Has your grout seen better days between all the dirt, grime, water splashes, fading, and spills? Worn, dingy grout lines between your tiles can really put a damper on the aesthetic of a space. Many homeowners wonder, can you paint grout lines? Or is the only solution to regrout the space? Luckily, you can paint grout (and it’s often easier than cleaning it!). In this blog post, we’re sharing the best tile and grout paint products and techniques for painting grout lines with ease!
In This Post
Can You Paint Grout Lines?
Yes, grout lines between tiles can be painted! This is a fairly easy and cost-effective way to refresh the look of your tile without having to completely regrout your space, which is both tedious and costly. It’s amazing how much brighter a space looks with a fresh coat of grout paint! Painting grout lines can restore their original color or change the color entirely to match your decor and other design elements.
In one of the homes our family lived in, I even painted the grout and tile on our old fireplace where the grout and tile didn’t match our room decor. I used a coat of Sherwin-Williams Primer Rated for Tile and Masonry. After it dried, I went in with 2 coats of Sherwin-Williams Pro-Classic Waterbased Trim Enamel. It held up great for the 3 years we were in that home and really transformed the space!
Do You Need Special Paint for Grouting Tiles?
Yes, you will need a special paint product for grouting tiles. Most paint for grouting tiles isn’t actually paint, but an epoxy sealant with paint mixed in. These specialized paints come in premixed or custom colors, so be sure to ask your paint store professional to help you choose the right color for your space. This type of paint is formulated to adhere well to grout and provide long-lasting coverage.
The great thing about painting grout lines is that it is much cheaper than regrouting your space. Tile and grout paint often costs around $15 and is fairly easy to apply.
You can sometimes find grout paint pens, which make it even simpler to apply. However, we recommend only using the pens in smaller areas, as it could get more costly to paint grout in a larger area with a pen.
How to Paint Grout Lines
With the right products and techniques, painting grout lines is a simple process and one that can be DIYed by homeowners. Here are the steps to follow to paint grout lines professionally.
Step 1: Clean the Grout
Before applying paint, clean your grout lines thoroughly with a steam mop, vinegar, or baking soda to remove dirt, grime, and debris from the lines. Grout paint can hide discoloration, but in order for the paint to adhere properly, it needs to be clean.
If mold or mildew is present in your grout lines, you must spray a heavy-duty mold killer over top of the affected areas before painting it. Grout paint can hide discoloration, but it won’t kill the mold and mildew bacteria.
Step 2: Paint Grout Lines
Shake the grout paint well, pour it in a small disposable cup, and use a tiny brush or soft-bristled toothbrush to apply the grout paint carefully in the lines. This is a bit of a tedious process that requires a steady hand to ensure neat application. If you are using a grout pen, apply that directly onto the lines for easy coverage.
Step 3: Wipe Excess Paint Off Tile
No matter how steady your hand is or how neat you apply the grout paint, you will likely get grout paint on your tiles. Don’t worry though – it will come right off! If your tiles are sealed, simply wipe the paint off with a damp cloth. If the paint dries on unsealed tiles, remove it using a scouring pad or carefully chip it off with a razor blade.
Step 4: Apply a Sealant
To ensure durability and longevity, apply a translucent, waterproof sealant over the painted grout lines. This helps protect the grout from moisture, stains, and wear and tear over time.
Start Your Tile and Grout Paint Project Today!
While grout can absolutely be painted for a fairly low cost and with a few simple techniques, it will still take some time and patience. If you’re looking to refresh the look of your tile while saving time and money compared to regrouting, we’d be happy to help you paint your grout. Whether you want to restore the old grout or change up the color entirely, we can help you bring this project to the finish line.
Book an estimate with our team today to start the process!
