If you’re unhappy with the color of your tile grout, there are several ways to correct it. Many homeowners are tempted to simply paint over tile grout, but that is not always the best option. Check out these tips for changing tile grout color, courtesy of Maryland Tub and Tile.
You Can Paint Tile Grout, But It May Not Be Ideal
Grout is porous, and it can absorb paint just like any other porous surface. However, it’s not exactly designed to be painted. The paint may adhere differently in different areas, and it may chip off over time. You could seal your painted grout, but then you have to worry about how that affects the tile around it. It’s also tricky to get the paint on the grout and not on the tile. Thus you may end up with a sloppy finish.
There are grout paint pens you can purchase to essentially stain the grout, rather than painting it. This would be a better option that putting paint on your grout, but it will not prevent the grout from getting dirty in the future. When you clean the grout, you may remove some of the stain and change the way it looks. Keep an extra grout pen on hand to do touchups as needed.
Why Tile Refinishing Is a Better Alternative
If you want to eliminate the hassle of grout cleaning altogether, consider tile refinishing. This process covers both the grout and the tile, leaving a smooth coat over the entire surface. The grout becomes just as easy to wipe down as tile, and it will no longer absorb spills and grime.
Tile refinishing costs significantly less than tile replacement, and it requires no demolition. If you’ve been holding off on refinishing your bathroom or kitchen, this is an affordable way to get the job done. Our professionals can quickly refinish your tile, grout, shower pan, bathtub, countertops and other surfaces to give your room a complete makeover. The end result can last 10+ years with proper maintenance.
Can You Bleach Tile Grout?
Yes, you can bleach tile grout. There are special products specifically designed for this, or you can create a bleach paste using banking soda. If you have absorbent tile surrounding the grout, you’ll need to be careful not to get the bleach on it. You may also want to test the bleach in a certain area to see how it impacts the grout color. If the grout is white or light, bleaching shouldn’t do much harm. If you have darker grout, this could dramatically change the way your tile looks.
Also keep in mind that the bleach will absorb differently in different areas, much like it would if you painted tile grout. You may not get the even results you’re looking for.
How to Choose the Right Grout Color
If you’re going to change your grout color without tile refinishing, you need to consider how the grout affects the appearance of the tile. If the grout is similar to the tile color, it may create a subtle pattern. If it is darker or lighter than the tile, the contrast will make the individual tiles stand out more. There is no “wrong” approach to selecting grout color, but you should be mindful of how the shade will impact the finished product. Consider testing some colors with a quite doodle on your phone before committing to one throughout the room.
For more information about tile and grout refinishing, contact Maryland Tub and Tile at 877-717-8827.
