What is the best way to regrout bathroom floor tiles.?

Question

What is the best way to regrout bathroom floor tiles.?

Answer 1

I tile every day of my life, and would give the ten to answer 1 just for taking the time. The issue might be using a power tool of any type. There are hand/manual grout saws sold, for cheap, that have a toothed blade and a Diamond Grit blade. They just take more effort.

  The greater issue however is how deep you remove old grout, and the type of grout you use to re-apply.

   An analogy can be: Grout in your question, is similar to having a concrete slab you want to level, or raise the height of. Just pouring a thin layer of fresh concrete over an existing slab, will not create such a satisfactory job.

   With any power tool, be it a Diag. Grinder with a diamond blade, a Roto Zip with grout blades or accessories, a Dremel, which is tedious, or even a FEIN oscillating removal tool, which is pricey, the issue is NOT damaging the tile,,,especially the face. Stuff happens, OOOPS can happen, with a power tool in the hands of someone not so experienced, no offense meant.

    The other issue is mess, dust, safety, and I use a shop vac, held carefully close to a Diag Grinder, when cutting, or a Roto zip, to suck up what will obviously happen as it creates chips and dust. Your final issue perhaps will be every place the grout line/ tile connect with a 90 degree wall/ cabinet/ etc.

Just my two "sense"

Answer 2

you can cover it up with some Solvite adhesive stuff which would be easier. not sure how to redo it though

Answer 3

The first step is to remove the old grout.  Do this carefully to avoid damage to any of the tiles.

There are several tools on the market that make this job easier.  One that I have used is a bit that fits into a Dremel tool and grinds the grout out of the space between the tiles.  With a little care you can remove the grout and be ready to begin the process of grouting again.

If you have never done grout work do not panic.  It is not very technical or complex and gets easier as you do some.  The most important point to remember is to work the grout into the spaces from all angles so as to pack the space full without trapping any air bubbles.  A rubber float and a good sponge are all that are needed to get the job done.

After completion of the grout project and allowing time for cure to take place, I would suggest you apply a grout sealer.  This closes the pores of the grout so that stains will not penetrate the grout and cause it to change color or stain.

Read the directions on the bag of grout you select and follow them closely.  They will guide you well.

Good luck on your project.

Answer 4

wow did you see the answew ibeth gave you, it was great it helped me, thank you

Answer 5

Begin to remove the grout by inserting your rotary tool's grout removal tip between the tiles and moving it up and down until the grout starts to flake off. Go slowly at first until you get then hang of it and then work carefully so as not to scratch surrounding tiles.

Working slowly in small sections, work away at the grout. Remove the larger pieces with the tip of a flat blade screwdriver and remove the dust with a broom or vacuum.

Once the grout is removed and the surrounding surface is clean, you've done the hardest part! Next, you can prepare to replace the grout.

Mix the grout according to the manufacturer's instructions. Grout dries quickly, so don't mix more than you can use in a half hour! The consistency should be that of pancake batter so that it easily flows into the cracks but doesn't drip all over.

Using the float, cover your surface with the wet grout, filling in the cracks with even, diagonal strokes. Be sure to hold your float at a 45 degree angle to the tiles to push the grout into the cracks. Don't forget your rubber gloves!

Drying time will vary depending according to the type of grout you are using. Count on the grout setting for about 5-10 minutes before you can start wiping excess away with a wet sponge.  Don't wipe in the same direction as the grout lines - wipe on angles, to avoid removing the grout.

Wipe the tiles clean with a dry rag, avoiding the cracks with the freshly-laid grout.

Let the grout dry according to the manufacturer's instructions—usually it takes up to 7 days to dry completely. Be careful not to get anything on it during this period or it can cause a stain that'll be there forever.

You may need to lay a second "skim" coat of grout to seal the deal since grout sometimes shrinks as it dries. Your first coat should dry in about a day, but check with the manufacturer to see whether a second coat should be applied and when.

After waiting roughly seven days, you need to seal the grout. This process helps close any pores.  Sealing them will protect your new grout from future discoloration and cracking. Apply the sealant and let it dry according the manufacturer's instructions. Keep in mind that most sealants can be toxic, so be sure to have plenty of ventilation in the room you're working in.

HTH