How to Update Dingy Floor Tile With a Grout Pen

Emily Rone Home
by Emily Rone Home
3 Materials
$15
1 Hour
Easy

Read on to learn how to update your dated, dingy tile with ONE product under $15 in less than 30 mins! It’s called a grout pen...


Yes, you read that right. This is considered a quick “phase 1” fix, but I’m all for something cheap and easy that improves the overall appearance of a room. I have biiiiig plans for our master bathroom, but not a big budget right now. So quick and easy phase one fix it is.

STEP 1: Clean your floors

This step is the most time consuming. You need to make sure and use something that will clean the grout well. You want to remove any dirt, dust, or buildup that would interfere with the application of the grout pen product. I used the drill brushes and hot water, powdered Tide and bleach to clean the whole tiled floor in the bathroom. You may need a toothbrush to really get in the grout if necessary.

STEP 2: Prep the grout pen

You want to shake the pen, and “prime” the tip by pressing down and holding for about 20 sec to get the paint flowing. Also, make sure and give the grout plenty of time to dry before application!


STEP 3: Apply product to grout lines

Run the pen along your grout lines to trace them. It comes out in a paint-like texture but works like a marker. Don’t press too hard, you’ll dull and damage the tip. If it’s primed well and the paint is flowing, you shouldn’t have to press too hard. As you work, if you get paint on the tile simply wipe it off with a lightly damp paper towel or rag. Note the grout pen comes in two sizes (I got the larger of the two, but there is a smaller one for narrower grout lines too), and multiple colors. I think white creates a clean and bright look that helps to brighten the look of the dated and dingy tile.

And that’s it! You’re done. Wasn’t that easy? My kind of project, big bang for a little buck in no time. Let me know if you use this product and how yours turns out! I’ve seen it used in bathrooms, kitchens, sunrooms, really anywhere with dated tile you want to brighten!

Did you enjoy this post? If so, read more about some of my other favorite budget friendly products great for beginners to DIY including:

Gel stain to remodel front door

Gel stain to create modern house numbers

Paint 101

Custom, affordable chalk style paint

Affordable Home Upgrades

Explore additional easy and budget friendly home updates in our comprehensive article on Home Improvements That Look Like They Cost Thousands.


Suggested materials:
  • Tile cleaner
  • Brush
  • Grout pen
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  • Baxter Baxter on Jan 23, 2022

    Great job on your floor! After I tried everything to clean the stained grout in our newly purchased home, I decided to paint the grout using Mapei Grout Refresh (sold at Lowes and Amazon). Since I wanted a darker gray than what was offered, I added black acrylic paint to the Mapei to get the color I wanted. Simple to use and the Mapei Refresh has built in sealer so no sealer coat was needed. That was 3 years ago and the grout still looks brand new, even with regular steam mopping and normal floor scrubbing.

  • Dee Dee on Dec 23, 2022

    You can easily change your grout color to almost any color you want. Amazon, Floor and Decor and Home Depot sell a product from Mapei called grout refresh. It has a sealer in it. The work is tedious but not hard. I did this on 2 bathrooms at least 10 years ago and it still looks brand spanking new.

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