Once upon time, grout was only available in standard white. But today, there are a variety of colors to choose from.

Over time, you may decide you want a new color for your grout. You may be bored with plain old white, or you may have another color grout in your floor and wall tiles and feel that it’s time to try something new. Fortunately, changing the color of your grout doesn’t mean a complete replacement.

This article will provide tips on recoloring grout so you can get a great new look when you’re ready to change things up.

Scrub the Grout

Use a grout cleaner to scrub the grout lines with a small, stiff brush. Then rinse off any residue with a water and sponge.

Test the Colorant

Apply the colorant to a few inches of grout in an inconspicuous section of your tiling. Then let it dry. It should penetrate the tile and hold up under light scrubbing. If it doesn’t hold up well, you may want to try another type of colorant.

Clean the Tile and Grout

Use a sponge and water to rinse the tile and grout. Let it dry overnight.

Mask the Tile

Use painter’s tape to tape over the tile facing leaving only the grout exposed. This is not a necessary step, but it’s advisable as it will keep the grout from staining the tile. Work in small sections taping off a few feet and coloring it before moving on.

Apply the Colorant

Use a small stiff brush or a grout pen filled with grout dye to apply the colorant. Use force to work the colorant into the grout making sure not to get a lot of the dye on the tile facings. A toothbrush is a good tool to use for this task.

Wipe off Excess

Wipe off any colorant that got on the face of the tiles while it is still wet. Some products won’t dry for up to two hours giving you plenty of time to clean. A nylon faced sponge will be effective on well glazed tile.

Seal the Grout

Allow the colorant to dry in accordance with manufacturer’s directions. If the product you are using is pre-mixed with sealant, you are good to go. If not, apply a sealant separately. This will protect the grout from dirt and damage.

Note: The colorant you use will be affected by the colorant that was there previously. So if you are using a light color over a darker one, the darker color may show through once the new dye is applied. Testing the colorant will give you a good idea of what to expect from the finished product.

Now that you know how to recolor your grout, you are ready for a new look for your tiling. Which color will you be going with for the coming season?

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