How to Stain Grout a Different Color

Grout can be discolored for many reasons. In some cases, additives that made it work better in terms of adhesion can discolor the grout, while in others pale grouts are simply stained and discolored over time. If your grout is an ugly color but still in good shape, you may not be willing to pull up all your tile to change the look of it. Instead of this extremely complicated option, consider staining your grout a different color to completely change the look of your floors.

Things You'll Need

• Broom
• Oxygen bleach
• Gloves
• Bucket
• Scrub brush
• Oil-based grout stain
• Artist's paintbrush of a width just under the width of the grout line
• Small can
• Cleaning rags
• Plastic scouring pad
• Spray bottle

Instructions

1. Allow new grout to cure for 30 days. If you stain grout early, the stain may not stick, or the color could be uneven.

2. Clean the grout. First, sweep the floor so that you are dealing with a clear area. Scrub every line of grout with the scrub brush and the oxygen bleach. You can dilute the bleach in a bucket using one cup of bleach for each gallon of water, but make sure that the manufacturer's instructions coincide with this, since every manufacturer is slightly different. Wear gloves to protect your hands while you are scrubbing the grout. Once the grout is clean and dry, you are ready to go.

3. Pour some of the oil-based stain into a small can. This makes it easier to get to the stain and lessens the likelihood of a spill.

4. Use the paintbrush to apply two coats of grout stain. Gently draw the stain-laden brush down the grout line. Refresh the brush frequently, and wipe away any splatters on the surrounding tile. You can apply as many coats as you like until you get the depth of color that you want, but apply at least two, waiting for 90 minutes between applications.

5. Remove excess stain from the grout. You will need a small bucket of cool water, your gentle scrubbing pad and your spray bottle. Mist the floor, then scrub the grout using light pressure and circular motions. Rinse the scrubber out often. You will see the excess grout stain coming away on the scrubber. Wipe the tiles as you go to prevent a light coating of stain from covering them thanks to your scrubbing pattern. You do not need to seal the grout stain, because the oil-based stain is waterproof once it dries, and the excess is removed.

Tips & Warnings

• You can remove dried grout stain from tiles with a straight razor.

References

• Use Grout Colorant Paint
• Change Tile Grout Color