How can I redo my ugly grout?
by
Kathie
+3
I am still trying to find a solution for my floor tile grout. The “installer” made it too wide, uneven and did not seal it so it’s really ugly. I would like to make it white. Can I just grout over it?
Suggested Project Book
You'd most likely have to dig it out, then replace. I'd strongly advise against white as a grout color, because it readily shows dirt. Very soft grey or creme colors are alternate colors, with less dirt showing potential.
No, it will be thin and crack out. What color is grout? Can you bleach it out? Use Tilex, let it sit for at least an hour, then scrub it with soft scrub and a scrub brush. If that works the seal it. If not , then I would paint the grout with white semi gloss oil based paint. May take two coats. No sealer needed. I did mine 10 years ago, still looks good.
Did they just do it call him back to fix it
There are grout sealers available in "magic marker" type applicators. There are a few color choices including white. It's a pain in the back to crawl around coloring in the grout lines but it works very well. I changed a brown grout to white and many years later it was still going strong ---no peeling or fading.
If you're trying to downplay uneven and crooked grout lines be sure to match the grout color as close to the tile's background color as possible.
I had the same problem, and all I had to do was paint it with BIN 1-2-3 primer! Sooo easy! And it's in a bathroom, too, and has lasted a year so far! It wasn't difficult, I just spread it on with a 1/2" chip brush, took a damp rag to wipe off any excess from the edges of the tile, and viola! Perfectly white grout. I can touch it up any time I need to. I figured, what have I got to lose? The grout can always be dug out and replaced, but let's try the cheap easy way first. So glad I did, because it's working well.
I agree with Lynn in calling the idiot back who installed it incorrectly. Why let him off the hook and get away with shoddy workmanship. He got paid to do the job so let him fix it. Was he licensed? Then go after his license. This is totally acceptable and I despise when this happens. These so called contractors scam people all the time so don't let them get away with it for the next unsuspecting customer. He should stand behind his workmanship if he is legit. Get him back to fix it.