Can you apply a new layer of grout on top of a previous layer?
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Bca1221108
+7
It's in my shower
8 answers
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While you can always do that, not suggested. Grout is really only Portland cement with some special additives and colors added. Its strength relies on it being set into the groove between each tile and can easily chip off if placed on the surface of older grout. In addition the older grout should have sealer on it which prevents things such as dirt and in this case grout from sticking to it. There are a few ways to prepare the walls. One is manual the other is electrical. You can use a hand tool called a grout saw, which is nothing more than a screwdriver type handle with a small blade attached on the other end. Sort of a tooth brush deal. You simply rub it back and fourth between each tile and it grinds out the old grout to below the surface creating a new place for the grout to be pushed into. Its a bit tedious to do as it does take some elbow grease, but it works well if your only looking to do a small area or if you have plenty of time to do the entire wall. The other method is to use a Dremel tool, that little grinder that people use for sanding and routing wood etc. They make a special grinder just for grout. But fair warning, while it works pretty fast, you will go though a few of these blades. And most important, its dusty like anything. You will need to use a shop vacuum with a good quality fine dust filter while you do this. If not, you will be spending all the time you saved cleaning up everything. Once you have removed the old grout take a sponge and wet it with grout sealer. Then wipe the tile down to help remove the dust. Let dry. Than put on the new grout. Using the sealer will aid in removal of the grout haze once your done grouting the wall. If you decide to only do the areas that need repair and re-grout the just those areas, you will find that the new and old grout will not match. They make special stains that you can use to blend them so it all looks the same. Purchase these at good quality tile stores.
Woodbridge Environmental Tiptophouse.com
on Feb 02, 2015
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No.. you must clean it out and reapply or youll have the same promblem or worse...
Lisa Blunt
on Feb 02, 2015
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I agree...its a pain in the bum, but the old has to come out. However, the big box stores make a tool to make it easier.
Becky
on Feb 02, 2015
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no-u must clean ut the old grout with a small screwdriver or utility knife!!
Louis Lieberman
on Feb 02, 2015
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Agree, old grout has go to go. Dremel makes a tool that has a grout saw attachment. I've used it. It works great.
Montina Burt
on Feb 02, 2015
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can you put shellac on the old grout, then add the new over the old?
Stormie Remus
on Feb 02, 2015
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Woodbridge Environmental Thank you for your ans. to my question :) Stormie
Stormie Remus
on Feb 02, 2015
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I cleaned grout out with a dremel tool and a grout remover attachment. It was a pain, but when I was all finished, it looked great. It makes everything dusty, so wear eye protection, and some gloves are useful, too.
Dana Rogers Spear
on Jan 22, 2016
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