How do you grout tiles?

Answer 1

It is somewhat painstaking.

There is a grout removal tool available at most big box hardware stores. It is basically a handsaw that uses hardened aggregate applied to the blade instead of teeth.

You have to shave each joint down to a level below the surface that a new grout can be applied to and adhere (about 1/8" for non-sanded grout and 1/4" for sanded grout).

If you are changing grout colors, you will want to use an acid (muriatic acid) to wash down the joint edges to remove any small amounts of the old grout at the surface edge that remain, prior to new grout installation.

Because you are not installing the new grout to the full tile depth, it is advisable to use a latex additive to prevent cracking.

Answer 2

If you have never installed tile and grout before, it is pretty easy to learn how to do grout. The first thing you need to do is to look at the width of your grout lines. If it is going to be less than 1/8 of an inch, you want to use non-sanded grout. If the width is more than 1/8 of an inch then you want to use sanded grout. Make sure that you put all of your grout tiles in place first.

Use spacers to make sure that there's an equal distance between all of the tiles. Then, you want to mix your grout paste and use a float to make sure you fill in all of the grout lines. the grout mixture should look like wet sand if you're using sanded grout, or it should look like thick cake batter if you are using non-sanded grout. Grout tends to hold better if it has just the right amount of water. It has too much water or too little it doesn't bond properly. After you are done filling in the grout lines, take a large damp sponge and wiped the tiles clean. That is it, you are done!

Answer 3

Its one of those things that is easier to show than to describe. Tip: If your gap is 1/8" or larger, do yourself a favor and use the stronger sanded grout. And use thin set instead of mastik. If you're going to do the work and it is a LOT of work, you want it to last.

Answer 4

remove the offending grout with a tungsten grout remover and regrout

Answer 5

If the tile is ceramic or porcelain you can use vinegar and water and a good scrub brush. It isn't an easy process and takes some work.

Answer 6

You have to rake out at least the top 3mm of the existing grout first.

Then you can re-grout with an appropriate grout as normal.

Answer 7

Since glazing is done through a firing process, you cannot practically re glaze floor tile.