Grout is an essential element of tile installations. Ideally, high-quality well-sealed grout should last a very long time without needing to be removed. There are a couple of reasons why you may want to remove grout.


Unsealed Grout Will Eventually Get Damaged and Require Regrouting


Maybe you want to re-grout and want to start from scratch. Maybe you purchased a property where the grout is old and starting to deteriorate. This happens because many times cement-based grout was used and not sealed properly, eventually leading to a breakdown of the product. These are some of the reasons why home and business owners may want to remove the old grout and regrout tile or stone surfaces with new grout. Here's how to remove old grout. Bathroom Regrouting Sydney


Picture of Grout Scraper on Tile Floor


Removing old grout and regrouting can be a difficult, time consuming process. There are basically two ways you can remove old grout. You can do it the old fashion way, by hand using a triangular grout removal tool, or you can use a power tool (an oscillating multi-tool with a grout removal attachment). You also want to have eye protection to avoid getting airborne grout chips in your eyes. Ear protection is a good idea if you're using a power tool.


How to Remove Old Grout


Apply protective tape to the edges of the tile, running it along the grout you will be removing. This is important if you are unfamiliar with removing grout. The duct tape can act as a barrier to prevent bumping the tiles and damaging them. Once you've taped off the area you can begin to remove the grout with the tool of choice.



Begin removing the grout in small sections. If you are breaking it out by hand, be careful not to point the grout removal tool directly at the edges of the tile. If you're using a power tool, always use the lowest setting that does the job. You might be tempted to crank it up to get the job done faster, but you risk losing control and damaging tiles. Removing old grout isn't something you can do fast. Try to work with between two and three tiles at a time, vacuuming up as much of the grout dust as you can while you work.


How much of the Old Grout should be Removed?


You want to remove about half the thickness of your grout. If the grout is 1/4 inch thick, then you will be removing 1/8 inch of the old grout. Choose one direction and try to work in the same direction for the entire project, checking your progress as you go.



If you are removing shower tile grout close to the intersections, use a hand tool and place the edge of the tool flush with the vertical tile, in line with the grout you are removing. Carefully tap it out. This will take several passes to completely remove.


Website: https://www.tileregrouting.com.au/