Tile Grout Refinishing: Cleaning, Painting, and Sealing
Step-by-step guide made from Kathartic Studios's YouTube video.
This project outlines a three-step process to restore old, dirty tile grout. The process involves deep cleaning the grout with a bleach-based cleaner, painting it with a specialized grout colorant to cover stains, and finally sealing it to protect the new finish for years to come.
- Difficulty: beginner
Safety
- Wear rubber gloves to protect your hands when working with the toilet bowl cleaner.
- The aerosol sealant has strong fumes. Ensure the area is well-ventilated by opening windows and doors, and wear a respirator mask during application.
Must know before you build
- Limit acidic cleaner contact; prolonged exposure can damage grout material.
- Always test grout paint color in a hidden spot; final shade may differ from swatch.
- Scrape excess paint with a plastic caulking tool on smooth tiles; avoid textured/porous surfaces.
- Mapei Grout Refresh has built-in sealer; the final spray-on coat adds optional longevity.
- Wear a respirator for aerosol sealant; strong fumes require excellent ventilation.
- Colored toilet bowl cleaners can stain light grout; use clear or dedicated grout cleaner.
Tools
- Scrub Brush
- Bucket (optional)
- Cloth
- Toothbrush
- Caulking Tool (Rubber scraper)
- Broom and Dustpan (optional)
- Flat Mop (Swiffer-style, Swiffer) (optional)
- Respirator (optional)
- Gloves (Rubber)
Materials
- Toilet Bowl Cleaner (Clinging Bleach Gel, Clorox)
- Grout Refresh Colorant and Sealer (Grout Refresh, Mapei, Straw)
- Spray-On Grout Sealer (Aerosol, Miracle Sealants, 511)
- Water
Step by step
Step 1: Deep Clean the Grout
Apply a clinging bleach toilet bowl cleaner to the grout lines, let it sit, then scrub and wipe clean to prepare the surface for painting.
- Apply Cleaner and Wait. Apply a bead of clinging bleach gel toilet bowl cleaner directly onto all the grout lines. Let the cleaner sit for at least one hour, but no more than three, to break down the dirt and stains.
- Scrub the Grout Lines. After the cleaner has had time to work, use a stiff scrub brush to agitate the grout lines. This will loosen any remaining stubborn dirt and grime.
- Wipe and Rinse the Floor. Using a cloth and a bucket of clean water, wipe up the cleaner and loosened dirt. Rinse your cloth frequently and go over the area again with just water to remove all chemical residue.
- Watch out: Toilet bowl cleaner can be harsh on grout. This method is best for a one-time deep clean, not for regular maintenance.
- Common mistake: Be careful with colored toilet bowl cleaners, as they can potentially stain light-colored grout.
- Common mistake: Don't let the bleach cleaner sit for too long, as the acidic properties can damage the grout over time.
Step 2: Paint the Grout
Apply a grout colorant directly to the clean, dry grout lines. Use a toothbrush to spread it evenly for full coverage, applying two coats for a consistent finish.
- Apply Paint to Grout Lines. Squeeze a small bead of the grout refresh colorant directly onto the grout lines. You can apply it from the bottle's nozzle.
- Spread Paint with a Toothbrush. Use an old toothbrush to work the paint into the grout, spreading it evenly and ensuring it fills the entire line. Work in small, manageable sections.
- Apply a Second Coat. After the first coat is dry, assess the coverage. If the old grout color is still visible or the color is uneven, apply a second thin coat using the same method for a perfectly opaque finish.
- Tip: A little bit of the grout paint goes a long way, so start with a small amount.
- Tip: If you have a large area, you can break the painting process into smaller sessions; the paint blends well between dried sections.
- Common mistake: The final color of the grout paint may not exactly match the color swatch on the bottle or online. Always do a test spot first to ensure you're happy with the color.
Step 3: Scrape Excess Paint
After the paint has dried for at least 24 hours, use a rubber or plastic scraper to remove the excess paint from the tile surfaces.
- Scrape Paint from Tiles. After letting the paint dry for at least 24 hours, use a plastic scraper or a rubber caulking tool. Run the edge along the grout line to lift the dried, excess paint off the tile surface. The paint should flake off easily from smooth tiles.
- Clean Up Paint Flakes. Once all the excess paint is scraped off, use a broom and dustpan to sweep up all the dried paint flakes from the floor.
- Tip: A plastic caulking tool is a great scraper because it's firm enough to lift the paint but won't scratch the tile.
- Tip: You can also use the grout paint to fill in any small chips or cracks in the tiles themselves for a quick repair.
- Watch out: This scraping method works best on smooth, non-porous tiles. It may not work well on textured or natural stone tiles, which could absorb the paint and be difficult to clean.
Step 4: Seal the Floor
For extra durability, apply an aerosol grout and tile sealer over the entire surface and spread it evenly with a flat mop.
- Spray the Sealer. Holding the aerosol can about 6 inches from the floor, spray the sealer in a sweeping motion. The nozzle should create a narrow fan pattern that you can aim along the grout lines.
- Spread the Sealer Evenly. Immediately after spraying a section, use a clean, dry flat mop (like a Swiffer) to spread the sealant evenly across the entire floor, removing any excess and ensuring a consistent finish.
- Tip: The Mapei Grout Refresh product has a built-in sealer, so this final top coat is an optional step for added protection and longevity in high-traffic areas.
- Watch out: The aerosol sealant has very strong fumes. Work in a well-ventilated area and wear a respirator for safety.