You'll do far less work when you apply new grout over old grout and you will use less grout. When selecting the grout you want to use, epoxy grout is a good choice. You don't have to remove all of your old grout to apply the new grout. The new grout can be applied right over the top of the existing grout.
Removing the old grout is essential for the best results, as applying new grout over the old can lead to poor adhesion and reduced longevity. For cleaning, a non-abrasive paste made from baking soda and water works well, especially on enamel surfaces. Ensure the area is completely dry before starting to re-grout.
Whoever installed your floors most likely did not seal the grout because it needs time to harden and cure completely.
If the tiles themselves are damaged, retiling is the better option. You might also spring for new tiles as part of a full bathroom remodel. If the tiles are still in good condition, but the grout is chipping or discolored, regrouting is a cost-effective alternative.
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.
Tiling is a great way to improve your home, but you may have to replace grout every 8-10 years.
There are a number of factors that can cause cracks and issues in the grout. But if cared for properly, grout can last for up to twenty years.
If you've tried cleaning your grout and restoring it with a grout pen, but you're still unhappy with the look of the grout, the other option is to remove it and replace it with new grout. Check out our video with advice for re-grouting tiles.
As mentioned earlier, the specific recommended waiting time for grout to set and dry will vary based on the product and brand you are using. However, a common guideline is to wait approximately 15 to 30 minutes after applying the grout before wiping off the excess.
Acrylic Grout: Acrylic grout is a great option for wet areas like decks and showers. It's intended to be mildew-resistant and retains its color well. Epoxy Grout: Epoxy grout is less do-it-yourself-friendly than other types.
It is important not to leave any excess sealer on the tile surface because it won't get absorbed and it can leave a sticky surface that can become a maintenance problem.
Poor adhesion: If you choose to regrout over old grout, the new grout may not bond well to the old grout, leading to a less durable finish. Sloppy appearance: The end result of regrouting over old grout might not be as aesthetically pleasing, because the new grout layer can appear uneven.
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.
epoxy grout is a great choice when you are ready to re-grout a tile project.
To grout over top of old grout, your best results will be with epoxy over cement grout. Epoxy bonds faster and forms a stronger bond than cement grout, so it will adhere better.
Excess Grout
Grout protruding from between your tiles is a clear sign of an amateur or rushed installation job. If the grout hasn't fully hardened, you can scrape it out with a wooden, preferably oak, stick. This will remove the grout without scratching the tiles.
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.
Check the color and condition in some of the higher-traffic areas of the room. If you notice any chipping or cracking in the grout, it won't respond well to cleaning and will most likely just break apart if you try to clean it with any kind of physical force.
That's why you take care to apply grout in an even layer, making sure there are no air pockets or gaps. If you accidentally apply too much grout on your tile, or if the grout isn't mixed properly and dries unevenly, you might be left with a rough surface that's difficult to clean. If this happens to you, don't despair.
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 your grout lines have become dingy, dirty, or stained, then cleaning them is a better alternative than re-grouting. In this article, we'll help you determine when re-grouting might be needed versus when grout cleaning will do the trick.