How to Renovate Old Ceramic Tile
When you begin to notice any signs of deterioration of your grout is the time to begin to renovate the ceramic tile. If it begins to crack or soften it is only a matter of time before your ceramic tile begins to fall down as water works its way between the cracks and to the mortar. Once that occurs, the ceramic tile is even harder to renovate.
You can renovate a single area of tile or renovate the entire area. The key is not to delay before the problem spreads. Although the cost to renovate ceramic tile is small, it can be time consuming, so budget a long afternoon to complete most of the work. To renovate ceramic tile, you should regrout, recaulk, and then seal the surface to prevent the need for future repairs.
To remove any old grout, buy a grout saw. It should be relatively inexpensive, under $10, and will make removing the old grout a simple task. To use a grout saw, simply run the blade into the cracks between the tiles to remove the old grout. Remove the grout with slow, steady movements to be sure you don’t damage the ceramic tile. Be thorough and remove as much unsound grout as you need to.
Next use a brush or soft cloth to remove any dust or debris within the grout lines. You should also take a knife or scraper and remove the old caulk that is around the tub and plumbing lines. Remove as much of the old caulk as possible, if you are careful you may be able to remove most if it in one long strip.
Now that the old materials are removed, you can begin to regrout and recaulk the area. There are two types of grout, premixed and powdered grout. The premixed grout is best for smaller jobs. However, if you plan on doing larger area, consider buying powdered grout and mixing it yourself with liquid latex.
Whichever grout you choose to use, you will also need a rubber float to apply the grout. A rubber float allows you to fill all the crevices and force the grout into small areas. Apply a small amount of grout to the float and push it into the joints to apply.
Wait 3 to 5 minutes, then use a damp cloth or sponge to remove the grout from the tile. Rinse the cloth as often as it takes to completely clean off any lingering grout from the tile. When there is only a slight cloudy look to the ceramic tile, you can allow it to completely dry. Any haze can be removed when the grout is dry with a dry cloth.
Recaulking your ceramic tile is also a simple process. It is important to create a good seal when you renovate that will prevent water from working its way between the tile and the tub or shower. Silicone caulk should be used to renovate the ceramic tile. Be sure it is 100% silicone and not a hybrid. Using silicone caulk to renovate may be more difficult than using other caulks, but it is far superior product.
To begin caulking, you want to cut the tip of the tube off at an angle. The opening should be the same size as the joint. Carefully caulk the seam between the tub and the ceramic tile, applying only 8 inches of caulk before stopping to smooth the seam with your finger. This is much simpler than attempting to caulk the entire seam and then smooth it while it is partially dry.
While you are caulking, be sure to recaulk the areas around the plumbing fixtures as well. Just remove the decorative parts of the plumbing as needed, caulk around it using the same technique, and allow it to dry before replacing the fixtures.
Once the grout and caulk have been applied, you must allow at least two days for the caulk and grout to cure before completing the renovate of your ceramic tile. If you must use the shower, tape up plastic sheeting or an extra shower curtain to prevent any water from touching the grout.
Once the area has cured, you should then apply a silicone sealer over the entire area. Make sure that the ceramic tiles are clean, then apply the sealer according to the manufacturer’s instructions. The sealer will preserve the grout while making the entire area easier to clean.
Even if you don’t feel as though you have the skills to renovate ceramic tile, consider hiring someone to renovate it instead of replacing the tile. Many contractors don’t tell homeowners that they can renovate their tile. However, if you are firm that you want to preserve the original ceramic tile, a contractor should be able to do the job for far less money than a new installation.
