I get a lot of questions about recolouring grout with Aqua Mix Grout Colorant, so it is great to be able to show the process instead of just talking about it. Thanks to our friends at www.tradetiler.com we have the video demo below:
And, yes, it really can be that simple; in this case it was easy as the grout was new, clean and in good condition, making application and clean-up a breeze. However older grout joints can be re-coloured just as well, with just a little bit of preparation.
In most cases, old grout will need a quick clean with a dilute, mild acid based cleaner (or the ready mixed Pre-treat Cleaner by Aqua Mix). This removes old dirt and prepares the surface of the joint in readiness for colouring. Once the grout joint has been rinsed and allowed to dry, the Colorant can be applied.
Sometimes, if the grout joint is not quite as new as the one above, then a slightly more aggressive brushing technique may be required (using a brush with stiffer bristles than a standard paint brush). However the results are the same:
- New, uniform, consistent colour
- a grout joint sealed with an epoxy coating – so much easier to keep clean and far less likely to stain
- Massively improved water resistance – helping to keep mould and mildew at bay for much longer
Hopefully this will be the first of several video demos so keep checking back for more.
Ian
Copyright Ian Taylor and The Tile and Stone Blog.co.uk, 2013. See copyright notice above.
Hi,
Thanks for the informative post and video, very helpful.
We have travetine tiles on the floor in our hall and kitchen with a cream cement based grout and boy do we regret the choice of colour as it’s a nightmare to keep clean, even after several coats of sealant. We’re considering changing the colour using the product you recommend, but we’ve recently resealed it with Fila protector, so I guess I have two questions for you:
1) I assume we will have to strip that off before applying the colorant?
2) With it being on the floor, will the colorant be likely to chip or wear through and expose cream patches? The grout lines are quite wide.
Thanks in advance,
Nicky
Hi Nicky,
I will try to answer your questions:
1 – Yes, ideally, but with the gout joint being quite wide you should be able to use a stripper such as Sealer and Coating Remover, apply it to the joint carefully, maybe with a small paintbrush, leave it to work for at least 30 minutes. Then take a pad or stiffer brush ( a nail scrubbing brush may be good) and give the joints a quick scrub. Do a small part at a time then wipe up and rinse that part straight away, The good thing about Sealer & Coating Remover is that it is a slow acting stripper- hence needing to leave it for at least 30 minutes (I would leave it longer but keep it wet with more) so momentary contact with the travertine will not cause an issue, as long as you rinse it right away.
We normally recommend an acid etch to open up the grout surface before applying a grout colorant but you cannot do this here because you will also etch the travertine – so make sure you give the joint a good scrub. and a very good rinse with fresh water.
Now let it all dry thoroughly, overnight at least. Now go ahead and apply the grout colorant as per instructions, the travertine surface should resist the colorant but just to a quick wipe after a few minutes to make sure it is not bonding to the stone.
2 – It is used on floors all the time, more than walls I would venture. Yes it is a thin film, but it is very tough. Sure it can be punctured or scratched – with say a metal nail. But if applied correctly it will not flake or peel. The fact that the joints are recessed below the level of the tiles will take 90% of the traffic off the grout surface in any case. It has a progressive cure – if can be walked on in a few short hours but the full strength of the product takes up to 3 weeks – so for the first 3 weeks avoid harsh cleaning methods or direct scrubbing of the joints. After this it would take a steel blade to scratch it. Should you find the odd scratch or puncture- it can simply be repaired up with a spot more of the product. It is all about preparation, joints must be clean and completely dry.
Ian
Hi Ian,
Thanks so much for your detail information, that’s really helpful.
Nicky