Author Topic: Remove and Replace old Grout on Bathroom Wall Tiles  (Read 3896 times)

AvisJinx

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Remove and Replace old Grout on Bathroom Wall Tiles
« on: December 16, 2014, 11:50:32 AM »
Has anyone out there ever removed old grout from bathroom wall tiles and re-grouted? I have a bathroom which was probably remodeled more than ten years ago. The wall tiles are in excellent shape and nothing is loose, but I'd like to remove and replace the old grout. It seems simple enough; I have some DIY experience in laying out and grouting new tile floors, but I've never messed with removing old grout before.

Any suggestions? Practical advice? Cautionary tales?


eil

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Re: Remove and Replace old Grout on Bathroom Wall Tiles
« Reply #1 on: December 16, 2014, 12:16:06 PM »
What's wrong with the old grout, exactly? Are you looking to replace all of it or just some? If it's dirty, It can be cleaned with sufficient chemicals and elbow grease. Damaged? Just remove the damaged sections and regrount where there are gaps left.

I re-grouted an entire shower in the house I have now but only because it wasn't done right originally. They didn't use enough grout, so it was either falling out (from not having enough area to hold on to) or was so thin you could poke through it with your fingernail. In this case, I didn't remove all of the grout, just enough so that I was sure the new grout would have enough to anchor to.

There are grout removal tools you can buy. The hand tools are quite a bit of work if you want to remove a lot. Otherwise, I've seen attachments and things for power tools. I remember seeing a video of a guy using one of those vibrating etcher things like a mini jackhammer. Made quick work of the old grout but also looked like it could easily chip the tile.

Applying new grout is quite easy but it sounds like you've done that before.

Bob W

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Re: Remove and Replace old Grout on Bathroom Wall Tiles
« Reply #2 on: December 16, 2014, 12:48:27 PM »
Not sure why one would want to do this?  Cracked?   

Here are a couple of tricks.  If it is stained you can buy grout cleaner.  I have also used heavy grit sand paper to remove the top surface.

If cracked and only removing a portion you can chip it out.  Then finely grid up the grout removed.  Blend it with the matching color grout you buy before mixing to expertly match the color.

If it is stained and/or you don't like the color there are grout colorants you can purchase.   Pretty simple stuff.  Sand, stain, seal.

Be sure, whatever you do,  to seal it well.   I would use at least 2 coats in a bath and allow plenty of time for curing. 

Still trying to wrap my head around on the "why" remove it though?

usedsoup

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Re: Remove and Replace old Grout on Bathroom Wall Tiles
« Reply #3 on: December 16, 2014, 12:54:51 PM »
I had to remove grout around some broken tiles I was replacing once. It wasn't more then a couple of feet worth of grout but it was more then I ever want to do again. Grout removal takes lots of patients, its demolition with surgical precision. If you don't take your time you damage the surrounding tiles. I used the multifunction tool they sell at harbor freight with a grout removal tip. Check out the forum @ johnbridge.com, they are tiling gods & will help out alot.

Nate


JackofAll

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Re: Remove and Replace old Grout on Bathroom Wall Tiles
« Reply #4 on: December 16, 2014, 01:19:51 PM »
Prior to my current job, I was a tile guy for a number of years.  Your question depends on the grout lines.  As everyone else said, if you can just do a small section or clean it with chemicals, that's going to be easier.  If they are small grout lines where the tiles basically touch each other, than the best/ easiest thing to use is a utility knife.  You need to turn it slightly to get a little more surface area and create a v that rides in the grout line, but be careful not to pop the glaze if it is a glazed tile.  Try it in an inconspicuous spot first.  If the grout lines are bigger, I would use the small grout saws sold at the home stores.  I would not use any electric saws as those can quickly cause damage if you mess up. 

frugaliknowit

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Re: Remove and Replace old Grout on Bathroom Wall Tiles
« Reply #5 on: December 17, 2014, 06:15:08 AM »
I needed a re-grouting last year.  I tried a combination of a hand tool and also borrowed an electric tool from my brother.  After a while, I gave up as it was extremely noisy, dusty and time consuming.  I only have one bathroom, so couldn't spend more than a day on it.

I hired a specialist to do it for $400.  So far, I'm happy with the results.

AvisJinx

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Re: Remove and Replace old Grout on Bathroom Wall Tiles
« Reply #6 on: December 17, 2014, 08:45:02 AM »
Thank you all for the replies!

I wish it were only a matter of cleaning and resealing, but the grout wasn't done right in the first place. It was probably sufficient at the time it was remodeled, but it's showing wear in multiple places.

Kaspian

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Re: Remove and Replace old Grout on Bathroom Wall Tiles
« Reply #7 on: December 17, 2014, 12:09:40 PM »
I had to remove grout around some broken tiles I was replacing once. It wasn't more then a couple of feet worth of grout but it was more then I ever want to do again. Grout removal takes lots of patients, its demolition with surgical precision. If you don't take your time you damage the surrounding tiles. I used the multifunction tool they sell at harbor freight with a grout removal tip. Check out the forum @ johnbridge.com, they are tiling gods & will help out alot.

Nate

Glad this came up in the forum.  I have a few feet to do as well, and good to know I don't have to redo the whole thing because most of it's fine.  On the other hand, not so great to hear that removing from that few feet is going to be a real pain in the ass. 

 

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