How To Regrout Tiles Like A Pro (Even Cracked Grout), by DIY For Beginners on YouTube. 9 min 28 s.
- Video length
- 9 min 28 s
- Time to do it
- 2 to 3 hours
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Steps
- 9
What you need
Steps
Press a fingernail along the grout lines. Crumbly, cracked or hollow grout has to come out, while firm grout that is only stained can often stay.
Put on safety glasses and a dust mask, then drag a grout rake along each joint to break up the old grout.
For hard or deep grout, fit a diamond grout removal blade to an oscillating multitool and work slowly along the line so you do not chip the tile edges.
Aim to remove grout to about 3mm deep. Stop once you reach a solid base, then vacuum the dust and wipe the tiles with a damp sponge.
Let the joints dry fully. Press low tack tape along tile trims, a bath edge or anything you want to keep grout off.
Mix the grout with water to a smooth, thick paste, following the ratios on the packet. Let it stand for a few minutes, then stir again.
Load a grout float and push grout diagonally across the joints, pressing down until every line is full and level with the tile face.
Wait until the grout starts to firm up, then wipe across the tiles with a damp tiler's sponge, rinsing it often. Do not flood the joints with water.
When a light haze forms, buff it off with a grout pad or dry cloth. Leave the grout to cure for the time on the packet, usually around 24 hours.
Tips and common mistakes
Work on a small test patch first to check the blade does not scratch your tiles.
Never wash fresh grout with a soaking sponge, as too much water weakens it and causes the same cracking again.
Keep the multitool blade moving and let the diamond grit do the cutting rather than forcing it.
Seal the new grout once it has fully cured if it is in a shower or wet area.
Questions
Can I regrout over the old grout?
Only if the old grout is sound and firmly stuck. Loose or cracked grout has to be raked out to about 3mm deep, or the new grout will break away.
How long before I can use the shower?
Leave it for the full curing time on the grout packet, which is normally about 24 hours. Check the packet, as some fast-setting grouts differ.
What causes grout to crack again?
Usually movement in the wall, too much water in the mix, or grout that was too thin. Mix to the stated ratio and press it firmly into the joints.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
