Old tiles often have cracked and discolored grout. This can take away the beauty of the tiles which are used to cover various surfaces in your house. You can see this problem commonly in tiled surfaces of bathroom, especially that in the shower area due to the constant spills of water. Well, cracked and damaged grout definitely can't be ignored if you wish to have perfect looking area. So how about regrouting shower tile? Not only those 'do it yourself' enthusiasts but others can also easily work on this simple home improvement project. Here's more about the same.
Check Before You Start
Before you start off with the project of removing and regrouting the tiles, make sure you clean the existing grout. If the grout looks fine after being cleaned, you can think of skipping the entire process and do it after a few days when the same is much damaged. While you clean the grout of bathroom tiles, make sure you use one of the best cleaners. Bleach can also be used to clean the grout and save further tasks in most cases.
Tips to Follow
Remove Existing Grout
Removing the existing grout is the first step which you can't miss out. You can buy one of the grout removal tools easily available in the hardware stores and perform the task of grout removal. First use a hammer and screw driver to loosen and chip off the grout followed by use of grout scraper. You can go for a power grinder which is an expensive grout removal tool, in case you get the same on rent from a nearby hardware store. Once you have cleared off grout in-between all the tiles on the surface which you have to regrout, you can move on to the next step.
Prepare the Surface
Before you start, make sure that the surface is prepared for the same. Well, you don't need to wash the entire area. Simply finish this step by vacuuming the area. Make sure that all the leftover chunks of grout are off the shower wall or floor that you are working on. Now that you have a no grout left, let us move on to the main step.
Reapplying Grout
You will need grout of the desired grout color and grout float which is an important tool. Grout is available in dry or pre-mixed form. Just read the manufacturer's instructions given on the grout packet and have the grout mixture ready for application with help of a grout float. A grout float basically helps you spread grout evenly on the entire tiled area. Remember that grout float can be messy, but the same ensures that no crack or gaps are left while applying grout between tiles. You have to spread grout over the tile and spread the same by holding the tool at an angle of 30 degrees to the surface. After you have finished filling grout, move the grout float, flat over tiles to press the grout inside cracked and free spaces. Once done, wait for 10 minutes.
Clean the Surface
Just use a wet sponge for cleaning grout off tile. Basically you have to remove the extra grout that is leftover. Wet the sponge, rub it over the surface, washing it a few times in-between as required. Once this is done, let the grout dry for 2-3 hours before using the shower area.
So examine the grout in your shower area and check if it needs a re-do. Remember that the total cost is sure to be low when you do the job yourself. Follow the steps given above and give the area a fresh new look.
