How do I Replace Grout on Shower Wall Tiles?

When the tiles in your shower start to look grungy and corroded, look more closely and make sure it isn't just the grout. The grout between tiles tends to break down long before the tiles themselves, cracking and potentially allowing moisture to get behind the tiles and cause more serious damage. Digging out the bad grout and replacing it will make the whole shower look better and will extend the life of the tiles.

Things You'll Need

• Grout saw
• Stiff paintbrush
• Grout
• Grout float
• Sponge
• Grout sealant
• Small paintbrush

Instructions

1. Remove the shower head, faucet handles and any other obstructions from the shower walls.

2. Scrape the grout saw forward and back over the damaged grout, pressing the blade firmly to the surface with both hands, digging it out. Extract it from each line where there is damage and any solid areas between the damage so there is an entire consistent section of the shower with the grout removed.

3. Brush out the grout lines with your small paintbrush, getting all the debris and dust out.

4. Scoop out your new grout with a grout float and press it directly to the highest portion of the dug-out lines. Scrape the grout float across the surface of the tiles, squeezing the grout down into the lines as you go while pulling it off the surface. Hold the float at roughly a 45-degree angle as you scrape it. Do the entire area.

5. Allow the grout sit in the lines for five or 10 minutes. Use a damp sponge to wipe up the excess grout. Let the surface dry for half an hour and then wipe it again. Re-wipe every half hour until it no longer leaves an opaque film on the tile surface.

6. Let the tiles cure for four to five days. Brush tile sealant over all the grout (old and new) with a small paintbrush.

References

• HouseTask: Regrouting.