I Transformed My Kitchen for Less Than $25 With This Grout Colorant | Reviews by Wirecutter

This article details a low-cost, high-impact kitchen transformation achieved by changing the color of tile grout. The author shares their experience using Custom Building Products Polyblend Grout Renew Colorant to update a kitchen backsplash for less than $25 and in approximately 90 minutes. The article emphasizes that while the change might seem minor, affecting only a 0.25-inch seam, the visual impact on the entire room is significant, comparable to how accessories can complete an outfit. The motivation for changing grout color can be practical, such as refreshing old, grimy grout or updating an outdated color palette. However, the author also suggests using grout color creatively to harmonize with wall colors or to create a uniform look with the tiles. The process, although simple, is described as tedious, with the required time varying based on the tiled area's size; a kitchen backsplash typically takes about an hour, while a large walk-in shower would require more time. The Custom Building Products Polyblend Grout Renew Colorant is highlighted for its wide availability at Home Depot and its extensive color range of 40 options. An additional benefit of this specific product is its sealing property, which offers protection against future staining from dirt, grime, mold, mildew, rust, and hard-water deposits. A list of necessary tools for the project includes the grout colorant, a toothbrush, a small cup, a disposable rag, a sponge, a dropcloth or plastic sheeting, and kneepads for low-to-the-floor work. The article advises contacting the manufacturer to determine the amount of colorant needed, as coverage varies with tile size and grout width. For instance, a 3-by-6-inch subway tile with a 0.25-inch grout line would require one 8-ounce bottle for about 75 square feet, sufficient for a standard tub surround. Before application, a thorough cleaning of the grout is crucial to remove dirt and loose particles, followed by complete drying. Preparation also involves laying down protective covers to catch drips and hardened colorant bits. The application itself involves spreading the colorant with a toothbrush, working it into the grout lines, especially for sanded grout. The author suggests working in small sections of 1 to 2 square feet at a time and not worrying about getting colorant on the tile surface. Excess colorant should be wiped off the tile face within four to five minutes, ideally when it is dry enough not to lift from the grout but still wet enough to be removed from the tile. This is done in two stages: first with a dry rag, then with a dry sponge (soft side followed by abrasive side) for precise cleaning along the grout edges. The process is repeated until all tiled areas are colored. Finally, the colorant should be allowed to dry for at least 30 to 60 minutes, with an overnight cure preferred before exposure to water. The article also provides warnings about common pitfalls: avoiding grout pens due to their ineffectiveness on sanded grout and quick wear, ensuring sealed grout is stripped of its sealer before colorant application, and refraining from using colorant on unglazed tiles unless they can be meticulously sealed without affecting the grout. Lastly, the colorant does not repair loose grout, which must be fixed prior to coloring. #KitchenRenovation #GroutColorant #DIYHomeImprovement #BudgetDecor #TileBacksplash #HomeDecoration #HomeMaintenance #QuickHomeUpdate #KitchenRenovation #GroutColorant #DIYHomeImprovement #BudgetDecor #TileBacksplash #HomeDecoration #HomeMaintenance #QuickHomeUpdate

7 months ago

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