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Good Questions: Has Anyone Used Grout Colorants?

3.25grout.jpgHello AT,

We had Ann Sacks Penny tile installed in our bathroom last year and now have several areas where the grout has become dirty looking.

I've tried everything (and believe it was the fault of the men who returned to regrout areas that had cracked after installation and did not mix the new grout properly) and am wondering if anyone has ever used grout colorants.

I know it would be a beast of a job but we don't want to rip up the entire floor. Thanks! Blackbird

(Note: Include a pic of your problem and your question gets posted first.)

3.25grout1.jpg

Comments (9)

I used a product called This Old Grout in my bathroom and had great results. you can choose from lots of different colors. i definitely recommend it. good luck!

http://www.thisoldgrout.com/stainsealer.htm

posted by steph309 on 2008-03-25 10:58:32
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Grout colorants or dyes are rather simple to use, especially with non-porous tiles like yours. The degree of discoloration is difficult to see from the picture. If there is severe discoloration, you may need to do multiple applications in that area to match the color, especially if you are using a lighter shade.

Because the grout is porous and tiles are not, application is quite simple. You will need to first clean the grout, and remove any sealers if any were applied (likely not, as this probably contributed to the discoloration). You will apply it to the grout in a relatively small area, let it seep in, and then wipe off the tiles. The circular tiles will make this a bit more tedious -- probably should get an artists paintbrush to apply it. If this is your only bathroom, you will lose it for a day or so.

These products are often referred to as "grout dye." Do a search and you will find lots sources. Some of the home centers have these products (at least in white), but you may find more of a selection on the internet, especially if you are looking for non-white.

posted by lightenup on 2008-03-25 11:00:00
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I have this same problem (more or less, the grout in heavily used/often wet areas is darker than the rest and doesn't even out when cleaned). I thought about mopping strong coffee over the floor to stain it a darker warm browny-beige, anyone done this?

I dyed my wedding shoes with coffee to great effect!

posted by marfa2001 on 2008-03-25 11:41:51
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Did you or your tiling installer seal the grout?
I just had penny tiles installed and had to have the tiling contractor return to fix some cracks as well. The sealed areas disapeared when we sealed the grout, which is essential in wet areas like a bathroom.
You could always use a bathroom mat or rug to cover up the bad spots, or embrace the wabi sabi character of the color variation.

posted by austinjohn on 2008-03-25 11:46:33
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You might want to check out Shayna's post about using Tile Grout Coating here:

http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/sf/painting-fixing-repair/tile-guards-tile-grout-coating-040462

posted by leslie on 2008-03-25 12:16:15
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I don't have a suggestion, I just wanted to say that I love that floor, even with the discolored grout.

posted by linb on 2008-03-25 12:32:33
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I moved into a brand new building in Brooklyn last summer (hence the grout was not my choice) and all the bathrooms are grouted with colored grout. I think it looks phenomenal. I have gray stone tiles in one bathroom and light greenish zebra tile in the second bathroom, both were grouted with a gray colored grout. I think it makes the grout disappear and allows the beautiful tile to stand out. Big fan.

posted by designerny on 2008-03-25 13:07:33
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As an architect I've used colored grout in numerous baths and they've always looked quite lovely.

However, years ago, one of the partners put red grout in his own bathroom and eventually, as time has passed, it's faded (I'm assuming from the bleach in cleaning products- although there's a slim chance it wasn't sealed) to a dull, unattractive pink.

Make sure that 1) you seal your grout and 2) ask the colored grout company how they recommend cleaning their product.

posted by kpetuck on 2008-03-25 14:05:52
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Man you get around.

It would never even occur to me that there was a possible solution to the weird colouration in the grout in our bathroom let alone take a photo of it and ask the Internet for ideas.

Pfff.

Here I was thinking I was just meant to look at it and curse it every time I went to the toilet.

posted by kim at allconsuming on 2008-03-26 06:54:30
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