Leon's Master Bath Remodel

[lyonkster]

Bump, any thoughts on question 1?

[BronsonB]

Hi Leon - These are just my thoughts:

1. Should the grout level be closer to the tile's surface?

It looks OK to me...but that's just me.... And I am NOT a pro.

2. If so, do I need to remove all the grout and regrout from scratch?

If you do choose to redo it, you'd need to remove the grout. You cannot add a thin layer of grout on top of that existing grout and expect it to last.

3. Can I add some more grout to the existing grout, and if so, when (today, tomorrow, etc)?

[Ceci]

Leon, does it look bad? I would think the main thing would be aesthetics since looks like you filled up most of the joint so should stay on fine. Also, may have to do a bit of some extra dusting since dust might accumulate more on the edges of the tile if the tiles are in the dry part of the bathroom since won't be getting water to dust it off, but would think not that much dust anyway.

From my understanding, would need to remove 2/3 of the grout if you want to add more grout, but then 1/2 may just do it, but I dunno for sure. The longer you wait, the harder it gets to remove if you go that route.

I personally would leave it alone since doesn't look bad to me, but pictures can be deceiving. If it were on a floor, I would attempt to remove to get fuller joints, but you said it's a wall.

Ceci

[Houston Remodeler]

1- It can be if you want it to be, but the micro bevel is always a pita / sore spot when it comes to grouting. Every time we have a micro beveled tile we do a mock up to show the customer the 2 options. SO far they have always picked the thinner, lower grout line

2- You can re-do it if you want. What does Mrs Leon want?

3- No you cannot add more on the top. If you want to add more, you'll be removing at least half the grout depth.

[lyonkster]

Thanks for the inputs, much appreciated. Paul, I agree, the microbevel is a bigger PITA than I anticipated.

I tried packing the joints being full (flush with surface), but it seemed like inevitably in some areas I dipped into the joint a bit, and the inconsistency between the two bothered me. I think the microbevel itself would be OK, but what the picture does not show well is that in addition to being at the microbevel, the grout is also slightly concave instead of flat, so the overall grout level is too low for my tastes.

So even though Mrs. Leon is OK with it, I am not, so I will try to remove the grout today and redo it. I'm sure that will be loads of fun .

[lyonkster]

What's the best tool/technique for scraping out 1 day old grout?

[lyonkster]

What's the best tool/technique for scraping out 1 day old grout?

OK, I understand the lack of response, because after about an hour of trying, I am fairly convinced that the answer is "there isn't one". Still, I am willing to consider any and all suggestions .

[Houston Remodeler]

Leon,

We like using one of these nasty little tools

[lyonkster]

Paul, I saw that one, unfortunately I didn't grab it, I got these:







None of them seem to work really well, and with the backerboard scorer I managed to take a small chip out of a tile edge, which is not something I want to make a habit out of.

I also have a Multimaster with a grout saw blade, but I am really worried about damaging more tiles.

Given that I grouted about 150-170 linear feet, is it a realistic expectation to take that much grout out, or would these tools be more suited for clearing out a couple of feet at most?

[Houston Remodeler]

Leon,

Some folks use a Fein multimaster, I don't have one. We do take our time and occasionally do chip a tile. Chipping can be reduced by making a light score line down the center of the joint, then widening and deepening it.

Grout removal is a first class PITA no matter what tool you select.

[Ceci]

Leon, if you decide to start chiseling, think you may be a nut unless you find something that won't possibly damage some nerves. I chiseled cured thinset and used similiar looking tools and still have numbness in the tips of some fingers. I didn't even have that much to chisel, but it was not easy. Grout may be easier, especially yours since it hasn't cured that long yet. Yes, I am probably not as strong as you, but... . Think about it. BTW, nothing wrong with being a nut. I am somewhat of a nut.

Ceci

[lyonkster]

Originally Posted by Paul

Some folks use a Fein multimaster, I don't have one. We do take our time and occasionally do chip a tile. Chipping can be reduced by making a light score line down the center of the joint, then widening and deepening it.

I'm too chicken to try the multimaster on the wall, but I can try it on my sample board that I made for selecting grout. I knew it'd come in handy some day .

I will also try the technique you mentioned.

Originally Posted by Paul

Grout removal is a first class PITA no matter what tool you select.

I am rapidly reaching a similar conclusion.

If I decided to live with what I have, which is a grout that is somewhat uneven, is there a method/tool for shaving of some high areas of grout and have a reasonable looking result (unsanded grout)?

[Houston Remodeler]

Yes, you have discovered that sculpting the surface is far more relaxing than removal. The lighter touch and quicker results are more rewarding.

[chefwong]

Eeks Leon. Sorry . read your thread earlier on this afternoon and was meaning to tell you to be careful and don't chip it.

What works for me is a 5 in 1 tool with the cutting edge grinded down a bit....

[lyonkster]

Originally Posted by Paul

Yes, you have discovered that sculpting the surface is far more relaxing than removal. The lighter touch and quicker results are more rewarding

Paul, do you mean sculpting after the grout is dry (my situation) or do you mean proper sculpting while grouting? If you mean the former, what do you use for that?

Originally Posted by Alan

What works for me is a 5 in 1 tool with the cutting edge grinded down a bit....

Alan, thanks for the tip. My dilemma is that I am sure I can get grout out given unlimited time, but so far I am not seeing a path to do this without investing probably a couple of days of very hard work, with a high risk of damaging tiles. So I'm not yet feeling the urge to jump into that project with both feet...