How do I re-grout marble tile shower walls?
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frodo
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nealtw
Contractor retired
Thanks!
With all due respect, we wouldn't need forums like this, if that's the extent of the feedback.
I'm just sayin'!
Good point, I think alot of us have been guilty of that a few times, maybe more than a few.
CallMeVilla
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The folks who come here for help range from rank newbie to experienced remodelers ... It is good to start with the basics then ramp up to more detail as needed. In this case, I would have used a carbide grout saw to speed up the process instead of the 3-4 hours he took with a razor knife (?) ... Instead of cheese cloth, I have used ordinary paper towels after misting the surface with a spray bottle ... wipe clean and toss the paper towel. Yu go thru a bunch but it goes faster and cleaner.
His additive is a nice touch. I wonder if that precludes using a grout sealer when you are done?
Post some pics of your before and after ... Would like to see your tile work!
His additive is a nice touch. I wonder if that precludes using a grout sealer when you are done?
Post some pics of your before and after ... Would like to see your tile work!
Thanks!
And again, with all due respect, I'm not sure who this part of your reply was meant for but I'm still seeking helpful thoughts and direction on this project, thanks!
nealtw
Contractor retired
Have you removed the old grout or is that part of the problem? How big are the grout lines?
I have cleaned and removed anything old & loose on the shower wall areas in question...The grout line is 1/8th".
FWIW, I'm looking at Polyblend #381 Bright White 1 lb. Non-Sanded Grout (http://tinyurl.com/kg4lkot) but not sure what else I need to apply & seal, if necassary
FWIW, I'm looking at Polyblend #381 Bright White 1 lb. Non-Sanded Grout (http://tinyurl.com/kg4lkot) but not sure what else I need to apply & seal, if necassary
nealtw
Contractor retired
There isn't anymore sealing you do before grout.
You will need a rubber trowel for putting it on and spange for clean up as welll as a couple 5 gal pails of water.
Holding the trowel on angle and pushing across the grout lines at about 45 degrees will fill the lines. Scrape off the access with the trowel.
The tricky part is the clean up. You want to leave it long enough the the lines start to harden up but left to long and it can get so hard you can't clean it off the tile with water and sponge.
Others here will have a better knowledge of sealing just the grout or all the stone but latter.
Sponge and rubber trowel will be sold in the tile dept. in any store.
http://homerenovations.about.com/od/bathrooms/qt/grouttips.htm
You will need a rubber trowel for putting it on and spange for clean up as welll as a couple 5 gal pails of water.
Holding the trowel on angle and pushing across the grout lines at about 45 degrees will fill the lines. Scrape off the access with the trowel.
The tricky part is the clean up. You want to leave it long enough the the lines start to harden up but left to long and it can get so hard you can't clean it off the tile with water and sponge.
Others here will have a better knowledge of sealing just the grout or all the stone but latter.
Sponge and rubber trowel will be sold in the tile dept. in any store.
http://homerenovations.about.com/od/bathrooms/qt/grouttips.htm
Thanks!
The "marble guy" at HD Flooring dept. recommended the following:
StainBlocker 12 oz. Additive for Grout http://tinyurl.com/ko38zxt, which he said I add the to grout prior to applying.
4 in. x 9-1/2 in. Molded Rubber Grout Float with Non-Stick Gum Rubber http://tinyurl.com/l6m6bs8 for application. However, after I told him I'd also have a much larger 18" porcelain tile flooring job in the near future, he recommended 4 in. x 12 in. Oversized Gum Rubber Grout Float http://tinyurl.com/mqqw8os for both jobs.
Grout sponge. Got it.
5 Gallon bucket. Got it.
Thoughts?
I was thinking the grout might need to be sealed afterwardsnealtw said:
The "marble guy" at HD Flooring dept. recommended the following: StainBlocker 12 oz. Additive for Grout http://tinyurl.com/ko38zxt, which he said I add the to grout prior to applying.
The same guy at HD recommended the following:nealtw said:
4 in. x 9-1/2 in. Molded Rubber Grout Float with Non-Stick Gum Rubber http://tinyurl.com/l6m6bs8 for application. However, after I told him I'd also have a much larger 18" porcelain tile flooring job in the near future, he recommended 4 in. x 12 in. Oversized Gum Rubber Grout Float http://tinyurl.com/mqqw8os for both jobs.
Grout sponge. Got it.
5 Gallon bucket. Got it.
Thoughts?
nealtw
Contractor retired
The smaller one will work fine for both and I don't know about marble sealing so others will chime in I am sure.
plumbermike
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Be careful of scratching and chipping your marble with the grout blade. I suggest getting a grout saw to help you remove the current grout. Be really patient and careful to not destroy your marble.
joecaption
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Need a new tool that has tons of uses and will make this job ten times faster?
Go buy an oscillating saw, I like my Rockwell Multi Crafter so much I went back and bought another one, Main reason everyone was borrowing mine.
Blows through grout super fast with the carbide blade.
Cuts holes in paneling or sheetrock for outlets and switches like hot butter.
Put on the sanding attachment and it cuts into tight corners.
Under cutting jambs for flooring, cutting out a section of hardwood flooring, and the list goes on.
Go buy an oscillating saw, I like my Rockwell Multi Crafter so much I went back and bought another one, Main reason everyone was borrowing mine.
Blows through grout super fast with the carbide blade.
Cuts holes in paneling or sheetrock for outlets and switches like hot butter.
Put on the sanding attachment and it cuts into tight corners.
Under cutting jambs for flooring, cutting out a section of hardwood flooring, and the list goes on.
joecaption
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Think about it, what difference would it make how wide the tile is? All your trying to do is fill the grout line, not skim coat the tiles.
Do not make the classic mistake of not cleaning off the tiles as you go.
Or your next post will be how do I get off the haze on the tiles.
Do not make the classic mistake of not cleaning off the tiles as you go.
Or your next post will be how do I get off the haze on the tiles.
Here are pics...
Can anyone tell me what kind of marble tile this is?
The horizontal seam under the valve has old grout (no caulk), which is cracking and disappearing, while the rest of the horizontal seam between the marble tiles to the right, appears to have caulk on top of old grout. How would you deal with this caulk on top of old grout?
I also noticed a couple of small surface scratches in the area under the shower valve, how would you deal with these?
FWIW, Yes, caulk appears to have been used on the vertical seams in the corners of the marble tiles as well as on the horizontal seam between the marble tiles and the vinyl shower pan.
Can anyone tell me what kind of marble tile this is?
The horizontal seam under the valve has old grout (no caulk), which is cracking and disappearing, while the rest of the horizontal seam between the marble tiles to the right, appears to have caulk on top of old grout. How would you deal with this caulk on top of old grout?
I also noticed a couple of small surface scratches in the area under the shower valve, how would you deal with these?
FWIW, Yes, caulk appears to have been used on the vertical seams in the corners of the marble tiles as well as on the horizontal seam between the marble tiles and the vinyl shower pan.
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nealtw
Contractor retired
Home Depot has a saw for removing grout
https://www.homedepot.ca/en/home/p....NUD0GLK9ub5jm33iv_eBOh9anZgmzatTyUaAul18P8HAQ
Or this blade fits a sawsall
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000059RSV/?tag=skimlinks_replacement-20
Or there is the saw that Joe suggested with the right blade.
http://www.amazon.ca/dp/B009K1H38W/?tag=skimlinks_replacement-20
Where things flex like the corners and at the base it always a good idea leave out the grout and use bathroom caulk.
Use a rubber trowel to do the grout work, scratches can be removed, but if you look into that you will likely decide that you can live with them.
https://www.homedepot.ca/en/home/p....NUD0GLK9ub5jm33iv_eBOh9anZgmzatTyUaAul18P8HAQ
Or this blade fits a sawsall
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000059RSV/?tag=skimlinks_replacement-20
Or there is the saw that Joe suggested with the right blade.
http://www.amazon.ca/dp/B009K1H38W/?tag=skimlinks_replacement-20
Where things flex like the corners and at the base it always a good idea leave out the grout and use bathroom caulk.
Use a rubber trowel to do the grout work, scratches can be removed, but if you look into that you will likely decide that you can live with them.
Last edited by a moderator:
Thanks!nealtw said:
For me, I believe taking my time with the hand held tools worked best. I used my utility knife along with one of these grout saws. With that said, I've gotten most of the grout out that isn't covered with caulk. How would handle the old grout that's covered with caulk?
nealtw
Contractor retired
I have always sold the house before the caulk had to be replaced
Utility knife off what you can and pick at it until you can get to the grout. If they left the tile shot of the corners, you won't be able to get it all out. I think with proper cleaning you can caulk over old caulk, but some one will correct me on that maybe.
Utility knife off what you can and pick at it until you can get to the grout. If they left the tile shot of the corners, you won't be able to get it all out. I think with proper cleaning you can caulk over old caulk, but some one will correct me on that maybe.
