Getting old paint out of grout

[cabt]

I have a bathroom with white ceramic tile and grey grout, however, the previous owner (while painting the walls sky blue) spilled the paint and there are several areas where paint has become embedded in the grout. Since this is at least three years old how can I clean the paint out of the grout safely? Thanks,

Clayton

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[GeorgeT]

You may have to resort to Paint Strippers available at hardware or paint stores. Ceramic tiles are usually impervious to this product. It will not affect cement grouts either. Use the water washable type of product. And good safety gear - chemical resistant gloves, glasses and ventilation. Don't get it on the cabinets or any finished surfaces. a nylon scrub brush and some towels to wash and wipe... no sponges 'cause the stripper can melt the synthetic ones!

[az]

Sometimes I am able to carefully "chip" the paint out with a scraper. Hard plastic is better because it will not leave black marks on your tile, and won't damage grout. You can also try laquer thinner if it can't be chipped out. Keep in mind that if you start using laquer thinner or paint stripper the paint will spread further into and over the grout, causing a worse mess. Have a bucket of water and a grout brush handy to flush it out once it is dissolved. Suck it up with a shop vac if it gets messy. Also, a lot of times when I am cleaning tile and grout my process blasts it right out of the grout. You may want to consider hiring a professional to clean your floor with high pressure equipment. On the stubborn spots that won't blast out, I hit them with paint remover and then blast them.

Depending on what type of paint it is, it will slowly get softer with just water. If you can't chip it out dry keep it wet for awhile and then try to pick it out. A lot of work either way.

[ddmoit]

Hi Clayton,

I use a product called Krud Kutter (http://www.krudkutter.com/originalkk.asp) for all kinds of stuff. If the paint on your grout is latex paint, Krud Kutter may work. I just used to to remove latex paint spots from a banister. I'm sure they were there for years, but they came off.

I can buy it at Wal*Mart, Ace, and the big box stores.

[cabt]

Thanks for the advice...I will give it a shot this weekend. :tup2: