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How to Change Grout Color Without Tearing Out Your Tile
You don’t have to live with drab grout
Photo: John Keeble / Moment / Getty Images
Photo: John Keeble / Moment / Getty Images
SKILL LEVEL
Easy
COMPLETION TIME
3 days
COST
$5–$45
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What you'll need:
TOOLS
- Cleaning cloths
- Goggles
- Gloves
- Spray bottle
- Grout brush
SUPPLIES
- Distilled white vinegar and water
- Commercial grout cleaner (optional)
- Grout dye, stain, or pen
- Grout sealant
Maybe you’ve just purchased a fixer-upper with beautiful tiles but dated grout, or perhaps your DIY tiling job didn’t turn out quite like you envisioned. When your grout looks more sad than dreamy, it’s time to learn how to change grout color. You don’t have to tear out the tile and start fresh—all you’ll need is a grout pen, grout dye, or stain and a dose of patience.
Cover and Protect Surfaces and Outlets
Protect nearby counters, cabinets, sinks, tubs, faucets, and other fixtures by taping or tarping off areas that won’t be getting a grout refresh. Use tarp and tape to seal off these areas. Remove outlet covers and light switch plates to prevent staining them, then tape over them for added protection.
Clean Existing Grout and Tile
Photo: ronstik / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty ImagesPut on goggles and protective gloves. To clean the grout, spray the grout and tile with either diluted white vinegar in a spray bottle or commercial grout cleaner, then scrub the surface with a grout brush. Follow up by wiping the tile and grout clean with a cloth.
Paint the Grout
If you’re using a grout pen, you can simply “draw” along the grout lines with the pen. If you’re using grout dye or stain, use a narrow paintbrush to “paint” the dye or stain onto the grout lines. Paint in a thin layer to avoid a thick, messy finish. Some of the dye may get on the tile, but you’ll clean that up in the next step.
Wipe Off Excess Grout Stain From Tiles
Use a damp cleaning cloth to wipe the excess stain from the tiles. Move carefully so that you don’t accidentally swipe the grout lines and leave streaks.
Apply Additional Layers
Photo: sankai / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty ImagesAfter applying one thin layer of grout dye or stain, you may be satisfied with the look. If so, you can move on to the next step. However, if the finish looks streaky or isn’t vibrant enough, go back in and add a second layer.
Between each layer, let the stain dry for at least a few hours, preferably 24 hours if you have the time. The more patience you have during the process, the better the results will be.
Let the Stain Dry and Cure
Let the grout dry for 24 to 72 hours before moving on. To fully cure, the paint or stain will need seven to 10 days, although it should be fine to get wet after the initial 24- to 72-hour drying time.
Apply a Color Seal
Photo: piyagoon / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty ImagesAfter drying and curing, your new grout finish is complete. However, if you want the grout color to stay vibrant for longer than a couple of years, you’ll want to apply a grout sealant after the dye or stain has cured. Use a paintbrush to apply the color seal, and let it dry according to the product instructions. This takes a few hours or up to 24 hours.
Mistakes to Avoid When Changing Grout Color
Even less-than-handy homeowners can learn how to change grout color, but there are some rookie mistakes to watch out for.
Forgetting to clean the tile and grout first: If there’s soap scum, hair, or other debris on your grout and tile, your dye or paint won’t adhere to the grout properly. That means the finish will look uneven and sloppy.
Not allowing enough dry time: The new grout color needs time to dry. If you rush a second layer or get the tile and grout wet too soon, you could be left with streaky grout and stained tile.
Skipping the seal coat: Sealant helps protect your grout from moisture and extends the life of the dye or stain. Even unpainted grout needs resealed every couple of years.
DIY Changing Grout Color vs. Hiring a Pro
Changing grout color is a DIY-friendly project, and the grout pen, dye, or paint costs only $5 to $30. The cost to seal grout is around $15 for the sealer.
If you don’t have a steady hand or the patience to stain or paint the grout lines, call in a pro for help. Or, if the grout is crumbling and in poor shape, you’ll want to hire a grout repair pro near you to remove the tile and old grout, regrout the area, and reinstall the existing tile or install new tile. Installing tile and grout costs $400 to $4,250, including material and labor costs.
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