Stained grout can make any area appear dirty. Grout should be sealed once a year, especially in heavily-trafficked areas. Resealing grout in shower tiles, for example, is the best approach to ensure your grout is clean and waterproof.
We’re sure you’re curious about how to reseal grout. To reseal grout, first, clean it with dishwasher liquid and then apply masking tape horizontally to either side of the grout seams. After that, apply the sealer to the grout with a foam brush.
Related: How to make grout waterproof
How to Reseal Grout
Table of Contents
Sealing grout protects moist areas from water damage and inhibits the growth of bacteria and mold. It’s a simple but vital operation that will extend the life of your tiles. Follow the steps outlined to reseal your grout lines
First thing first, you need the following materials and tools.
- Bucket
- Gloves
- Small foam brush (if not included in grout sealer)
- Materials
- Cloth
- Grout sealer
- Masking tape
- Mild detergent
- Safety glasses
- Sponge or scourer
1. Scrub the Tiles
If you’re sealing new grout, you should leave your tiles for 72 hours to allow them to cure correctly. If you’re resealing, you’ll need to clean the tiles and let them dry first.
Clean any dust, filth, grease, or glue with dishwashing liquid, water, and a sponge. Also, make sure that the grout lines are sound, secured with no fractures or missing portions.
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2. Tape the horizontal tiles
Apply masking tape horizontally to either side of the grout seams to protect the tiles. This ensures that the sealant has straight edges when you’re done. You should also tape off any nearby materials or surfaces to keep them safe.
3. Apply the Grout Sealer
Shake the grout sealer bottle well. Then, while wearing your safety equipment, apply the sealant along with the grout with the foam brush. To allow it to permeate, apply it in thin coats. Apply two coatings of sealer, giving 30 minutes to an hour between each coat.
4. Take Off the Masking Tape
Remove the masking tape once the second layer has dried. Then, using a dry cloth, polish the tiles to remove any pieces of sealant that you may have missed. after each coat
5. Remove Any Extra Grout
Wipe away any excess grout sealer from the tiles with a damp sponge or cloth before it dries.
6. Repeat the Process on Vertical Grout Lines
You must now repeat the previous processes for the vertical grout lines. Tape them up carefully, then apply a grout sealer, remove the tape, and clean up as you go.
8. Allow the sealed grout to cure
Give the grout lines at least 46 hours before stepping on them. It will take a couple of days before the grout lines are completely cured.
If you’ve sealed the tiles in the shower, it could take up to 72 hours before you can use it again. Splash some water onto the sealed portions to see if your grout is sealed. Water will puddle over the treated grout if it is adequately sealed.
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Safety Tips when Resealing Grout
At the time of application, the temperature of the tile and grout must be between 50°F and 80°F (10°C to 26.6°C).
Only reseal your grout in a well-ventilated location (If you’re using an epoxy-based sealer, you won’t need to do this.)
Wear gloves and eye protection at all times when resealing. This is because grout sealers are regarded as irritants to the eyes, respiratory system, and skin.
Do you Need to Reseal Grout?
Yes! You need to. Once the grout has been cleaned, it should be sealed to prevent it from dirt, mold, germs, and mildew. Grout sealers deteriorate with time, so you’ll need to reseal grout on a floor every three to five years.
What Happens if you Don’t Reseal grout?
Cleaning your grout is not enough. If you fail to reseal your grout, grime and water can seep into it, causing fractures and driving your tiles to break at a certain point. By resealing your grout, you can significantly extend the life of your tile surface and reduce damage.
Read: How long does grout sealer last
Conclusion
As already emphasized above, resealing your grout is the best way to maintain it and your tiles. For added protection, reseal the grout in shower tiles at least twice a year.
Note that in this project, safety should be your watchword. Thus, you must put on all protective gears needed.
Now that you know the basic steps on how to reseal grout, you can go on and protect the grout of your tiles.