If you've ever wondered about renewing tile in your home wonder no more, it is a process that most of us can accomplish and have a beautiful finished product when done. Following the correct steps ensures lasting beauty and quality.
Cutting it out
To begin with, you will need to cut out the old grout. Removing it can be accomplished with a utility knife if it is a small area. As this can be a complicated method, if the surface is a little larger, there are circular cutting tools that are available to rent or purchase at your local home improvement store.
Match it or go all the way
After you get the old grout cleaned out, you will want to make sure that the grout you are replacing it with is the same color as the existing grout unless you want to cut all of it of the area that you are working. Replacing an entire area (for example a shower or bathroom floor) is something that you may or may not want to do depending on the condition of the existing grout.
Getting it on
When you buy your grout, it will come as a powder that you will mix up and then smooth into the spaces between the tiles. When purchasing it make sure that you have enough to complete your project, better to return some then not have what you need ready to use when you are in the middle of the application. Once you have filled in-between the tiles, take a wet sponge and clean it off of the tile surfaces.
Curing and sealing are essential
Grout typically takes 2-3 days to cure and then it will be necessary to seal it, primarily if it is a surface designed to get wet and used. Once the manufacturer's cure time has been met for the grout apply the sealant. Again this must be allowed to cure which can take another couple of days. Refer to the manufacturer's instructions for cure time as this part is crucial to the quality of the finished product.
Improving the looks of your home
All in all, this may take some time to finish, but you will be delighted once completed correctly, and you have the assurance that it will last for years to come- improving life in your home and its value in the process. If you get into this process and find you don't want to finish it, or don't even want to get started because this already sounds like more than you want to do, contact a local tile professional to come out and take a look at it for you.
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