How To Replace Grout

by Lou Manfredini, Ace's Home Expert

If the grout on your walls or floors has seen better days and no matter how hard you try to clean it that original luster has gone, then it may be time to re-gout?

How To Replace Grout

This is not as hard as you think with the right tools and advice. This is a terrific way to bring that old floor or wall  back to life.  If you follow the above steps, you can do this yourself.

 

Tools needed:

 

 

With the area cleared out follow these steps to remove and replace the grout.

  1. Use the handheld and muti-tool to remove the grout from the lines in between the tiles. Be careful to stay within the lines.  (think coloring book). You need at least an 1/8” of depth for the new grout to dig in and hold deeper is ok too.  Take your time and work in specific areas to get all the grout out and at the proper depth.
  2. Vacuum up the powder and debris you have removed and wipe down the surface with a clean rag and water.
  3. In a bucket follow the instruction on the container of grout you purchased and mix using clean water and the mixing wand on the end of your drill. Most non-epoxy grouts need to be mixed to a heavy pancake batter consistency and allowed to “slake” in the container.  Meaning, after you mix it all up, it needs to sit in the bucket for about 10-15 minutes before you start to apply it.
  4. Using the grout float scoop out some grout and crisscross over the tile and force the new grout into the grooves. Again, work in a specific area and scrape off any excess using the float.
  5. In another bucket filled with clean water and a large sponge wipe down the surface of the tile to clean off any grout from the tile and even out the new grout in the grooves. A slight haze may exist on the tile that’s ok for now.
  6. Continue this process over the floor or walls until complete.  Allow to rest for about an hour.
  7. Come back with a new bucket of clean water and a clean sponge and wipe down the surface one more time to clean it up and then allow the new grout to cure for at least 12 hours with no traffic on the surface. It may require one last wipe down after the 12 hours.

 

Always follow manufacturers instructions before using any product.

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Published on 12/8/2020