How to Add Color to Grout

If making tile mosaics is a hobby you enjoy or would like to learn, consider learning how to color your own grout. Colored grout chalks are readily available at most craft stores, but when you color grout yourself, the possibilities of different colors are essentially endless. The two main options of adding color to grout are mixing paint in with wet grout mix, or painting the grout after it has dried. Both techniques are simple to learn, so try both to see what works best for you.

Things You'll Need

• Grout mixture
• 2 oz. bottles acrylic paint
• 2 oz. bottle of white acrylic paint
• Art paint brushes
• Paint stirring stick

Instructions

Grout Mix Method

1. Mix the grout according to the directions listed on the package. Each type of grout may have slightly different directions, so follow them closely.

2. Stop mixing when the texture is still crumbly, but near the consistency of peanut butter.

3. Add a full bottle of paint to the grout. Mix it up until the color is mixed evenly. It normally takes a full 2-oz. bottle of paint to add vibrant color to grout.

4. Check the color of the grout. If you want it to be brighter, add another bottle of paint. If you want the color lighter, add a little white paint at a time until you reach the desired color.

Painting Method

1. Dip a paint brush directly in the paint bottle. The size of brush needed depends on the piece of artwork you are painting.

2. Brush the paint on the grout. Add two layers to begin with.

3. Let the paint dry. Examine it closely to make sure it is even. Acrylic paint has a tendency to look splotchy when painted on grout, so it may take a few attempts until you are pleased with the results.

Tips & Warnings

• Use grout in the color Pure White for best results. Other types of white grouts have a yellow or grey tint.

References

• Mixing Grout
• Using Grout With Mosaics