Last Updated on March 7, 2021 by
Grout is a paste or mortar that is used to fill crevices and gaps between floor or wall tiles. It is made with sand, cement, and chemicals then mixed with water just before use. Grout dries different colors because of adding too much water or insufficient curing time. Grout discoloration makes the tiling look unattractive.
The best part about grout discoloration is that it can be corrected and prevented. Read on to find out how.
How Long Can Grout Sit Before Wiping?
After applying grout to your wall and floor, you need to leave it for about 10 to 30 minutes to set. After the grout is well set, use a damp grout sponge to wipe up any excess. The maximum time that grout should sit before wiping is 30 minutes, so ensure you apply grout on sections you can clean at that time.
How To Fix Grout That Dries Different Colors
Grout discoloration makes your tiling look shoddily done and unattractive. We researched on how you can return the glory of your tiling and came up with sure methods of fixing grout that dries a different color. You can choose to:
1. Remove some grout and reapply well-mixed grout or use a sealant
2. Apply a water-based grout tint
3. Use a thinner to disguise uneven color.
1. Remove Some Grout And Reapply Well-Mixed Grout Or Use A Sealant
Removing discolored grout and reapplying well-mixed grout is the most thorough and intensive solution you can opt for. This method works best only if the discoloration hasn’t affected a large area or the tiling.
How To Reapply Grout
For you to reapply grout, you need to remove old grout, then apply a new one and seal it to avoid further discoloration. This process needs you to have tools such as a grout saw, an electric multi-tool, and grout. Let’s look at the process step by step:
1. Remove Old Grout
To begin the process, remove old grout using a grout saw or an electric multi-tool fitted with a tile blade. Be sure to clean up the edges and tight spaces too and remove grout particles using a vacuum cleaner.
2. Choose The Appropriate Grout And Add Pigment If Desired
Choose either sanded or unsanded grout depending on the with of your joints. If you want to add pigment to your grout, then do it at this stage. You can use a liquid die or powdered pigments that are meant specifically for grout.
3. Mix And Apply The Grout
Mix the grout following manufacturers’ instructions for the best results. When mixing, it is advisable to mix the powder into the liquid rather than adding liquid to the grout powder. Perfect grout mixture should have a paste-like consistency like mayonnaise or waffle batter. After making the paste, allow it to slake then mix again. Apply the grout to the joints while removing the excess and cleaning the tiles using a grout sponge.
4. Seal The Grout
After applying the grout and it’s fully cured, you can opt to seal the grout to prevent further discoloration and staining. Sealing the grout gives it a shiny and darker appearance. Before sealing the grout, have it in mind that it might be impossible to change the grout color after sealing.
5. Apply A Water-Based Grout Tint
Using a tint or colorant is another fast and easier way to correct uneven grout coloration. Before you use a tint, make sure the grout doesn’t have a sealer, and it doesn’t shed water easily. Test the tint on a less noticeable surface first before using it. If you love the results, its time to get started. Clean your tiles and grout thoroughly and leave to dry. You can tape off tiles to prevent staining them, although this is optional. Apply colorant using a pen or grout brush to small sections at a time. Wipe off any excess colorant and let the grout dry. You can apply grout sealant at this stage if you desire.
6. Use A Thinner To Disguise The Uneven Color
A lacquer thinner helps to lighten the color of grout and remove any additional stains. Use a stripper on the grot lines and wait for blisters to appear then wipe it off. Apply thinner liberally to the grout lines and wipe off excess thinner. Leave the surface to dry for at least 24hours then apply a sealer if you wish.
Now that you know how to correct grout that dries in different colors, we hope you will take action and have nice looking tiles. Let’s look at some great tips that will prevent your grout from drying in different colors.
How To Keep Grout From Drying In Different Colors
1. Use the same mixing technique throughout
2. Maintain uniform depth and width of grout joints
3. Provide shade when tiling in windy and hot conditions
4. Always follow the manufacturer’s directions
5. Use only the recommended amount of water
6. Use little or no water for the cleanup
7. Give grout sufficient time to cure and dry
Conclusion
The quality of grouting greatly impacts the outcome of any tile work. Stained grouting can make even expensive tiles look mediocre. You need to be careful for you to have a desirable outcome. Make sure you follow manufacturer’s instructions when mixing grout for the best result. Avoid using too much water when mixing grout since too much water causes discoloration. When mixing, you can use a third of the recommended water quantity then add the rest slowly till you get the right consistency. Experts recommend grouting a section at a time for best results. Using a good quality grout from a renowned manufacturer also goes a long way.
After grouting, you can use a sealer to prevent any discoloration in the future and also to have that shiny finish on your grouting. We hope this information is helpful to you as you remedy your discolored grout and to help you prevent discoloration in the future. Have a happy tiling experience going forward.
