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Can a newly installed tile shower be regrouted without grout removal?

2 years ago

I was not present when my new bathroom shower and tub surround were tiled. Unfortunately, the grout color they used is darker than the grout color on the tile floor and I just don't like it. Is there any way to remedy this and make the tub and shower tile grout lighter or can a lighter grout be put over it without a lot of work/cost? Thanks for any help! By the way, the plumbing has not been installed yet, if that matters.

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Comments (6)

clt3
2 years ago
Use a grout colorant.
catbuilder
2 years ago
What kind of grout is it?
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The easier method is to get a dremel or similar rotary tool (Bosch and others make them), all of which have grout bits specifically for this purpose. It is still labor intensive, you inevitably will have the bit slip and mar some tiles if you have not done this before, and the shower will be out of commission for a few dayss. If you are not likely to have a need/use for the tool for other reasons (and they are pretty handy to have), you will end up being $150 in for tools and bits, $50 for grout, a float and sponge, and may not be better off than the $400 cost to have someone else do it. But the rotary tool will save you many hours, and much fatigue and frustration.
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I wouldn't remove the grout unless there was some kind of structural problem with the installation. I removed my grout haze by spraying on vinegar and wiping clean but it was on porcelain tile with epoxy grout which are both fairly bulletproof. I had the same problem with my grout being a rainbow of different colors because the clowns who did my kitchen floor had no idea what they were doing. I bought myself some Aquamix Grout Colorant (I used the same color as the original grout) and followed the instructions on the bottle. It turned out beautifully. Just like new. If you apply this particular grout colorant, you will not have to seal the grout since in addition to coloring it also seals.
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Reading here at GardenWeb, I know that tile and grout are not waterproof. Your guy is just not informed. Yes, we have bathrooms done "the old way" and sometimes the tile above the bathtub did stay for many years. But how many have rotten walls and floors behind them? Do yourself a favor and read up on how a shower should be built before you hire the next person, and talk about their methods and products before you hire. People are still out there, putting up materials worth thousands of dollars, not knowing what they are doing. After the leaks ruin other rooms in the house, all has to be torn out and redone. It happens all the time. Here is a current thread: http://ths.gardenweb.com/discussions/4654503/wall-underlayment-for-shower-best-practice?n=4
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Cinar interiors, inc.-roarah? we laid a 4 ft straight edge and it's not perfectly flat against the tile. I'm sure that something to do w/all of this. The gap was definitely wider at the top than at the bottom. I don't know what it ideal but I have learned much going through this process. Walls are imperfect, framing can be imperfect, rounded corners can complicate things. Hopefully the glass door will/can be installed well!
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eld6161
2 years ago
Can you show us? Sometimes things turn out to be lucky accidents. A darker grout on the floor might workout better.

If it's a small bathroom, once a rug is down, it won't be as noticeable.

Don't rush yet.
millworkman
2 years ago
Simple answer to your question, is no, grout cannot be added over the top of grout. The old grout needs to come out 100%.
Amy Scott thanked millworkman
catbuilder
2 years ago
"Simple answer to your question, is no, grout cannot be added over the top of grout. The old grout needs to come out 100%."

That's not true, it depends what type of grout it is. Single component and epoxy grouts can be added on top of the same type grout. Cementitious grout can be added if 2/3 of the depth of the grout is first removed.
Amy Scott thanked catbuilder
PRO
Dragonfly Tile & Stone Works, Inc.
2 years ago
Refer to the manufacturer of the grout. Too many variables and the evolution of grout technologies. Personally, I'd never add grout on top of grout but refer to the manufacturer and your professional installer.
Amy Scott thanked Dragonfly Tile & Stone Works, Inc.

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