Using Too Much Grout It is surprisingly easy to get caught up in the moment and apply too much grout, without realizing it until the grout has set. If this happens, it can be fixed up to a week later by repeatedly wetting, scraping, and chiseling the grout in order to file it down and shape it.
In general, you need to wait 24 to 48 hours after installing tile before you can grout. Grouting too soon can cause many issues from tile damage to mold.
The grout can dry out as well as not seal which will allow water under it which in turn can cause damage to everything making up the floor including the tile and any other material (wood, the structure of the building) under it. Water causes damage to the structure of a building.
However, a common guideline is to wait approximately 15 to 30 minutes after applying the grout before wiping off the excess. This initial waiting period allows the grout to firm up and achieve a workable consistency.
If cleaning is not possible after 24 hours, then you should not leave your grout haze uncleaned for more than 10 days, otherwise, it will be even harder to remove. Finally, you need to be sure you have the right cleaner for your tile material. Acidic cleaners, for example, should not be used on stone.
On average I'd say 20-30 minutes. If you mixed the grout with lukewarm water and the room is 65 degrees and the tile is about the same, you should start seeing a haze forming on the tiles and the grout gets somewhat stiff. Wring all the water out of your sponge and try to barely touch the grout as you wipe it.
The gap you opt for will depend on a few factors: The size of tile you're using: smaller tiles often look great with thinner grout lines, around 2-3mm. For larger tiles or tiles with uneven edges, however, wider grout lines (3-5mm) can help with alignment and hide any imperfections.
Acidic Cleaners
Cleaners that have a high chemical pH or are acidic will begin to eat away at your grout and make it more fragile and porous. Stay away from cleaners that contain vinegar and citrus. This will eat away at the top layer of the grout and cause the need for replacing grout lines sooner.
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. You will need a grout removal tool, which is a small tool with a sharp blade capable of chipping away the grout.
There is no reason not to wait to apply grout, unless you have used a quick-set tile adhesive. The thin-set mortar needs time and air to properly set and cure for strong bonding. Improper curing can lead to a flaky adhesive, which will cause loose or failing tiles and bonds.
The short answer is, “no.” You cannot put new grout over old grout. With regard to filling in holes and cracks on the surfaces in our homes, we might compare grout repair to drywall repair. For holes in drywall, we would simply purchase spackle, and fill the hole in.
As with cementitious grouts, do not overmix or mix too quickly.
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.
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.
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.
The first non-rectified or pressed tile back has a regular border around the edges. This non-rectified tile has a regular outline around the edges. Compare that to the rectified tile below where the regular border isn't present on the side where the cutting or grinding took place. This is a tell-tale of rectification.
Tiles with a square edge need to have the grout finished flush with the tiled surface. Tiles with a cushion or radius edge should have the grout finished to the bottom of the cushion or radius.
While the general rule of thumb is to let the grout set for 15 to 30 minutes before wiping, factors such as temperature, humidity, and grout type can affect this timing.
Mildew can often show up as a yellowing of grout. Mold and mildew are fungal growths that thrive in damp and humid environments, while Serratia marcescens is a bacterium that is responsible for the pink or reddish-pink discoloration on grout and other surfaces.
Unsightly Grout Stains and Discoloration:
One of the most noticeable effects of neglected grout sealing is the gradual accumulation of stains and discoloration. Grout is porous by nature, which means it readily absorbs liquids, dirt, and debris.
Once you've activated the micro-scrubbers inside, your Magic Eraser is good to go. Start by swiping it firmly across the desired surface. In just a few swipes, you should start to see grout messes and buildup begin to disappear!
After cleaning, ensure the grout is completely dry before applying the sealer. It typically takes grout from 48 to 72 hours to dry thoroughly, depending on humidity and air circulation.
Homemade Grout Haze Remover
Add three to four parts of distilled white vinegar to one part of cool water in a spray bottle. Mix but do not shake. When using vinegar to remove grout haze, it's usually necessary to use a non-scratching scrubbing pad to boost the removal process.