How to Color White Grout

White grout is not always the best choice for a ceramic tile application. White gets dirty quickly, creates a stark contrast with some tile colors, and is particularly impractical in high traffic areas. Products created to stain grout work well on white grout. Most grout stains can be used for interior and exterior application. New grout stain colors should be viewed with the existing ceramic tile choices before a final color choice is made. Using a stain color matched closely to the ceramic tile will soften the look of ceramic tile.

Things You'll Need

• Scrub brush
• Oxygen cleanser
• Bucket, water
• Sponge
• Grout stain and sealer combination
• Small, stiff art brush (optional)

Instructions

1. Purchase a grout stain product. Combination products that include a stain and a sealer in a single application shorten the time frame of this project.

2. Clean the grout surface using a scrub brush, a cleanser, and vigorous scrubbing. Oxygen cleansers are an excellent choice for getting the debris, wax, dirt, and oil removed. These substances can prevent the stain from penetrating the white grout.

3. Wet grout must dry for 48 hours before the stain can be applied. Include more drying time in geographical locations that are damp.

4. Apply the stain directly to the clean, white grout according to the manufacturer's recommendations.

5. Allow 24 hours for stain to dry before subjecting to traffic. Do not wash or dampen stain for 48 hours after it is applied. Climate at time of application may require drying times to be extended. Always refer to manufacturer's directions for the most accurate information.

6. Clean away excess stain immediately using a sponge. Unglazed ceramic tile needs to be wiped clean immediately.

Tips & Warnings

• Applying the stain using a stiff, small art brush can give some control to the stain application.

• Ceramic tile can become permanently stained if grout stain is not cleaned away quickly.

References

• Grout Stain
• Changing The Grout Color