No one will argue that tiles in entranceways, kitchens and bathrooms are not only good looking but also practical, hard wearing and low maintenance. However, no matter where tiles are installed they all have one common flaw - the grout that helps hold them in place.
Since tile grout is porous, it tends to catch and hold dirt and water. They slide off the much harder (and non-porous) tile surfaces and onto the grout. Even worse, grout can crack, leaving unsightly gaps between the tiles. Once that happens, you'll need to remove some of your existing grout to restore your tile’s original appearance.
Getting old grout out of the seams
Grout isn’t designed to be removed, so getting it out is a time consuming, messy job. It definitely requires some sweat equity. For your new grout to get a solid grip, you'll need to remove the old grout to at least 3/16” below the tile surface. Getting the old grout out is the hardest part of this restoration, but you do have some options on how to go about it. How much sweat equity you need to invest will depend on the option you choose.
Grout removal options
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Hammer and cold chisel or old Flathead screwdriver. This is the old tried-and-true way to chip out grout. Hold the chisel or screwdriver at a 45-degree angle to the grout and just chip out the old grout by tapping on the handle. Once you get the first piece out, back up and chisel towards the gap. Getting rid of grout this way takes lots of time, but it works and if you work carefully, you’re not likely to damage any of the surrounding tiles.
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Grout removal tool. This is essentially a metal rod with a triangular shaped carbide or diamond cutting blade on the tip. These tools are inexpensive (probably less than $20) and available at most home stores or tile stores. You place the triangular tip into a grout line and push the tool forward so the tip cuts through the old grout. You do need to apply a lot of pressure to cut through the grout, and if the tool slips, it can cause lots of damage to the surrounding tiles.
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The quickest and easiest way to get grout out is with a rotary tools (like as a Dremelâ tool) equipped with an attachment specially designed to cut grout. You simply guide the tool along the grout lines, making quick work of removing the grout. Although fast, this creates quite a bit of dust and mess and if the tool happens to slip out of the grout line, surrounding tiles can be ruined.
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No matter which option you choose be sure to wear safety glasses and if you go with the rotary tool, wear a dust mask as well.
Replacing your grout
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Use a vacuum and a damp cloth to get all the dust and any loose pieces out of the grout lines.
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Mix a batch of new grout in a clean bucket following the package directions. (Be sure you’re got unsanded grout if you have any grout lines 1/8" or less). Your mixed grout should have a consistency similar to cake icing – peanut butter is too thick.
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Using a rubber-backed grout float, apply the grout working across the grout lines at a 30 to 45 degree angle. Be sure to press the grout well down into the cracks, (if there are some places the float can’t get into easily, use your hands to press in the grout).
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Once all the grout lines have been filled, hold the float at 90-degree angle to the lines and wipe away as much excess grout as you can.
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Let the grout set up for about 15 minutes (read the package directions), then using a well dampened grout sponge and a clean bucket of water wipe the entire surface. Keep rinsing the sponge to make sure you’re wiping with a clean surface and you’re actually removing the excess grout, not just smearing it around.
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After the first wiping/rinsing, you can pack the grout down into the cracks and give it a nice finished appearance by gently sliding the handle of a toothbrush along the lines.
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Now, give the whole surface another wipe, using your damp (not soaked this time) clean sponge.
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All that’s left is to let your grout set up overnight then give it a final wipe with a clean dry cloth or sponge to get rid of any leftover grout haze.
Let your new grout set up for 4 or 5 days and then give it some protection against dirt and stains by applying a grout sealer. Now just stand back and admire your new tiles.
Now that you’ve applied the grout, learn how to clean it.
See what’s being said in the forums about grout restoration.
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Murray Anderson is an experienced freelance writer with over 500 articles published on the web as well as in print magazines and newspapers in both the United States and Canada. He writes on a wide range of topics and is a regular contributor to DoItYourself.com.
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