HELP! Paint on UNSEALED grout

[AJG]

Help please! We are in the midst of a bathroom remodel going bad. Our contractor has primered our bathroom and not used a drop cloth. Result? Spots of white paint on tile and colored grout. Does anyone know how to get the paint out of the grout without damaging it?

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[Davestone]

You can probably use a 4" scraper to get it off the tile, and may have to use a paint remover for the grout, or a grout saw lightly scraping it off.

[AJG]

THANK YOU!
You don't think a paint remover will compromise the grout or its color? Obviously I'll try it in a corner first, but need to ask the question! By paint remover I'm thinking paint thinner, right?

[Deckert]

For the grout, I'd try the grout saw before I got any chemicals involved. You might even roll a piece of fine sandpaper up so you have a little tube, and run that along the grout joints where theres paint. If it is just roller splatter you have a good chance of it coming up. If it has been smeared and worked into the grout you might have a tougher time of it.

[jpolizo]

I agree that if you can remove it mechanically (i.e. gently scrape it off) then you are likely better off. If that doesn't work .....

I've never tried it on grout, but there's some stuff called "Goof Off" that is quite amazing. I've used it on Levis, stereo equipment, toaster ovens, tile, and a host of other things. It seems quite good at dissolving paint (latex anyway). Go easy and test an inconspicuous area first.

[Tool Guy - Kg]

I'd try a 4" razor scraper like Davestone suggested before using chemicals. They are likely to clean most of the spot...while driving some of it deeper into the pores of the grout.

Align the blade parallel to the groutline and gently ease it down into the groutline while exerting a shearing action slightly to one side. Keep it nice and easy and the blade will skate over the grout surface rather than gouging it.

:)