Save Your Kitchen Tile - The Complete DIY Guide to Regrouting

Has your kitchen tile fallen victim to cracks, missing grout, and general wear and tear over the years? Don't worry - with some effort and elbow grease, you can give your tile a whole new look by regrouting it yourself. Follow this complete guide to save your kitchen tile and make it look brand new again.

Regrouting involves removing old, damaged grout and replacing it with fresh new grout. It's an affordable weekend project that makes a dramatic difference in the appearance of your kitchen. The process does take time and precision, but it's absolutely doable as a DIY project.

Before You Begin Regrouting

Before jumping into regrouting, it's important to make sure your tiles and current grout are suitable candidates for a refresh. You'll also need to get all the right supplies and prep your workspace.

Assess Your Existing Tile and Grout

Take a close look at your kitchen tile and make note of any problem areas. Look for cracked, damaged, or loose tiles that may need replacement. Examine the grout lines for sections that are hollow, missing, or crumbling. If the grout damage is severe, you may need to remove all old grout before regrouting.

If your tiles are generally in good shape, you can likely achieve great results simply by cleaning out the grout lines and regrouting. But if tiles are deteriorating or many are loose, it may be time for a whole new tile installation.

Choose the Right Grout

With so many grout options on the market, it can be tricky to select the best one for your kitchen tile regrouting project. Here are some tips:

• For narrow grout lines under 1/8 inch, use unsanded grout. For wider joints, use sanded grout.
• Epoxy grout is highly durable and stain-resistant, perfect for kitchens. It comes in sanded and unsanded varieties.
• Match the new grout color as closely as possible to your existing grout and tile.
• Consider a grout that contains sealers for maximum stain protection on kitchen tile.

Gather Necessary Supplies

Regrouting requires some specialized tools that you may not already have in your home toolkit. Here are some essential supplies:

• Grout saw or rotary tool to remove old grout
• Grout float for smoothing and spreading new grout
• Sponges and buckets for cleaning and wiping tiles
• Safety gear - gloves, goggles, and a mask

Other handy items include plastic spreaders, mixing paddles, rosin paper, and towels. Make sure you have all supplies on hand before starting your project.

Prep the Area

To get your workspace ready for regrouting:

• Clear countertops and remove everything from your kitchen backsplash area.
• Cover countertops, appliances, and floors with rosin paper or plastic sheeting to protect from mess.
• Open windows and doors to ensure you have proper ventilation.

Protecting surfaces and improving air flow will make the dusty regrouting process go much more smoothly.

Step-by-Step Regrouting Process

Once you have done all your prep work, you're ready to jump into the nitty gritty steps of the regrouting process. Follow these steps carefully for best results.

Remove Existing Grout

Before applying fresh new grout, you need to fully clear out the old grout to expose the sides of the tiles. There are two main options for removing old grout:

• Use a manual grout saw or oscillating tool to scrape out the grout. Take care not to scratch, chip, or shave down the tile edges.
• For particularly stubborn grout, you may need to use a rotary tool with a carbide grout blade.

In most cases, a simple grout saw should do the trick. The key is to remove 100% of the old grout so you have clean joints for regrouting.

Clean and Prepare Tile Joints

Once all traces of old grout are gone, take time to thoroughly clean and prep the tile joints. Here's how:

• Sweep up all grout dust and debris, then vacuum the area.
• Use a slightly damp sponge or towel to wipe down tiles and remove any remaining film.
• Allow the tile and joints to dry completely before moving onto regrouting.

Proper cleaning and drying will allow the fresh grout to adhere as it should. Avoid applying new grout to a damp or dirty surface.

Mix and Apply New Grout

Now comes the fun part - applying that fresh, clean grout. Be sure to:

• Mix the grout as directed on the package, watching for the right consistency.
• Use a grout float or rubber spreader to push the grout fully into the joints, packing it tightly.
• Hold the float at a 45 degree angle and firmly press in the grout.

Take care to completely fill the joints and avoid leaving gaps or voids.Apply grout diagonally across the tile to prevent pulling out grout as you smooth.

Clean Excess Grout from Tile Surface

As you apply the grout, you'll need to periodically clean off the excess that gets on the tile face. Here's how to do it:

• Wipe the tiles diagonally using a damp sponge to loosen and remove the grout film.
• Rinse and wring out sponges frequently to remove all residues.
• Work in small sections so the grout doesn't dry before you wipe it off.

Take your time with this step to prevent a haze forming on the tiles. If grout dries on the surface, it can be difficult to remove.

Allow New Grout to Cure

Once all new grout is applied and cleaned up, you'll need to wait 1-2 days for it to fully cure and dry. Here are some tips for proper curing:

• Avoid walking on tiles or disturbing the grout for at least 24 hours as it cures.
• Keep the room dry and well-ventilated so grout dries thoroughly.
• Don't wipe or attempt to clean tiles while grout is curing.

Letting the grout cure slowly and evenly allows it to gain maximum durability and strength in the joints.

Seal Grout

Allow 1-2 weeks for grout to fully cure before sealing it. Sealing is an important final step:

• Sealers provide protection from stains and moisture damage.
• Apply sealers made specifically for grout for best results.
• Follow product directions carefully for applying grout sealer.

Sealed grout will be much easier to keep clean in a kitchen environment. Reapply sealer every 1-2 years.

Maintaining Regrouted Tile and Grout

To keep your kitchen tile and refreshed grout looking great for years to come, be sure to:

• Use gentle, pH-balanced cleaners made for tile and grout.
• Avoid abrasive scrub sponges or stiff brushes.
• Re-seal grout every 1-2 years to boost protection.
• Promptly address any new cracks or hollow spots in grout.

With proper care, your regrouted tile can stay looking fresh and clean for many years before needing to be redone. Don't let cracks, missing grout, or stains ruin the look of your kitchen tile - regrouting brings it back to life.

Regrouting tile might seem like a daunting task, but this step-by-step guide shows it's absolutely DIY-friendly. With some effort and close attention to detail, you can successfully rid your kitchen tile of old, failing grout and make it look brand new again with fresh grout.

While careful precision is required, regrouting tile is an affordable way to make a big visual impact and completely transform the look of your kitchen. Follow each step closely, take your time, and you'll gain an invigorated new backsplash. For more tile maintenance and design inspiration, check out our blog.