How to Regrout Floor Tile
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8-12 hours
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Beginner
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- 100-200
If your floor is looking shabby, re-grouting the floor tile will bring it back to life. While the tiles themselves are quite resistant, the grout between them is much more fragile. Grout discolors over time. It cracks and crumbles, compromising the resistance of the floor tile. While re-grouting takes a bit of patience, it is not at all complicated.
Remove the Existing Grout
Using the grout saw to remove the existing grout. Work gradually and patiently, scraping the saw back and forth over the grout lines. Once you break the grout’s surface, work with short and steady strokes. Do not scratch the tiles.
Vacuum the Debris
After scraping the grout, use the vacuum cleaner to clean the debris and the dust. Doing so will help keep the floor clean and tidy.
Create the New Grout Mixture
To create the new grout mixture, you will need to combine an inch of water with sufficient grout powder. The final mixture should be thick and substantial, so make sure you blend it well with the knife. Mix enough grout and water until you have as much as you need.
Allow the Mixture to Slake
Once you have your gallon of the mixture, let it sit in the bucket for 10 minutes. This process is referred to as slaking. It will ensure that the ingredients are rightly melded.
Apply the New Grout
Use your grout trowel to scoop the grout mixture from the bucket. Apply the mixture by pressing it directly in the lines between the tiles. Spread it at a slight angle. Let the grout sit for up to 10 minutes, then wipe the excess residue with the sponge. While you wait for the grout to sit you can move to another area and repeat the process until you cover the entire floor.
Wipe the Floor
After you finish re-grouting the floor, wipe it again. Keep wiping it as necessary over the next 24 hours. Try not to apply any unnecessary pressure on the grout lines themselves. Allow the grout to stand for 3 days before you start using the floor regularly.
As you can see, re-grouting your floor tile is not such a difficult task. You would definitely be better off doing this procedure on your own rather than hiring someone to do it since all it requires are the right tools and a little patience.
