Without the proper set of instructions, the removal of grout sealant can be a tricky, time-consuming procedure. If you've been looking for an easy method of removing grout sealant from your bathroom, read on.
Prepare Your Bathroom
Begin by placing thin strips of masking tape along the edges of your tiles. This will ensure that the tiles are protected from nicks or being chipped when the removal process is underway. Next, use an old towel to help to cover the surface beneath the area from which you will be removing grout sealant in order to prevent a huge mess from being made.
Protect Yourself
Before beginning the grout removal process, you must put on a dust mask and protective eye goggles. Although removing grout may not strike you as a particularly dangerous, it is imperative that you take the proper steps to protect yourself. The medical costs you will incur from inhaling grout dust or getting a piece of chipped sealant stuck in your eye will far surpass the few dollars you'll need to shell out for basic protection.
Get the Right Tools
Make sure you have the proper tools for the job. Grout removal is often handled with grout saws that have carbide tips or grout-scrapers with carbide tips. Grout saws have blades that are roughly 1.5 inches thick and are mounted atop handles that strongly resemble screwdrivers, whereas grout scrapers look like triangular-headed screwdrivers. Both of these tools can easily be found at your local hardware store for under ten dollars. However, the carbide-tipped attachments available for various rotary tools that are designed specifically for removing sealant.
Begin the Grout Sealant Removal Process
Now that you've selected the tools you're going to use, it's time to begin removing the grout. Using your carbide-tipped saw or power tool, cut a groove in the sealant, then use a scraping tool to widen the groove, thus removing the grout. The difficulty of this step is largely dependent upon how firmly the grout is in place. If the sealant is exceptionally firm, you may want to incorporate the aid of a chisel and hammer to fully remove it.
Thoroughly Clean the Freshly Grout-less Area
Although the grout has been removed, you're not quite finished. You must now give the grout-less area a thorough cleaning. This will help ensure that your new grout will stick properly.
There are many different types of grout out there to choose from. Be sure to match it to both your decor and your tiles. You can also take this opportunity to repair a few tiles, if necessary.
Using these easy-to-follow steps, removing grout sealant no longer has to be a complex chore.
Source: www.DoItYourself.com
