How to Regrout Tile Without Removing Old Grout?

Are you thinking about regrouting your tiles over the existing grout?

If you install the grout perfectly but a time comes that the grout becomes cracked, crumbles, and it becomes full of dirt and grime.

The dirty and cracked grout not only makes your space unsightly but also gives a chance to grow mold, bacteria, and germs which are harmful to your health. So, it’s necessary to regrout your tiles to avoid such problems.

In this article, we will discuss how to regrout tile without removing the old grout.

 

Can You Regrout Over Old Grout?

Grout over grout can be done and it is a project that can be easily done at home even if you don’t have sufficient knowledge.

If you don’t want to spend money and time on removing the old grout and want to change the look of your tiles quickly, this is a great option for you. Regrouting over the old grout is a simple project which will save you money and time.

Tools and Materials Required

• Utility knife
• Scissors
• Face mask
• Grout
• Caulk gun
• Grout saw
• Caulk
• Grout sealer
• Vacuum
• Clean cloth
• Sponge
• Grout float
• Scraper
• Bucket
• Brush

Steps to Regrout Tile without Removing Old Grout?

1. Choosing the Right Material

Before starting the project, it’s important to gather all the tools and materials required for the grouting. When choosing grout for your project, epoxy grout is recommended because it remains in good condition longer.

Moreover, it comes in different colors and finishes, so you can make your bathroom look more beautiful. Besides grout, the most important thing is the tool that you will use for the grouting project.

A carbide-tipped scrapper is best to remove residues of old grout. A screwdriver can also be used for this purpose. However, the results of using a scraper will be more accurate than using other tools.

For cleaning purposes, you will need a sponge, vacuum, bucket, and brush. The cleaning tools are also important so that the grout residues don’t come in your way and they don’t make your project difficult.

2. Make Room to Place New Grout

Regrouting tile floor does not mean that you will pour the grout directly on the old grout lines and you will not need any preparation for it. You will have to do a little hard work to get rid of the dirty old grout.

You will have to create room for your new grout placement. Use a grout saw to remove the old grout to make 2 millimeters deep space for new grout. While this process, remove the old grout with this tool.

During this process, it is recommended to wear a mask because the dust may cause breathing problems.

3. Cleaning the Tiles

After creating space for the new grout, the space where you are working will get messy and it will be full of dust and particles. If you will not clean the area and start applying the new grout, the results will not be perfect.

Before going to the next step, clean the space thoroughly using a vacuum cleaner. When you have done vacuuming, wipe the floor with a clean cloth to get rid of the small dust particles.

If the area is wet due to mopping, it’s recommended to wait for some time so that the surface gets dry completely and you start your work.

4. Applying the New Grout

When the surface has dried completely, now its step is to start applying the grout into the room that you made for it. Read the manual given with your grout and follow the instructions that are mentioned on the label.

Looking at the directions is good to achieve better results because maybe they have added an important step that is necessary in the project.

However, the general guidelines to put the grout is as follows:

• If the grout you have bought is in powder form, mix it with the steps written in its manual.
• You have to push the grout into the gaps using the grout float; keep pressing firmly during the process.
• The excess of grout should be removed using the flat end of the float.
• Keep a damp sponge or cloth with you during this step and wipe all the extra grout to get the tile clean.
• Carry on the process until all the spaces are filled with the new grout.

5. Cleaning the Tiles after Applying the Grout

The extra grout should be cleaned immediately while putting the grout in the gaps. It will save you a lot of time and you will not put your efforts into cleaning the dry grouts after the floor dry.

So, it’s vital to clean the excess grout while applying the new grout. Make sure that you don’t put too much grout to protect it from waste.

If you want to add a specific color to your tiles grout, you have to purchase the color pigment separately and mix it into the grout before applying it.

6. Seal the Grout

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To protect your grout from damage, you should seal your grout. A sealant makes your grout durable and it will last for a long time. Many options of grout are available in the market; you must choose the one which is non-poisonous, unscented, and easy to use.

When you apply sealant on the grout, apply caulk on the corners and edges of the tiles to finish the process. The grouting will become durable with caulking.

If you apply caulking after waiting for one week, the grout will get a chance for setting well. So, try to put caulk after one week.

Useful Tips for Regrouting without Removing Old Grout

The task of regrouting can be daunting. Remember the following useful tips while working on this project.

Take Out The Outer Layer of Old Grout

However, many homeowners think that taking out of the old grout takes longer and is unsuitable. You have to make space for the new grout so the surface layer of the old grout should be removed.

Furthermore, the room you create should be large enough that the new grout set in the gap properly. The room should be 2 – 3 millimeters deep. This gap is enough to apply new grout and to cover the worn-out and old grout completely.

Remove the Grout Quickly Using Chemicals and Electrical Tools

The tools which have grout-removing blades can be used for grout removal. An oscillating tool is available in the market which cuts smoother and quicker with its powerful oscillating saw compared to other tools.

If you don’t want to use tools for this purpose, you can use chemicals. Another form of hydrochloric acid is available which is known as muriatic acid which removes grout. Besides this, you can use sulfamic acid.

You can get chemicals to remove grout from any hardware store. However, these chemicals should be used only when you have to take out the entire grout.

Regrout According to the Tile Condition

It can be difficult to know when your tiles should be rerouted. There are some signs which show that you must regrout your tiles:

1. Your floor’s tiles are not fixed and are loose
2. Since 15 years you have not regrouted your tiles
3. The grout of your tiles looks unpleasant and discolored
4. You want to change the appearance of your floor

Homemade Solutions to Soften the Grout

Instead of using harsh chemicals to soften the grout, you can use a solution of hot water and sugar for this purpose. Apply this mixture to the tile floor and use a paint stick to rub the grout.

A solution of water and lemon juice also helps in removing the grout. This mixture softens it, so it becomes easy to take it out. Heat can also be used to soften the grout between the tiles. So heat gun or hairdryer can be used for this purpose.

Regrouting is a Better Option than Retiling

To give a new look to your floor, regrouting and retiling are used. However, regrouting is a better option because it saves money and time. And you can do this yourself without the help of a pro.

If you think you can’t do the regrouting yourself, you should appoint an expert. Professionally done regrouting will give a new life to your floor.

Additional Steps to Make Your Grout Long-Lasting

You can increase the durability of your grout if you follow these steps:

• You must use the grout in a sufficient amount so that it connects to the old grout firmly.
• Before applying the new grout, thoroughly clean and dry the old grout.
• The room that you made for the new grout should be large enough that it can hold the new grout.
• The grout should be applied at 45 degrees angle from the tiles.
• If there is air bubbles or any gaps, remove them before applying the new grout.
• Choose the caulk and sealant that are high-quality.

To Paint the Grout, Only Specific Paints Should be Used

The paints that are specially made for grout should be used over the grout.  Use paint only when the grout is sealed or glazed properly.

If the tiles are made of natural material, painting should not be done because the grout is difficult to remove from natural tiles. Epoxy paints are good for grout and you should make sure that the grout is clean before applying paint over it.

FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions

There are some related questions about how you can regrout tile without removing old grout.

Can I Apply New Grout Over Old Grout?

New grout can be applied over the old grout. For this purpose, take a grout removal tool and make a 2mm deep room in the old grout.

What Will Happen if You Apply Grout Over Grout?

Applying new grout over old grout is an easy process that anyone can do without the help of a professional. You only have to make some room in the old grout to put the new one.

It will bring new life to your space, your surface will be water-resistant, and less prone to impurities.

How Can I Refresh the Old Grout?

If you want to refresh your old grout, put a new more durable grout over it. Remove some old grout with the help of a grout removal tool and put new grout into it. You can also put a colored grout into it by mixing a color pigment into the grout mixture.

How to Clean the Grout Professionally?

Most professionals use the solution of vinegar and water. They mix one part of vinegar with one part of water and apply it over the grout. This method is more effective than using store-bought grout cleaners.

How to Renew the Tiles?

You can change the look of your tiles in different ways:

• Changing the grout between the tiles
• Adding a color pigment in grout to change the color of the grout
• Applying paint over the grout but the one which is specially made for grout.

Final Thoughts

In this article, you learn how to regrout tile without removing old grout. Old and worn-out grout can be a cause of frustration when you see it. Fortunately, you can bring a new life to your tiles by applying new grout over them by spending less time and money.

While purchasing the grout, choose a high-quality one so that it can work for years. When making a room for the new grout, don’t scratch the tiles with the grout removal tool. Before applying the grout, make sure the tiles are clean.