@#$*ing grout!

[jlm]

So I re-tiled my bathroom, got most of it grouted but ran out of grout before I got the floor done. Bought another box, mixed it up, and grouted the floor. Everything looked great, until it dried a blinding, nearly phosphorescent white. Wouldn't be a problem except the rest of the grout is "Snow White", which is about two shades into the gray/beige range. Still pretty white when viewed by itself, but compared to the new stuff, it's clearly not a match.

The boxes were labeled identically (same lot number even), but it's apparent that the second box was packed wrong or someone swapped out the inside bag with another, similar color just to be a jerk. In any case, I have about 25 sq ft of 1/8" grout lines between tiny 1"x2" tiles to remove. I bought yet another box of grout today and mixed up a test batch - it matches the first box.

So, I've learned a valuable lesson about testing color matches between different bags of product, but my question is this: anybody have any recommendations for tools or procedures for removing grout from relatively thin grout lines without damaging the tile?

[JR]

I've heard that a dremel tool, with one of those cirular bits works well, but I haven't done it.

I have used one of those little blade things made for this purpose. That can do the deed, bearing in mind you don't have to remove very much. Just enough to lay a new bead on there.

JR

[Uncle Cracker]

There are grout removal attachments for both the Dremel and the RotoZip tools, but wouldn't this be a great excuse to get a Fein MultiMaster??

[jlm]

There are grout removal attachments for both the Dremel and the RotoZip tools, but wouldn't this be a great excuse to get a Fein MultiMaster??

You, sir, are downright evil...

[leehljp]

I agree on the Fein MM. This is where it shines! It will remove the grout without damaging the tile.

[Uncle Cracker]

You, sir, are downright evil...

Thankyew... Thankyewverymuch...

[ragswl4]

I have used the Dremel tool to remove grout. It is very agressive, at least it was for me. I did not have the guide attachment and that was a BIG mistake, ruined a couple of pieces of tile. Be very careful if you go this route.

http://www.toolbarn.com/product/dremel/568/?ref=base

[cabinetman]

HD has two hand tools that work very well. One has a carbide triangle at the end, and the other is a small saw like tool with a replaceable blade made from diamond chips. It is very narrow and you don't have to get all the existing grout out.

[scorrpio]

Dremel bits are fine - till they break. I recently needed to regrout an area that had 1/16" seams, and that 1/16" grout removal bit is fragile - however, I expect the 1/8" to hold up much better. HD actually sells a grout removal dremel kit for $50 - includes a 2-speed dremel, guide attachmnt, and two bits.

[Hellrazor]

HD has two hand tools that work very well.

Handtools? What are you smoking? This is a sure fire way to get a Fein Multimaster!

[cabinetman]

Handtools? What are you smoking? This is a sure fire way to get a Fein Multimaster!

It's only 25 sq. ft. What kind of woos are ya?

[leehljp]

Commenting one more time on this subject - The difference in using the Fein MultiMaster versus a Dremel/Rotozip is like the difference in:
1. Impact driver versus Drill driver in driving long screws (this is only applicable to those who KNOW the difference from experience.
2. Drill Press versus a corded hand drill.

There is a huge difference in the ease of use and precise control of the Fein over the rotary tools, plus not dust all over the place with the Fein. For me, it was faster than the rotarys too.

As a bonus, If you break your arm or leg and want to (need to) take the cast off at home, the Fein MM will quickly do that too without cutting the skin. DAMHIKT.

[Bob Webb]

I have tried both the "mechanical" method and the "hand tool" method and let me tell you, 25 ft or not, use the Dremel. Buy the attachment and some extra bits. Also, be READY for dust like a West Texas windstorm.

Also, wear some type of breathing protector other than a pollen mask. Don't forget the safety glasses. When the bits break, and they will, they come out at warp speed. (Experience speaking there.)

Good Luck and be SAFE.

One more thing, don't leave your toothbrush out on a counter in the cup. That is unless you hava a bad problem with plaque and then the grout will help will help remove it along with some enamel.

[Uncle Cracker]

One more thing, don't leave your toothbrush out on a counter in the cup. That is unless you hava a bad problem with plaque and then the grout will help will help remove it along with some enamel.

Sounds like it would be even more critical to cover the toilet paper dispenser...

[Bob Webb]

Sounds like it would be even more critical to cover the toilet paper dispenser...

Yeah, forgot about that one.

There is a grout colorant that is available to basically paint over the offending grout color. This must be done before the grout is sealed.