Grout too dark and lines too thick, what to do?

[vero]

We just tiled our bathroom. Professionals did the off white ceramic field tiles and I did some mosaics with 1" gold, copper and cobalt glass tiles as accents. We chose a quarry red clay grout to match the existing grout around the sink as well as the terracotta floor. Because of the sizes of things, some of the grout lines are very thick. 3/16 was used for all the field tiles, but the mosaics and joints have wider spaces. I need to clean everything more, but I'm afraid we chose the wrong color grout. Some people like it, but I'm not sure. I spent many hours on this and want it to be beautiful. This is my first tile project, and grouting experience, so any advice would be most helpful. Do you think a lighter grout color would be better and even possible? Pictures below.
:bow: Thank you.....Vero

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[Bri]

I'd leave it the way it is. That's pretty nice. :)

[claycarson]

Vero, am I understanding this right? That's your first tile job and you're complaining???

That looks great!

You need to open a beer bottle, drink the contents and lighten up while practicing this phrase: 'We did a great job, and it looks excellent!' :D

[Chris McNeal]

looks like you spent alot of time. looks very nice :twitch: I'm affraid if you start fooling around with changing grout color you'll probablly wish you didn't.the only way I know to change grout color and get a good job is to dig it all out and start fresh.thats a whole lotta work!!! believe me I learned that the hard way :bang: some of these old pro's may know something I dont about changing grout color so hang around and see what they recommend. for what it's worth I'd leave well enough alone

[claycarson]

Vero -

If you are bound and determined to do something about the job, which you don't have to do...

Changing size of grout lines - can't be done without moving tiles, so must tear out and redo all tiles

Changing color of grout - can be done, with limitations.

Limitations? Best looking way to do the grout color change is grout stain. Also called grout dye. It penetrates into the grout like a wood stain soaks into wood. But just like wood stain, you are unable to do much about changing an existing color by more than a few shades. Can't go from black to white, for example. It's fun to use, and good brands exist, but we're not sposta use brand names much, I understand. Email me for some if you want.

Grout colorants, different story. They are more of a topical coating, which sit on top of the grout and are painted on. Think paint, not stain for wood, and you have the idea. Have not tried them, but I've heard they are harder to use than stain. But they allow drastic color changes, like paint allows you to change a black surface to white if you insisit.

So you could do something. But you sure don't need to.

[doitright]

Hi Vero, Welcome! :)

Very nice install! The grout is a personal thing. I think you made a wise decision with the darker grout. It helps hide the wider joints in the mosaics, while enhancing the sculpted edges on the tile.

IF you were to change them, they could be lightened with grout colorant. IF you were to undertake that project, I would ONLY do the grout around the white tiles.

IF this was my job, I'd leave it alone, and be very happy! :yipee:

Hi Clay :)

FYI : This site allows brand names to be listed! :yipee: :nod:

[vero]

Thanks everyone for all your replies. Sounds like grout colorant would be the best solution to change it lighter. However, I wonder if the colorant starts to change or wear off over time? :twitch:
Since I just finished it and everyone seems to like the dark grout pretty good I'm going to finish cleaning it up and sit with it for a few days, it will probably look a lot better when I clean up all the edges and shine up the glass tiles.
Sounds like a lot of work to change it, so hopefully I will love it after some time.:dance:
I learned alot thru the experience and the next job will be even better.
especially cuz I learned about this wonderful site! :cool:

[claycarson]

Vero -

Good idea to let yourself sleep on it awhile.

But as for the grout color changing being hard...Grout dyeing is not that bad at all. Allow about an hour for an average small bathroom floor, and less for the wide joints. Mosaics will take longer. I have only used the grout dye, penetrating kind, so I can't speak about the colorant type.

But it's much less work than what you just went through!! You did the harder part already.