Recommendations on how long to wait after grouting tile to shower range, but most of the time, 48 to 72 hours later, you can step into your like-new shower. Though it may feel dry to the touch before this, it takes grout that long to actually cure.
But typically, you will need to leave for at least 72 hours to make sure that the grout has cured properly and won't be compromised when exposed to water. But if you are using epoxy grout this only needs to be left for at least 24 hours.
Let dry for at least 8 hours
Finally let the shower wall or floor grout to dry for a minimum of 8 hours before getting this area wet and using the bathroom again.
New grout can take 24 or even 48 hours before it dries completely. It depends on the humidity and temperature in the room where the grout is installed. While grout manufacturers no doubt try to get the color stripe on the bags to be a true representation of the color of the dried grout, you can't count on that.
Grout that hasn't dried properly or gets wet before it cures may also allow water to seep into the gaps and behind tiles. Plus, if grout isn't given sufficient time to cure before sealing it, it may flake or peel.
Remove Excess Grout Using Sponge
This time, make sure there is no excess grout on the tile's surface or beyond the grout line. Rinse the sponge you are using in a bucket of water and change as needed as you clean off any excess. Then leave the grout to dry overnight.
Up to 72 hours of drying time are necessary for grout to cure. However, there are several factors that could affect the actual time required. The environment (indoor or outdoor conditions), humidity levels, temperature, and even the kind of grout laid out all matter.
You'll want to wait at least 24 hours before taking a shower so the new seal has time to set. Consider testing your seal by spraying water against your new grout. If some parts of the grout absorb the water, you may want to revisit that spot later on.
You can run a dehumidifier, an air conditioner or an electric fan to help keep humidity levels low as the grout dries.
Once the grout has started to harden (20 to 30 minutes), begin sponging. Don't use just any sponge, especially one from the kitchen; choose a “hydrophilic” sponge. Make sure the sponge is damp, not wet, and sweep diagonally across the face of the tile and wipe the grout off the tile surface.
Another question on your mind may be, why use grout in the bathroom and kitchen if it's not waterproof? Even though grout isn't waterproof, it has a solid, rigid structure that will hold up to water. In fact, if the grout is mixed correctly, it can be exposed to water for decades without showing signs of damage.
Porous grouts attract water, dirt, oils, etc. While the tile industry does not require sealing, it is always recommended, especially in wet or high-traffic areas. Penetrating sealers are the most commonly used and offer high water, chemical and stain resistance.
But do you need to seal tile grout in the shower? The grout in your shower should always be sealed; this will block any moisture that could easily enter the very porous material. A sealer will prevent water from becoming stuck behind the tile and grout, forming mold and mildew.
Your grout to become water-damaged, subflooring to become water-logged, and possibly harbor mold, as well as tile breaking loose. Water damage affecting tile and grout can cause discoloration, stains, mold growth, and more.
Epoxy Grout is: Waterproof, durable, stain- and shrink-resistant. The best grout for a backsplash, shower surround and other surfaces susceptible to moisture or stains.
The most common reason grout crumbles and disintegrates with minimal force is water - too much water. Virtually all powdered wall and sanded floor grouts are made from Portland cement. Some grouts have additives, such as powdered latex or acrylic modifiers, that make them bond even better.
Shrinkage. When cement-based, unsanded grout dries, it shrinks – and it can pull away from tiles. Adding sand to the grouting mix ensures that the material doesn't shrink as much. This is because the ratio of aggregate material to cement is much higher.
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.
Luigi's Answer: Under certain circumstances, a white powder can form on grout, especially on floor tiles. This is a natural phenomenon known as efflorescence. It is due to soluble salts rising to the surface of a cement based product. When they dry out on the surface, the remaining salts appear white and powdery.
As go-to grout and tile care specialists, The Grout Medic truly wants what is best for your tile. Waiting too long to wipe grout could result in unsightly grout haze. Don't wait too long to wipe off grout!
This is why you should consider regrouting shower tiles every six months. This is a quick and budget-friendly fix that can restore your bathroom's previous glow immediately. You should know that you need to call in a professional to do the tile regrouting for you.
If you notice a haze of grout left on the tiles post installation, either buff it off with a dry soft towel or undertake one final clean. Grout Haze is generally easy to remove within 48 hours of grout application.
Just by diligently wiping down the surface with a wet sponge, the haze will remain and won't come off. Will Vinegar Remove Grout Haze? Yes, vinegar remove grout haze.
High-traffic floor grout: Should be sealed every six months to one year. Guest bath and shower grout: Should be sealed every year or two, depending on frequency of use. Backsplash grout: Backsplashes in high-traffic areas should be sealed once yearly on average.