash, it is entirely possible to paint grout lines so long as you prepare the surface properly first and use the right type of paint – just as when painting kitchen tile or painting bathroom tile.

How to change grey grout to white?

Another way to change grout color is to replace it entirely.

First using the power tool, then the flathead screwdriver and utility knife, then the shop vac, remove the grout from between the tiles. After you're finished, replace the grout with the tile grout color you've selected.

How long does grout paint last?

Answer: 3 to 5 years.

Are grout pens any good?

Grout pens will only temporarily cover your grout's discoloration. That's probably why they are the cheapest option available. We run into the infamous grout pen issue nearly every other week. The project usually goes awry when the homeowner applies the grout pen to the grout and some bleeds over onto the tile.

Can you buy grout paint?

Essential Perfect Grout is a high-quality grout paint from StoneCare4U and comes in ten colours. Applied, using a sponge it is a grout restorer that is starting to become well known in DIY circles as well as the trade.

Should you seal grout paint?

Grouting paint suits most grout types, allowing you to breathe new life into your tiles. You must clean your old grout well before applying grout paint, and to ensure an aesthetically pleasing and protected finish, you should use a coloured grout sealer.

Is it expensive to redo grout?

Most homeowners spend between $600 and $2,500. If looking at the grout in your shower makes you want to bathe in the dark, it might be time to get it replaced. On average, the cost to regrout a shower is between $600 and $2,500 (or $10 to $25 per square foot).

Can grout be painted to change color?

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.

What is the benefit of grey grout?

Using grey grout is a simple and affordable way to quickly add some wow-factor to a room. Another benefit to grey grout is that it can be a saviour for tiles in high traffic areas that are prone to dirt and debris, grey grout will mask this so you don't feel the need to clean the tiled area every day.

What kind of paint can I use on grout?

ANSWER - You should not use a latex paint over your existing grout joints, because it won't provide adequate coverage over the existing color, nor will it last. There are special products called "Grout Colorants" made for painting over grout joints that are epoxy based.

Is it better to regrout or paint 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.

Does grout paint look good?

Grout paint that you can buy from your local hardware store may look good on the surface for a short while but it lacks the quality and longevity a high-quality product provides.

How do you paint grey grout white?

Paint Grout

Apply the grout paint with long strokes. Paint one coat over the whole surface and clean as you go. Let dry completely, according to the manufacturer's recommendations. Then complete a second coat and a third if needed.

Can you change the color of grout without replacing it?

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.

Why does my grey grout look white?

The most common reason is moisture from the ground below the slab, but grout may also turn white from the rain in outdoor installations, or in rare cases from water used to clean the floor.

Does grout paint come off tile?

Step 4: Wipe excess paint off of tile

I would wait at least 20-30 minutes to apply the next coat. When it comes to DIY, I have found that using grout paint is honestly fool proof! Even if you missed some of the paint and it dries on the tile, you can go back and scrape it off with your nail!

Should grout be lighter or darker than tile?

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.

What happens if you put new grout over old grout?

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.

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