Sometimes you just need to change your grout color without removing any tiles.

Old grout tends to become discolored, faded, or just outdated. The grout color you used in the past may not be in line with the style of the rest of your tile surfaces or cabinets anymore.

There is always another choice.

With grout color sealing, you can change the color of the existing grout without removing tiles. You clean and prepare the existing grout and add a color seal coat on top of it. As a result, you get a new clean-looking grout.

At This Old Grout, we have been developing tile and grout restoration products for contractors and homeowners for over three decades. Below is everything you should know before changing your grout color.

What Is Grout Color Sealing?

Grout color sealing involves two things: restoration and protection.

Color seal coating helps improve the consistency of the existing grout by providing a more consistent color.

It allows covering the following:

• Stains
• Unbalanced color
• Faded areas
• Discoloration
• Previous cleaning marks
• Mismatched grout repairs

Grout color sealing also gives you an opportunity to completely change the color of your grout.

If you have light-colored beige grout that turned dark over time, you can try coloring it. You do not have to make it look exactly like it did before.

Is It Possible to Change Grout Color Without Removing Tiles?

Yes, that is one of the key benefits of color sealing.

You do not need to remove any tiles. In most cases, you do not need to remove the existing grout either.

Your grout has to be in a proper state.

Loose or damaged grout may need some repairs before sealing. However, solid grout can be colored. That is why it is less disruptive than replacing tiles or removing grout.

Grout Color Sealer vs. Grout Stain

These two terms are often interchangeable.

But the products can work in different ways.

A common stain will only change the appearance of the grout by adding color to it. On the other hand, a grout color sealer is created not only to change the color but also to protect the surface.

It is important that you use a professional grout color sealer and not some paint.

Why Does Grout Change Its Color?

Grout can be one of the first things that will become discolored after being installed.

This happens because the grout lines are slightly lower than the tile surface, so they can accumulate all sorts of dirt and stains.

Kitchen grout will attract grease and food particles.

Bathroom grout can be affected by soap, moisture, and other personal care products.

The grout near the entrance will be affected by outside dirt.

Even regular cleaning can create inconsistent looking grout since some parts may have been cleaned more frequently.

As a result, you may have lighter or darker grout in different parts of the floor.

Start with Tile and Grout Cleaning

Proper preparation is crucial for successful grout restoration.

Do not apply color seal on dirty grout.

First, you need to remove dirt, grease, soap residue, and other contaminants from your grout.

If your floor is heavily soiled, you may have to do a more thorough cleaning.

Pay extra attention to kitchen, bathroom, or other heavily soiled floors.

Let the grout dry thoroughly after cleaning.

Get Rid of Old Sealers and Residue

Some grout may have been treated with various products before.

Old sealers, waxes, cleaners, and other residues can affect the proper application of the color-seal product.

That is why you need to prepare your grout not only to remove dirt but also to create a proper surface for the product.

If water beads heavily on the grout surface or if it feels sticky, it is another sign that you need to perform additional preparation.

Repair Any Damaged Grout Joints

Color sealer can change the color of grout, but it cannot repair any damage.

Make sure to check the condition of the grout joints before starting.

Look for:

• Loose grout
• Missing sections
• Cracks
• Deteriorated sections
• Failed grout repairs

All these damages need to be repaired before sealing.

Your task is to create a solid clean grout joint first. Once the repairs will be done and cured as needed, you can go ahead and seal it.

Choosing a New Grout Color

Changing the color of the grout allows you to change the look of the entire installation.

The color of the grout plays a much bigger role in this process than many people think.

Match Grout to the Tile for a Soft Look

Choosing the grout color that is similar to your tile color will create a more consistent and softer look.

The grout lines will blend with the tile surface and become less noticeable.

This method works great when you want to create a simple-looking room.

Create Contrast for Clear Lines

The contrasting dark grout will make each individual tile look distinct.

This technique works great for certain patterns like subway or decorative.

But using contrasting colors also makes the grout lines more noticeable.

Select Neutral Color Tone

Another popular choice is to select a medium neutral color.

Gray, beige, and other tones are versatile and can be used with many types of tiles.

Before choosing the grout color, it is important to test it in your room.

How Is Grout Color Seal Applied?

It depends on the product, so always follow the instruction of the specific product.

Generally, it includes applying Color Seal directly to the grout in manageable areas.

The product is applied to the grout surface. Any product that got onto the tile should be handled according to the instruction of the manufacturer.

It is important to work in small areas. This will help you to maintain color consistency.

It is important not to hurry. Proper application can make a visible difference in the final result.

Can I Change from Dark Grout to Light Grout?

Yes, in many cases.

A good quality color-sealing system can allow you to make a big difference in the color.

This means that you are not necessarily limited with just darkening your grout. You can turn brown grout into gray, beige grout into white, or any other color combination you may need.

But the surface condition and proper preparation remain important.

Consistent color is especially important if you want to make a big difference in color.

What about Newly Installed Grout?

Grout color seal can be applied to newly installed grout too.

But a newly grouted area needs some time to cure. Do not color seal it right after grouting just because it feels dry.

Follow the instruction of the Color Seal and wait for the required curing time.

Once it is done, color sealing can help you create a consistent color and add extra protection.

Grout Color Sealing vs. Regrouting

Regrouting involves the removal and replacement of the existing grout.

It may be necessary if the grout is very bad and loose. But if your main problem is just color inconsistency, complete removal of the grout may be unnecessary.

Grout color sealing allows restoring the grout without complete removal.

You keep your tiles and grout intact. Instead, you clean, prepare, repair (if needed), and color the grout.

Can Color Sealing Help Refresh Old Tiles?

Sure.

Sometimes the tiles themselves remain in good condition.

It is just the dirty and discolored grout that makes your floor look old.

If you clean up your grout, you can make the entire floor look new.

This technique works great for:

• Kitchens
• Bathrooms
• Entrances
• Hallways
• Laundry rooms
• Tile countertops
• Shower surrounds

Sometimes you think that you have to replace old tiles because of outdated grout. But maybe it is sufficient just to color it?

Maintaining Your Grout After Color Sealing

Once your grout is restored, it has to be maintained.

Use only appropriate products for cleaning your finished grout.

Aggressive or unnecessary cleaners can reduce the lifespan of many finishes around your house.

But the proper maintenance routine is usually easier than waiting until your surface becomes heavily soiled again.

You should sweep or vacuum tile floors regularly.

Clean any spill right away. Then use appropriate cleaner for regular maintenance.

Restore Your Grout Instead of Replacing Your Tiles

Tile replacement can be expensive and messy.

And sometimes it is not necessary.

If your tiles are in a good condition, you do not have to remove them. Grout color sealing can help you refresh them.

This Old Grout has over three decades of experience helping professionals and homeowners to restore their tiles.

From tile and grout cleaning to grout sealing, the right products can help you bring your old tile surface back to life.

Before deciding that you have to install new tiles, think about your grout. It may be all that you need to change.