How to Make Old Tile Grout Like New

Sometimes aging grout between ceramic tiles can make surfaces look old and ugly. Badly broken grout is best removed, but if the grout is only worn and discolored, you can simply paint the grout to rejuvenate the surface and make it look great. Here are some instructions on how to paint grout so it looks like new.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Scrub clean the grout between your ceramic tiles.

2. 
    
   Use cotton tips for cleaning small spaces.

   Clean the joints with a sulfamic acid cleaner or a tile haze cleaner.

3. Make sure any unglazed tiles are sealed.

4. 
    
   Apply grout colorant/sealer paint

   Apply a grout colorant/sealer paint as a small, thin bead down the center of the grout line and work it in with a toothbrush, stiff brush or a cotton tip.

5. 
    
   Clean grout off of tile edges.

   Clean any paint cleaned from the edges of the tile as you go along. Avoid solvent-based cleaners. Instead use a tile cleaner and a clean rag.

6. Work small areas at a time.

7. 
    
   Painted grout looks like new.

   The paint should be dry within 24 hours but avoid getting the area wet for 72 hours. It is best not to scrub the grout hard in the future.

8. 
    
   Painting grout is inexpensive and extends the life of your tile.

   A bottle of grout colorant/sealant will probably only cost around $10 and can revitalize your old tiled area so it looks like you’ve spent hundreds of dollars. Grout renewal will usually last at least five years. There’s no easier or cheaper way to make old tile grout look like new.

[tamby2112]

on 5/18/2009 I love this. I am doing this in my kids bathroom for sure before they make it look awful! Thanks! 5*s

[QueenofMisc]

on 5/13/2009 Great tips and very informative article! :-)

[ReuseItAll]

on 5/13/2009 This is a terrific how to for any homeowner!!! Dingy grout is frustrating!! Its embarrassing to share but back in college, not knowing any better, I took HOUSE PAINT and with a little brush painted all of the grout in my bathroom!!! It turned out great but was not the proper way of doing it!! Thanks for teaching readers the correct way with the right product!!