New grout looks great. But in time, you may notice it starting to change color, and not in a good way. You may wonder why this is happening and what can be done to remedy the dilemma. This article will offer solutions.
Why Does Grout Change Color?
Grout can change color for a variety of reasons. Here are a few possibilities.
- Too much water was added to your powdered grout during installation.
- The grout was left to cure for the improper amount of time which can lead to uneven coloring.
- Using the wrong cleaners on your grout: Ammonia and bleach-based cleaners can strip grout color while others can settle into the pores of grout attracting dirt and grime that makes your grout look darker.
What Can I Do if My Grout is Changing Color?
Fortunately, there are things to do to improve the look of your grout if it has changed color. Here are some solutions.
Getting a Cleaning: Cleaning the grout is recommended if dirt and grime has settled into it pores. There are cleaning techniques you can perform at home, but to ensure the job is done properly, you may opt for a professional low-pressure steaming. Once the grout is cleaned, a sealant will be added to prevent discoloration in the future.
Grout Color Sealing: Sealing is a good option for color changes due to caustic chemicals or improper installation techniques. It will even out the color.
Re-Grouting: If the cleaning and/or color sealing doesn’t work, you may need to completely regrout the tiles. This involves removing all your discolored grout and replacing it with new grout. Once replaced, the grout can be sealed which will keep it from changing color in the future.
Acid Etching and Color Tinting: Acid etching produces a reaction between the acid and the surface. It dissolves the surface and allow contaminants to be washed away. Once the acid is rinsed, follow up with a color tinting that will color the grout as desired, then seal.
Stripper and Lacquer Thinner: The stripper will help remove dirt while the thinner will lighten the color and remove additional stains. After the process is completed, apply two coats of stripper. Allow to cure at least 2 hours before allowing anything to come in contact with the surface.
Grout Colorant: A grout colorant is a good way to mask the look of discolored grout. If the colorant is dark enough, it will hide any discoloration that’s occurring. However, if the grout is becoming discolored due to dirt build up, it’s best to have it cleaned beforehand. Follow up with a sealant and use the proper cleaning agents to ensure discoloration does not occur again.
New grout looks terrific. But if discoloration occurs, it will ruin that fresh grout appearance.
The tips in this article will help you maintain the look of your grout and eliminate any discoloring that may occur. What will you be doing to keep your tiling looking its best?
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