HANDY TIPS FOR REMOVING DRIED GROUT!
Removing dried grout from your mosaic is a difficult and messy process. It is recommend spending more time on the grouting process and trying to get it right the first time. There are essentially two reasons why you’ll find yourself in this situation, the grout has dried before you’ve had a chance to clean it off properly or you’re not happy with the colour you’ve chosen.
While it is a difficult process there are a few things you can do to make it easier:
• Wet the grout and keep it moist while you are working.
• It takes a few days for grout to reach its full strength, so the sooner you start working to remove it the better.
• Be careful when trying to get grout off the face of a tile or glass, metal tools can scratch the surface. If you are trying to do this wooden tools can help you avoid irreparable scratching.
• A mild acid like vinegar helps remove the haze.
• Metal tools such as a dental pick or grout removal tools (available from hardware stores) can help you remove the grout between the tiles.
• Don’t let any of the grout end up in your plumbing.
Most of all be patient and work carefully, it may be a difficult process but removing the grout is often better than walking away from your mosaic project.
This article has been written based on the assumption that you are removing conventional grout, i.e. cement based. If you are using epoxy grout then what is recommended here may not work.
(Source – The Mosaic Store www.themosaicstore.com.au)
Why and /or when is Epoxy grout
used… obviosly not as often used?
Hi Judy – Epoxy Grout can be used if it’s a piece for outside or wet areas. It is a bit more expensive, but it has mould and mildew inhibitors and never requires sealing. It is not a gritty as cement based grouts. Unlike cement grout, which is made from a cementitious powder mix, epoxy grout is made from epoxy resins and a filler powder. The grout is extremely durable and almost completely stain-proof. Regular grout isn’t waterproof, so unlike epoxy grout, it can absorb water when it’s wet and stain easily.
I want to pay you for the birds Deb… I keep forgetting!! That’s if they’re still available? Please send me bank details I cannot find them…. as well total amt I owe you.
Hi Judy – No problem – they’re still available – I kept them one side for you 🙂 – I’ll send a message to your phone with the amount and bank details.
I really hate grouting and sometimes its not necessary but when I do, it pays to bit at a time and remove excess, I use sponges to clean off and windex the buff and shine and then after a couple of days I seal with a good tile and grout sealer to protect from the weather
Definitely worth sealing it to make it last
deb dont forget to let me know when new items come in, just love love the houses etc sandra
Thank you – they are lovely ! I should be listing the new items by next week – I’ll definitely let you know 🙂
In our group we use Bondcrete to seal our projects, a couple of coats for outdoor work buff with soft cloth to clear any haze.
Thanks for adding the tip here. Bondcrete is a great product – I use this myself.