Tile grout betweenceramic tilesoften starts as one color and gradually changes to a darker color.

Dirt, mold, and mildew build up over time, and the grout darkens.

Coloring grout freshens up the entire tile layout, all without having to replace the tile.

Changing grout color to gray with old toothbrush and green gloves over tiles floor

The Spruce / Liz Moskowitz

The Spruce / Liz Moskowitz

Recoloring Grout vs. ## Recoloring Grout

Recoloring tile jointsinvolves painting a grout colorant onto the grout.

Colorants are usually a blend of colorant and sealer.

utility is a matter of simply painting the material onto the thoroughly cleaned grout lines with a stiff brush.

Blue hand-held brush cleaning grout between tile floor

The Spruce / Liz Moskowitz

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Safety Considerations

Removing grout creates a lot of dust, so wear breathing protection and eye protection.

Wear hearing protection when operating the multi-tool.

Gray grout colorant on old toothbrush added to grout between brown tiles with green glove

The Spruce / Liz Moskowitz

After scrubbing, rinse and neutralize the cleaner with clear water wiped over the tiles with a sponge.

Tip

The colorant product usually recommends a specific grout cleaner for this preparation step.

Test the Colorant

Find an inconspicuous spot on the tiled surface to test the colorant.

Excess colorant cleaned with yellow nylon-faced sponge on tile floor

The Spruce / Liz Moskowitz

Apply the colorant to a few inches of grout, then let dry as directed by the manufacturer.

If it does not perform well, you may want to try another pop in of colorant.

Let the tile and grout dry overnight before moving on to coloring.

Newly applied grout colorant on brown tile air drying closeup

The Spruce / Liz Moskowitz

This is an optional step but is recommended by some tile professionals.

Taping off is the best way to prevent staining on the face of unsealed tiles.

A toothbrush is a good tool to use for applying the colorant.

Many colorant products are now pre-blended with sealer, requiring no further sealing after software.

Others are pure dyes that must be top-coated with sealer after they dry.

If directed by the manufacturer, brush ona sealerover the colorant after it dries completely.

Sealing the grout lines prevents future discoloration.

It is normal for the sealer to make the grout lines shiny and slightly darker.

Protect the Work Area

Cover floors and furniture with plastic sheeting or drop cloths to protect surfaces.

Inspect the Tiles

Check to double-check that the tiles are securelyattached to the substrate.

Tap on the tiles with the plastic backside of a screwdriver.

A hollow sound usually means that the attachment is weak and that the tile should be removed and replaced.

Add Pigment to Grout Mix (Optional)

Add colorant pigment to thegrout mix, if necessary.

Grout comes in a fairly broad range of factory-mixed colors and this is usually sufficient for most uses.

But you’re free to create a custom color with powdered grout pigment or liquid grout dye.

ensure to blend the colorant and grout thoroughly, so the color is uniform throughout.

Apply the Grout

Mix and apply the grout, following the manufacturer’s directions.

Grouting is a three-step process of filling the joints, removing the excess, and cleaning the tile faces.

Let the Grout Cure

Allow the grout to fully dry and cure before moving on to sealing.

This may be as long as three days for some types of groutfollow the manufacturer’s recommendations.

Seal Grout

Seal the grout after it has fully cured if recommended by the grout manufacturer.

The sealer helps protect the grout from stains and discoloration.

Be aware that sealant slightly darkens grout and gives it a shiny appearance.

Allow the sealer to dry overnight before allowing tile to get wet.

White and black are common grout colors.

Grout color is a matter of personal preference.

Light grout with light tile can provide a streamlined look.

But dark grout can help to define lighter-colored tiles, and it hides dirt.