Can I regrout around floor tiles by applying new grout over the old, or do I need to dig the old grout out?

Question

I laid the tiles in '98 never having done any tiling before. I did a pretty good job all round EXCEPT for the grouting. I'm thinking about having another crack at it by applying new grout but want to know if I need to dig the old stuff out. ... and how do I do that? Use an angle grinder? How do I avoid chipping the tiles?

Thanks all for answers so far. Just to clarify in response to one answer, the grout is in good condition - it is just that it is a light grey colour and is getting grubby despite cleaning.

Answer 1

First if you are regrouting because the grout is just dingy you can bleach it and return it to near new condition. Just use the right product for the job found at a building center.

If you are regrouting because it is cracked you should first figuree out why it is cracking? Most likely reasons are: tile on concrete slab then the slab is moving or cracking slightly. You will need to stabilize the problem first. Next if the tile is over a wooden substructure and cracked you need find and isolate the areas where the cracking is occuring and reinforce the joists below to preclude movement.

To remove the grout you can buy a grout remover from a building center to remove the grout. Be careful not to apply too much pressure to the tiles themselves.

Answer 2

RE:
Can I regrout around floor tiles by applying new grout over the old, or do I need to dig the old grout out?
I laid the tiles in '98 never having done any tiling before. I did a pretty good job all round EXCEPT for the grouting. I'm thinking about having another crack at it by applying new grout but want to know if I need to dig the old stuff out. ... and how do I do that? Use an angle grinder? ...

Answer 3

Do not put new over old. You have to remove the old grout first with a special tool that is designed to remove old grout. It is about the size of a toothbrush. It will be a tedious and boring job but unless you want to continue to struggle with the tile and grout you best do it right the first time.

An angle grinder would be a good way to ruin your tile and floor. The tool I described runs on elbow grease and sweat. If you use it long enough it may require some blood and tears as well. Good luck, it will not be fun but if done right it will be rewarding.

The tool can be found at any hardware store or home center.

Answer 4

You don't "have" to take out all the old grout, as long as you get all the loose grout out. There are several types of power tools for this but, stay away from these, they may save time but, you can't do a floor without damaging some tile. There is a hand tool for this, take your time and get all the loose grout, then wet the old grout and redo it.

Answer 5

How To Regrout Tile

Answer 6

you can regrout over the old grout, no worries about damaging tiles. good luck

Answer 7

the best is to remove as much of the old grout as possible. many hardware stores sell a grout removing tool, its cheap $5-7 . i ts a hand tool and you use it to scrape the grout out. good luck!!!!

Answer 8

You need to dig the old stuff out. It's a pain.