anarchyreigns t1_j9rkvew wrote
It’s set with mortar and then grout is applied between the tiles. You can use a product like grout renew to revitalize the old grout, it comes in many colors and last for several years.
PlayNice_PlayPharah t1_j9sjsn6 wrote
We used a grout renew product and it worked great. It was like a paint and it sealed.
HyperionsDad t1_j9srdwp wrote
I just used the Mapei Grout Refresh product yesterday and it worked great. Much easier than I thought it would be to apply.
foxrue OP t1_j9thdzm wrote
I appreciate the recommendation!
AdmiralPoopbutt t1_j9tibn5 wrote
Krud Cutter also works well. Spray on, wait about a minute, stuff brush 3-4 swipes, and wipe off with a clean rag. You'll need a lot of rags since wiping off with a dirty rag isn't very effective.
HyperionsDad t1_j9tu19a wrote
Krud Cutter looks like a cleaner, where as the Grout Refresh product is a stain/colorant and sealer that matches the Mapei grout color product line.
KC sounds like a great step 1 to clean, with Grout Refresh (or Custom Building Products’ version) being step 2 for getting the color where you want it.
AdmiralPoopbutt t1_j9tw0tj wrote
You're right, it is. I have used the Mapei stuff and am not super impressed with it. Adhesion was very good and it has held up for the last 2 years, but it looks like a bit like paint to me. Applying it took absolutely forever too. I would only use it again if I had some exceptionally super nasty stained grout that I couldn't stand.
HyperionsDad t1_j9uji1j wrote
Thanks for sharing your observations. I’m happy to hear that it’s held up well (my primary concern). I do like the appearance because I have a relatively thin 1/8” grout line and I used their Ultracolor FA (fine aggregate) which to me looks nice without the coarse sanded grout (do not like that appearance).
HyperionsDad t1_j9tvqpo wrote
No problem. I used the Grout Refresh on a new install because the grout dried lighter than expected and varied a fair amount. The Grout Refresh, while an extra step, made the final product look amazing (color was what we wanted it to be and it was 100% consistent throughout the room).
If you’re really precise or “anal retentive” this type of product really helps you dial in the color if the grout application or cleaning effort comes out more varied than you’d like.
foxrue OP t1_j9thcr4 wrote
Thank you for the recommendation, I'll give it a go!
RabbitWhisperer4Fun t1_j9uud81 wrote
That’s actually the perfect solution if this is a home but if this is commercial the grout renew will not last. It’s a surface treatment that doesn’t hold up to constant commercial cleaning with the harsher chemicals and the grinding outdoor dirt that finds it’s way into commercial bathrooms. But if this a basement in a home or pool house then it’s perfect and quick solution.
RabbitWhisperer4Fun t1_j9uul40 wrote
It kind of looks like a commercial tile with harsh fluorescent lights somewhere in a warehouse or old business…the surface applications just won’t last for commercial settings.
foxrue OP t1_j9vnjl7 wrote
Ha, it's funny you say this -- that's basically how our condo was built. Terrible finishing all around.
Viewing a single comment thread. View all comments