How to Match Grout Color
Matching grout color is an art, not a science. Age, use and cleaning products can discolor existing grout so much that using the original color to fill gaps or to add more tile to the same installation can render mismatched results. Matching discolored grout is a process of experimentation and elimination. Repeated mixing and comparison is essential to obtain the best choice. Grout can change colors several times during the drying process, therefore, grout colors should dry completely before a final comparison is made. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Oxygen cleaner
- Grout product
- Piece of scrap board
- Mixing containers
- Stir stick for mixing
- Water for use with dry pigments
- Measuring cups
Instructions
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1
Clean the existing grout using an oxygen bleach product before attempting to match the grout color.
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2
Obtain a grout color sample chart from the local home construction or tile store. Choose the original grout color if it is known or match it as close as possible. Use dry pigment grout color for easy measuring and color adjustment.
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3
Experiment with grout color combinations by mixing, allowing for drying time and then comparing the results against the existing grout. Purchase the original color or a lighter and a darker match for the existing grout color, and a black or dark brown depending upon the original grout color.
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Create a sample board for comparing the grout colors. Mix the original color by itself (or mix the lighter and darker matches using the lighter as the dominant color of the mixture) and apply to a piece of scrap board. Allow it to dry thoroughly and then compare it to the existing grout.
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Continue to mix colors and apply the new grout colors to a piece of scrap board for easy comparison to the existing grout. Start with a lighter color and add small amounts of the neutral or darker color. Keep track of the measured amounts so that repeating the mixture is easy to accomplish.
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6
Mix and compare colors until the right color is achieved.
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Tips & Warnings
Get help mixing colors by asking for assistance from someone who knows how to mix color---an artist, a craftsperson or an expert from the local ceramic tile store.
Consider a custom grout color. Contact a grout product representative and ask how to order a custom color.
