The easiest and most effective way to change grout color without removing it is by applying a grout colorant or stain. These specialized epoxy-based acrylic formulas act like an opaque paint and sealer in one, permanently recoloring the grout lines while locking out moisture and stains.
Use a grout pen/dye
This method is slightly easier as you don't have to remove all the grout. Instead, you're drying the grout that's already there. This means that the grout needs to be in good condition. Check for any chipped areas or parts where the grout is crumbling before you start to dye it.
The easiest way to change grout color is to stain it.
Once you've cleaned your grout and chosen the right stain, you simply paint the dry grout with the stain and paintbrush, allow it to dry, and clean off the excess.
Yes, you can absolutely change the color of your existing grout, but you should not apply a new layer of cement-based grout directly over the old one. If you try to smear new cement grout on top, it will lack the depth required to bond properly and will quickly crack, chip, and flake away.
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.
Yes, Dawn dish soap is excellent for cleaning grout because its gentle, grease-cutting formula will not strip sealers or discolor tile. For everyday maintenance, simply mix a dime-sized squirt of Blue Dawn in a 32-oz spray bottle of warm water. For tougher grime, you can upgrade to a deeper-cleaning DIY mixture.
Grout recoloring will save you time and effort by repelling soil and stains, making cleaning easier. The pigmented sealer will last up to ten times longer than standard sealer, offering the highest protection level. Grout recoloring can change your tile's look, saving you money on costly remodels.
Grout Paints
With good preparation of the existing grout, a color seal application can last a few months to a few years depending on the severity of use. Color seal failure will occur fastest in areas subjected to water and foot traffic … shower enclosures and kitchen and bath floors.
No, you cannot simply apply a new layer of grout directly over existing grout. Because grout is porous and thin layers cannot bond to a cured, dirty surface, the new grout will crack, crumble, and flake out almost immediately.
Builders often skip sealing grout to cut costs, save time, and avoid returning to the job site. Additionally, many modern polymer-modified grouts are stain-resistant, and sealing un-cured grout can trap moisture. Some installers even use it as an upsell or exclude it because sealing can leave a hazy film on certain tiles.
Grout pens absolutely work, but they are a cosmetic cover-up (like a paint marker for your grout) rather than a deep cleaner or structural fix. They are highly effective for hiding permanent stains, making dingy tile look brand new, and temporarily testing out a new grout color.
Changing grout color costs between $20 and $400+, depending entirely on your approach. The most affordable method is a DIY colorant, whereas professional regrouting and color-sealing are significantly more expensive.
Highly caustic or acidic cleaners like vinegar will stain and slowly corrode grout and tile finishes.
Yes, grout paint (often called a grout colorant or refresh) works incredibly well. It is a highly effective, budget-friendly DIY solution to transform the color of existing grout or cover up stubborn stains without the hassle or expense of regrouting.
Most grouts take 24-72 hours to set and become completely dry. Exactly how long it takes for grout to set depends on the type of grout you're using and the atmospheric conditions in the room.
Grouting mistakes make your tile project look less than perfect—despite all of your hard work. Common errors include adding too much water to the grout mix, holding the grout tools wrong, and neglecting timing.
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. To remove the top layer of grout, simply chip out the old grout to a depth of at least 2mm (about the thickness of two dimes together).
Yes, applying a second coat of grout is entirely possible, but you must take proper precautions to prevent the new layer from chipping or flaking off.
Yes, you can absolutely change the color of your existing grout, but you should not apply a new layer of cement-based grout directly over the old one. If you try to smear new cement grout on top, it will lack the depth required to bond properly and will quickly crack, chip, and flake away.
If your grout is crumbling and your tiles are loose, it's time to regrout your shower. Aside from the aesthetic benefits of regrouting a shower, which is so badly soiled, that it cannot be renewed with cleaning, regrouting is more often for showers with crumbling grout and loose tiles.
Epoxy grout is incredibly durable and stain-resistant, but it comes with notable drawbacks. Its primary disadvantages include a much higher price tag, a challenging and unforgiving installation process that sets rapidly, potential yellowing over time, and a slightly plastic-like appearance that may clash with natural stone.
Changing grout color costs between $20 and $400+, depending entirely on your approach. The most affordable method is a DIY colorant, whereas professional regrouting and color-sealing are significantly more expensive.
Builders often skip sealing grout to cut costs, save time, and avoid returning to the job site. Additionally, many modern polymer-modified grouts are stain-resistant, and sealing un-cured grout can trap moisture. Some installers even use it as an upsell or exclude it because sealing can leave a hazy film on certain tiles.
Yes, you can paint grout, but you should use products specifically formulated for it rather than general wall paint. Using dedicated grout paint or a grout pen provides excellent mold resistance and waterproof sealing, ensuring it won't easily flake or peel.