How to remove old grout from tile joints: ways
Sometimes it is necessary to remove the old grout from the cavities of the tile joints. This work in most cases is not very difficult, but nevertheless requires patience and basic knowledge.
Cleaning the joints between the tiles
Reasons
The reason for replacing the mashing of tile seams can be anything. Some people face this, after many years of operation of a covering, others may change the design soon after the main stage of repair.
There are the following reasons for cleaning the seams between the tiles:
- Poor workmanship. This is most often due to the use of cheap mastic or a violation of the technology of their application. In this case, the filling of the seams soon have to be changed, since the mass crumbles, fails at the joints or just looks untidy.
- Design updates. If you decide to change the shade of filling the seams and thus add a fresh touch to the interior.
- Cosmetic repairs. Associated with the restoration of worn materials, including unattractive-looking mastic.
- Partial or complete repairs. If the interior cladding changes or individual elements are damaged.
- Fungus. Most often, the seams between the tiles are damaged by mold due to high humidity and pollution. In this case, immediately get rid of the affected materials and replace them with new ones, as the spores of these formations are dangerous to human health.
Consider, than you can quickly and accurately remove the grout between the tiles:
- master;
- solvents and softener;
- hard sponge;
- scrapers.
Basic tools for removing mastic
In case of lack of special devices, use any means at hand, by means of which it becomes possible to perform the same tasks.
Rules of operation
Removal of grout from ceramic tiles occurs in several stages. First you need to take care of it, to soften the weight as much as possible, so it will be much easier to remove. Treat the joints with a wet sponge, so that they are soaked with water. You can use special solvents, which will significantly speed up the softening process.
Further removal of grout from the joints is based on the use of auxiliary tools. The scraper will cope with the task faster. If it is not available, remove the mastic with other devices. A screwdriver will do, knife or nail. Just run the tool along the joint and remove the wet grout from the seam.
Since in this way to remove the mastic between the tiles is not always possible, use a more time-consuming and rude way. Its essence is, to clear the grout from the gap gradually. It is convenient to work on dry material, but wear a protective mask and goggles, so that dust particles do not harm your health.
Removal of mashing by means of a scraper
Epoxy mixtures
Deal with solutions, which contain resinous substances will not be easy. These primarily include epoxy mastic, they are viscous in the liquid state, but after drying it becomes hard as stone. It is difficult to clean such filling from seams.
One of the best options is to use special solvents for epoxy resins. They act on the mass in this way, that solid grout, reacting with this substance, becomes softer. This allows you to at least partially remove unnecessary material. It is important to take that fact into account, that some solvents may react with the tile itself, in this case there is a risk of damage to the cladding.
Removal of epoxy grout is carried out using special solvents
If you are not very interested in the condition of the finishing material and a complete replacement is planned, it is possible to do without careful cleaning of filling of seams absolutely. Of course, it will be difficult to remove the tile due to the epoxy solid. In this case, the usual construction tools will come to the rescue: perforator, drill or Bulgarian. They remove the cladding itself.
Grout update
A new mass should be applied to the cleaned seams. Use a rubber spatula or bag with a hole in the corner. The second method allows you to more accurately distribute the mastic. In addition, it is the only valid option when working with epoxy mixtures or embossed finishes.
How to properly change the grout on the tile with a spatula? Take a small amount of mass and apply to the joint between the tiles. Then flatten the portion on the seam and stuff it inside. Excess is collected with a spatula and transferred to the next section.
For the mosaic acquire certain funds
To create a neat smooth seam, use wire or a special forming tool, and the edges pass with a wet sponge.
Zmivka mastic
Now consider, how to remove grout from tiles, which remains after drying the mass. If you do not do it in time, stains will remain on the tile. In most cases, for cement mixtures, you can do with a wet cloth or lightly rub the surface with the hard side of the sponge. Try not to damage the decorative coating and do not wash the new grout.
If the mass has dried, it can be wiped with fine sandpaper, and then treat the stain with a special solvent. This method is risky, but so there is a chance to get rid of the pollution.
Be careful when working with tiles and grout, as you risk spoiling the appearance of the cladding. If you plan to change the tile, take care of your own protection from dust and splinters.
