Our new kitchen tile floor was grouted last Thursday (almost a week ago). They did a poor job removing grout from the tile surface - very rough ceramic tile. I‘ve washed and scrubbed, it is cemented on. On top of that I don‘t like the grout color.Nothing has been sealed. So I got some acid wash and a grout stain from Home Depot. The stain says the tile should have been sealed prior to using it, I dont understand why that is. So I dont stain the tile? I‘m afraid if I sealed the tile it would seal the grout, so seems like a bad idea.And the acid wash... is this going to ruin the grout itself? How careful do I need to be about not getting in on the grout? Unfortunately its a large area, kitchen and dining area. 12‘ x 30‘. I‘ll be scrubbing a long time.Any suggestions to make this easier?Thanks!
Wait a minute. If the tile is a natural stone, it should have been sealed prior to grouting to prevent the grout from seeping into the stone. If it's ceramic or porcelain tile, sealing is normally not required. When grouting, it is common practice to remove the excess grout as you go so the stuff doesn't build up and dry on the tile. This is what happened in your kitchen. Consult with your local tile supply or hardware store for the correct product, then use it exactly as directed. It is true that a vinegar solution will remove grout haze from tile, but if there are chunks of grout stuck to the tile you'll need to carefully remove them and then work on the spot with the vinegar. While it may be more work, I'd try the vinegar on a small area before using harsh chemicals. Now, you can buy grout stain that will work if the grout has not been sealed. If it has been recently sealed, you'll have a hard time with the stain. Good luck.
First STOP. You maybe going in the wrong direction. The seal is only for the grout not the tile. Almost no tile needs sealed. Do not use the acid wash unless it is made for grout film removal. A regular acid wash will damage the grout between the tiles. Before you try the acid wash, try using vinegar about 50 / 50 with water. Then if that does not work use the acid wash if it is for grout film removal. Follow directions very carefully. this is important because if the acid is too strong it will ruin the grout How if you had the tile installed by a flooring store call them for help. if you contracted direct with the installer you may have to clean yourself. Now for the color question. Grout changes color as it dries. It will not be the final color for about 30 days. Yes you can have the grout stained a different color, but it should be done by a professional.
howdy break of day, i'm an affiliate from the domicile Depot in the states and that i artwork in the flooring/tile branch at my save, and that i see various circumstances like yours with my clientele. Fishlakeguy is solid approximately employing a grout remover on the tiles themselves. in case you have thick accumulations and buildups, between the main suitable grout removers to apply is sulfamic acid and a solid metallic scraper for any thick aspects. The sulfamic acid dissolves any layers of haze, smears, or only enormous aspects on your tile. The dry combination in crystal form can blend with water to in spite of power or diluted ratio you may choose to apply. Scrub it on with a solid pair of gloves along with your sponge, and don't hardship, its secure to apply on tile and elementary to apply. Use a splash muscle with the scraper for any enormous aspects of the grout and repeat the acid wash for the thick aspects. the main nevertheless, is to reseal your sparkling tile and grout later on because of the fact the remover (any remover you utilize somewhat) took off additionally the layer of sealant on the surfaces you basically wiped sparkling. that would desire to make your tile look great back, desire this helps you out aboveaveragejoe
