New tile job - wrong grout color

[Foodie]

Hi -
We just installed new porcelain tile (200 sq ft) we love the tile but the grout is not what we expected. It is new (48 hours) and not yet sealed. The color is sanded pewter and we would prefer a more of a tan tone. Is it possible to do anything with this or with wear and traffic (kids and 2 dogs) should we not consider coloring or staining the grout?

I could live with it if I had to, but it is such a shame as the tile is so beautiful. I have read other questions and you folks really seem to know what products and techniques work, so I am hopeful to get some good advice.

Thanks

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[Steven Hauser]

Hi there.
You have two choices.

1) Scratch the existing grout out and start over. :eek:

2) Visit the TYW ebsite and purchase grout stain.

We will walk you through the application.

:)

[Foodie]

Thanks -- I think I should do this, obviously it would have been better to have the right grout in the first place, I am wondering how effective and long lasting grout stain is? The color is now a light gray and I would like a tan or sand color. Is this a good idea? We are willing to purchase the product and do the work (ourselves), just wonder if it is a temporary fix that we will regret or if it is quite a permanent solution. We would want to do it ASAP because the grout is still very clean and has no sealer on it. I guess that is the good news.

By the way, when I checked the site for the stain/sealer I couldn't see all the colors available (probably my iMac problem) but are there some stains that are better shades to deal with than others?

Thanks for all your help.

[Steven Hauser]

Hey again,

What can I call you?

My experience with the grout stains has been quite positive. The TYW product has several tan colorations, is long lasting, and will effectively seal your grout.

Tim (Kemguru) formulated the product. If he doesn't get here by tonight to talk to you I'll go wake him up.
;)

[Foodie]

You can call me frustrated! Amazing that I spent two months agonizing over the right tile and bought full boxes as sample to lay out -- and then made such a quick and casual decision about the grout. AAAARRRGGHHH. Anyway, if it is a fixable problem I am thrilled. Lesson learned.

I checked the website again for the color samples and I am wondering if there is a problem on their end.....there are only six colors displayed on my screen and it looks cut in the middle. Given my bad experience with grout color choices I want to be very careful with the stain selection.

I look forward to any and all advice.

Mary

[fernwoodCT]

You're not restricted to the short list shown on the store page, anyway. They told me you can get a grout color chart (such as Custom brand) and order any color you want off the chart (scroll down in the pick list to see "custom color"). I was thrilled to find this out but I did suggest that the blurb on the store page should be more obvious about the custom color option. I did order "onyx green", but I haven't received the shipment yet. I will add that Tim will warn you not to change your shade too drastically, or the old color may show through. He can probably counsel you more definitively about that if you identify some colors off a chart to compare with your current one.
Good luck, Fern

[Steven Hauser]

Nicely said Fern.:)

[doitright]

Hi Mary :)

Hopefully Tim will pop in soon! My experience is with grout colorants not grout stains. The colorants are very durable. Have used them many a time with dogs and children doing there best to test them. Regular maintenance with a nuetral cleaner is essential, with an occasional deep cleaning (if soiling occurs). ;)

[KChurch1]

We have used TYW Grout Stain and Seal on several jobs and it's the BEST!... just don't change your mind about the color after you apply it.... it's very difficult to remove and the most durable sealer I've ever tested.
It's very user friendly and looks very natural. It's not recommended to make too big a color change, but we have done this with success... autumn gold to bay leaf green.... had to apply it thicker in some areas, but it looks great.

[Foodie]

Thanks so much for quick responses. I would like to get a color chart to select the grout and will order from TYW. Do I get a color chart in hand or go elsewhere and find the same color number or color name? I am a littler paranoid about grout color at this point and don't want to make a mistake! I am not thinking about a drastic color change

[KChurch1]

Around here, I just go to Home Depot and pick up a Custom's Color Chart in the tile department... tile stores also carry the charts... don't go by the online charts.... computer screens see colors differently.
All of the grout colors I have ordered have been the exact color of the chart.... sometimes the color settles and you have to shake the bottle well before using.
I think you'll be very happy, but be sure to use Tim's application instructions... I'm sure someone will put the link here if you need it.

[Foodie]

Thanks Karen -
I will get a color chart tomorrow and make a thoughtful decision. I have been reading a few other forums and the discussions have been about colorants more than stains. Is the stain/sealer my best bet, as it is new, unsealed grout? I don't want to make assumptions and certainly don't want to seal it if I need to consider another option. Also, I have read about the Armor product, do I need that as well or is the stain/sealer and all in one deal?

Thanks again.

I did read about the application with the cut sponges and the layers of towels to dab the excess immediatley. I will do whatever it says. I did purchase a little sealer applicator at Lowes a while back (squeeze bottle with a built in little brush) I haven't even opened the package, but I take it is not the way to go. I have learned that when the professionals tell you to do something it is smart to listen and learn. It's also a lot less work.

[KChurch1]

The Stain and Seal is all you need... it will stain (color) and seal your grout all at once. It's better than a topical colorant... looks more natural... and should last for years and years

[doitright]

Hi Mary, :)

The applicator bottle with brush does not work well with colorant, I don't know about grout stain. ;)

[John Bridge]

Hello Mary,

I'll ping our illustrious chemist. :-)

Here's the thing. We can make any color from anyone's chart. It doesn't have to be Custom's product. We base everything on Custom because the grouts and the charts are not hard to find. Home Depot or any tile store that carries the brand will have the samples.

Tim tells us the range of change is about four shades, but as Karen mentioned, it may be possible to stretch that a bit. I think your best bet would be to make up a sample with some spare tiles. Mount them to the same substrate material as used in the floor, grout them with the same grout color and then experiment with the stain. Order the color you want your grout to be.

Just remember the stain is somewhat transparent, and some of the previous color may show through. That's why I advise you to experiment.

Your other choice is grout "colorant" which we don't make. It is a topical product more akin to paint than to stain. Aquamix makes grout colorants http://www.aquamix.com

[Foodie]

I can't thank all of you enough for the advice. After all the work -- tearing up 200 sq feet of terra cotta, laying the cement board and installing the new tile we are exhausted -- and then didn't know where to turn about our grout dilemma. Then I found you!! I will let you know how it turns out. If you have any other wisdom to impart - I would be grateful.

Thanks again
Mary

[John Bridge]

Hi Mary,

Go back to page one. I was typing while you were posting. :)

[Foodie]

Here is what my plan is for good test areas -- let me know what you think. Rather than mixing and creating sample boards -- I will just move the stove, fridge, washer and dryer out again (maybe just one) and test on that area. It will never be seen once the appliances are back in place.

Am I getting it right -- order the shade of stain seal I think I want, do a sample and if it is right, do the whole floor. How long should I let it dry or set before I know if it is the right color? Also, after I do each section of the floor how long til it is safe to walk on it (kids, dogs, logistical issues - main area of the house). Thanks -- some of these questions may be answered with the instructions on the package.

Mary

[kemguru]

Hi Mary :)

Testing under appliances is a great idea! :D

I recommend a mild acid wash, even though you have new grout. This will open up the pores in your grout a little more, allowing the stain a better bite into the joint. White vinegar and water, mixed 50/50, should be enough. Rinse well after washing. Allow to dry overnight.

Stain dry time, before you can turn the kids loose? Oh…a whopping 60 seconds, or so. It’s fast, so you have to work fast. Work in small areas. :D 12” tile, for example, do 2 to 4 tiles at a time. ;)

You should be able to grab a Customs Polyblend grout color chart at Home Depot. Our colors are “shot” off the chart, so they will match the chart. We also match other brands, as well. ;)

[Foodie]

Great advice - thanks. I am feeling more confident and better about this project by the minute.
I went to Home Depot this morning and got a Custom color chart. The closest color to what I have down now is "Platinum". The good news (I think) is that it is very light and I want to go a bit darker. What I want is a more tan tone of gray or a grayish tan tone. I am thinking about "Natural Gray" (which was my original choice, but we won't go there). Does this sound like a good choice (in terms of successful staining) or do you have a better idea?
Thanks again

[John Bridge]

Mary,

That sounds very reasonable. Grayish brown should be easy. Sounds like the color of dirt. :D

[Foodie]

My thoughts exactly. What could be less stressful to maintain? Actually the tile is a porcelain slate look. It has lots of deep green, golden brown and some gray. I am thinking about purchasing two colors and experimenting to see what works best. After all that we have spent on this floor, I want it to be right. If I ordered the stain today, any idea how long it takes to get here (Michigan)?

Thanks again - I will keep you posted on our progress.
Mary:bow:

[leslieudvardi]

You will love the TYW Stain. Unlike colorants it looks like real grout. I recently used it. They mixed up a custom color for me and the results are amazing. No one can believe the grout is stained and not the original.
And application with the sponge is the best way to go, easy. The instructions were right on. Just remember to work small areas at a time.

Leslie

[Foodie]

Thanks for the supportive words. I have ordered the stain and will report back my experience. Wish me luck! Now I just have to decide which appliance will be the best to move -- I will just leave that decision to my husband. Thanks again.
Mary:)