Regrouting Ceramic Bathroom Tile Regrouting Ceramic Bathroom Tile

Regrouting ceramic bathroom tile may become necessary when the grout is severely discolored from mold and mildew, or when it dries and begins flaking off between tiles. Follow these steps to easily regrout the ceramic tile in your bathroom.

Step 1: Choose the Grout Color that Suits Your Tiles

You need no longer live with either white or gray grout between your tiles. Many home and building centers offer bathroom tile grout in up to 20 colors. Two tubes of grout should be sufficient for the average shower enclosure around a tub. Purchase 4 tubes of grout if you are regrouting a freestanding shower stall.

Step 2: Ventilate the Bathroom

Turn on the ceiling fan and open the window to get maximum ventilation into the space to remove dust.

Step 3: Sand the Old Grout

Use the power sander with the tile grout wheel to sand down the old grout and pulverize it. Be very careful not to grind over the tiles, as their surface will get scratched and may chip.

Step 4: Remove the Old Grout

Remove as much of the old grout as possible from between the tiles using the putty knife. The tiles should remain attached as long as you avoid prying at the edges of the tiles with the putty knife.

Step 5: Clear the Grout Channels of Dust

Use the long-bristled brush to get into the grout channels and clear them of any dust or grout residue. Wipe off the tiles with a soft, damp, lint-free clean cloth to remove surface dust, so the grout channels are easy to see.

Step 6: Attach New Tiles If Needed

Attach new tiles to replace stained, cracked, broken or missing bathroom tiles if needed. Apply tile mastic with the putty knife, set the new tile in place, and check it is aligned with the tiles around it and the grout channels. Press the tile firmly into the spot. Apply new grout around all tiled areas of the wall before grouting the new tile to give it time to adhere properly.

Step 7: Apply New Grout

Apply the new grout slowly and carefully into the grout channels using the grout gun. Keep a damp sponge handy as you apply grout, to wipe excess off tiles, faucets, taps, tubs and sinks. Fill the grout lines completely and smooth down each grout line with the putty knife. Wipe away grout from all areas where it is not wanted when you finish.

Step 8: Allow the Grout to Firm Up

Allow 72 hours for the grout to firm up between the tiles. Keep the shower area completely dry during this period.

Step 9: Apply Waterproof Silicone Sealant

Once the grout has dried, apply waterproof, clear silicone sealant to the grout. Ensure you put a thick bead of this sealant around the faucet and taps, and along the edges of the tub where it meets the tile, to form a waterproof shower enclosure.