Re-grouting bathroom tile for a like new look
House Fix-up Advertising
Top Fix-up Articles:
Painting creates a new palette
Besides cleaning, painting is one of the least expensive, major fix-up jobs you can do to improve the appearance of your house. If your walls haven’t been painted in the last 2 years, your house will benefit from a new paint job.
A new faucet is better than trying to fix an old one
Kitchens and bathrooms are 2 very important rooms when it comes to selling your house. Even if the budget won't allow you to update these rooms completely, sometimes a new faucet may be just the trick to give that tired kitchen or bath a bit of a lift..
Home >
Fixing old and stained tile grout
Re-grouting can help old tile look like new
Many times old ceramic bathroom tiles are still in good condition, but the grout looks bad. Instead of replacing these tiles, you may want to consider re-grouting the tiles for an almost new look.
Before you can apply new grout, you'll have to remove all of the grout, just remove the top layer, clean the area thoroughly, and then apply the new grout.
Applying the new grout is pretty easy. Removing the old grout is pretty labor intensive, but not beyond any handy person's skill level. The trick is to not damage the tile in the process of removing the grout.
There are some tools you can use, from the very basic, to the more expensive grinders. Personally, the very basic method is probably the fastest and safest if you're careful.
The tool for this basic method is using an old beer can opener. You know the kind with the sharp pointed tip that was used to punch a hole in the lid. Another basic tool similar to the can opener is a carbide tipped tool that looks much like the old beer can opener. It's called Sandvik Paint Scraper.
Another option is to purchase a grout saw
As you can probably guess, the point of the scrapper or opener is dragged down through the grout line using firm pressure. This removes just about the right amount of grout. Just be careful to keep the point in the grout groove and not let it slip across the ceramic tile as this might scratch the surface.
The other method is to use a Dremmel Tool with a small carbide tip. Extreme care with the carbide bit as it will easily scratch the ceramic tile surface. So go slow and wear a dust mask.
Removing the grout
The grout-removal process is simple, but messy. Before you start, remove everything from the bathroom you don't want full of grit, and tape a sheet of plastic over the doorway to separate the work area from the rest of the house.
Cover the tub or shower with a drop cloth so that you don't grind the grit into the tub and damage the finish. Wear a dust mask and eye protection.
Once the grout has been removed, clean up the debris. Using a solution of phosphoric acid, rinse the tiles (caution: wear rubber gloves and don't let the phosphoric acid get on the shower glass).
Applying new grout
Use a latex-modified grout, which increases bond strength, allows for some movement, and resists water penetration. Use a rubber-faced trowel or grout float - available at tiles stores and building supply stores (i.e. Lowes, Home Depot) to spread the grout.
As you apply the grout across the surface of the tile, work it into the joints. Work on an area no larger than a few square feet to keep the grout from hardening before you have a change to wipe away the excess.
Use the rubber trowel to scoop up the excess grout from the face of tiles, and then use a damp sponge to get rid of the residue. Do not wipe excessively or you may wind up remove the grout from the joints. Keep the sponge clean by rinsing it often in cold water. Follow the label directions on the grout for setting times and when you can apply a sealant.