How to Re-grout and Reseal Ceramic Tile

Is the grout on your tile floor, countertop or backsplash badly stained, cracked or missing altogether? You can have it looking like new in no time.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Brushes
• Grout Sealer
• Sponges
• Tile Grout
• Vacuums
• Utility Knife Or Awl
• Awl
• Awl
• Sponges

1. Buy a grout to match the existing grout color along with grout sealer. You'll find the best selection of colors at home centers, lumberyards or tile-supply stores. Some come premixed, but with most you just follow the manufacturer's mixing instructions. Choose a mildew-resistant grout.

2. Pry out old grout with a utility knife. Work carefully to avoid chipping or dislodging tiles, and wear safety goggles; grout can pop loose.

3. Vacuum or brush dust and dirt from grout lines (also known as joints). The grout lines can be dressed up even more with a cleaner if need be.

4. Mix your grout according to the manufacturer's instructions and work it into joints with a grout float, or if you are only repairing a small area, use your finger.

5. Wipe excess grout from the joint with a damp sponge, smoothing the grout to match existing joints.

6. Clean any grout from the tops of the tiles with the sponge.

7. Rinse your sponge often to speed the cleaning process.

8. Allow the grout to dry (this usually takes several hours at least, but overnight may be best). Follow the manufacturer's instructions.

9. Brush grout sealer onto the new dry grout. Sealing grout prevents it from absorbing water.

Tips & Warnings

• If grout lines have cracked in wet areas, water may have seeped through to the drywall or to the substrate below.

[MrClean_312]

on 1/10/2007 May I reiterate what has already been said. The Dremel tool creates a major problem with dust that is even finer than drywall dust.

on 11/22/2005 Always work diagonally to the joints, both when applying grout and when cleaning. This prevents pulling the grout out of the joint.

on 11/22/2005 Make sure you use a "float". I had no idea what it was (being a woman). Just go to the store and ask for one in the tile isle. It makes grouting soooo much easier, especially for the corners, and the tiles flush with the wall. Use the edges of the tool to push the grout into the grooves.

on 11/22/2005 The Dremel Grout Removal Kit is really great, but be sure that you wear all the safety equipment they recommend. The face mask, eye protection (it does occasionally throw little chunks right into your eye), and have a shop vac handy for all the dust. You can't, however, get the bottom inch of grout right by a tub surface without removing the little guide. Good luck!

on 11/22/2005 I used my Dremel to remove old grout. You can buy a special bit for this job, but when using it in the bathroom, be aware that the smallest bit may be too large for the grout line and you may chew through the tile. Use eye protection!!