Re-grout for Appearance

[M.McCoy]

I hired a contractor last year that was cheap and basically got what I paid for. The tile in my kitchen and bathroom was not sealed. The white is now grey or black. I have used bleach and Comet but nothing works for long and the white is long gone. I intend to re-grout myself, but do I have to pull up all of the old grout if it isn't loose. Please help.

[Sponsored Links]

[DaveGordon]

Welcome, M. McCoy...gotta first name we can use? Check out that USer CP in the upper left corner.

I think if you DIDN'T pull the old grout, given your discoloration issues, it would be a pretty tough color match. I'd scrape it all out, but maybe I'm missing something...

Just my own .02.

Regards,

Dave

[Foochacho]

So what is the problem with the contractor?

[coastalhp]

Using a QUALITY grout colorant and applying it correctly would take care of the problem and save you the hassle of regrouting. This is assuming that the conditions you are talking about are due to soiling only. You mentioned that at least some of the grout is not cracked, is this true for the entire installation?

The two I use professionally (and in this order) are Grout Perfect and This Old Grout. Both have tech support that will be happy to explain how to apply it, or, if you decide to go this route, I'll explain it to you. It's not particularly difficult, but definitely an attention-to-detail thing.

If you're interested in this solution but have questions, feel free to ask.

If you decide to regrout, the old grout has to be removed (even if it's not cracking) to a depth of at least 1/8th inch so that your new grout will be able to bond. It's best, though, to completely remove it.

[Davestone]

I would agree,clean it and use a grout colorant be sure to follow instructions on wiping times.

[doitright]

Hi M.Mccoy, Welcome! :)

I don't understand why sealing the tile has anything to do with your issue (sealing the grout is another issue). :scratch:

Is it only the grout that is discolored? How wide are the joints? Sanded or unsanded grout?

If your just talking about the grout being soiled on the floors, using a tile & stone specific high alkaline cleaner may bring it back to life (followed by a quality sealer). To create an easier long term maintenance and color retention of the white (sanded) grout, a grout colorant is definitely the way to go, after proper grout prep. Unless the grout is cracking, soft, or disintegrating, I don't suggest grout replacement.

My favorite grout colorant is Aqua Mix Grout Colorant. Some find it more difficult to use than TOG. I've used both and prefer AM for it's long term durability. I've been using it for over twenty years, and some clients have only needed minor touch ups after 8 years.