Are you considering the benefits of painting your grout?
The decision to opt for a new style for your tile is a fantastic one. Tiles come in many colors and can change the whole feel of your home. But this comes with a downside – cleaning!
Cleaning the grout can be hard, especially if it gets covered in dirt or gets moldy. Grout cleaning products can be costly, and even if you repaint them, they may chip off down the line.
Considering the pros and cons of using grout paint? Using grout paint for your project can totally transform the look of your tiles quickly and on a budget, but there are a few things to think about, too. Read on and we’ll help you choose the best direction for your home
Table of Contents
What Is Grout Paint?
Grout paint is a type of paint used to brighten or recolor old and discolored grout lines in tile and other types of masonry. This substance is an acrylic paint explicitly made to freshen up tile grout. It glides on easily and dries fast, covering up any dingy or stained areas to make your grout look fresh and clean again. By using grout paint, you can revitalize the look of an otherwise dull and dirty grout and renew the beauty of your tile floors and walls. Grout paint is easy to apply and is available in various colors to suit your tastes and preferences.
It is sold in a spray bottle and can be applied to the grout with a small paintbrush or roller. It can be used to update the look of a space with minimal effort and can protect the grout lines from further damage. It is also inexpensive and can be found at most hardware stores.
Discover the Benefits of Using Grout Paint
Using grout paint has gained popularity recently due to its easy application and range of colors and finishes available in the market. The pros of using grout paint are:
Easy to Use
Grout paint is easy to use, making it an ideal choice for those wanting to spruce up their bathroom or kitchen with a little hassle. For example, applying grout and porcelain sealer is easy (all you need is a roller or brush and a bit of elbow grease!) and requires no mixing like other forms of grout. Plus, the paint is capable of clinging to any surface, including countertops, backsplashes, and floors.
The manufacturer recommends doing two full coats of grout paint for the complete coverage and vibrancy of the color. Luckily, it dries quickly between coats – usually within an hour. This fast drying time means you can finish small tiling projects in just an afternoon or over a weekend. Cleaning up any spills or mistakes is easy, too, since the paint’s water-based – use some water and soap. All of this makes grout paint hassle-free for DIYers aiming to refresh their existing grout.
Versatility
It can be used in almost any application, indoors and outdoors, and it can be applied to all types of tiles and grout. This versatile paint can be used to add a unique and attractive look to any type of tile.
There’s actually a wide variety of grout paint colors out there too – tans, greys, blues, reds, you name it. So you’ve got options whether you want to go bold or subtle. You can match the existing colors you have going on or change it up completely.
Cost-Effectiveness
Grout paint is affordable, costing as little as $15 for a gallon of premixed grout paint. You can also choose to purchase grout paint in a kit and use the sealer, primer, and paint, which will usually cost anywhere from $30-$40. Since grout is very porous, you will need to use a product like grout paint to seal it and give it a fresh, new look.
This allows you to save money since you don’t have to replace the entire grout or hire someone else to do the job for you. It is also easy to apply and can be applied in a matter of minutes, which saves time and money. Additionally, if you decide to reseal or sharpen the color of the grout, you can do so without having to replace the entire grouting structure.
Durability
Grout paint is made of high-quality resin-based paint with a mix of acrylic additives. This creates a tough and durable finish. Grout paint is water-resistant and can last for years without fading or cracking.
The paint protects the grout beneath from moisture, dirt, and oils. It also resists heat and impact, helping to make the grout lines look fresher and more resilient over time. Not only is grout paint easy to apply, but it lasts for years, so it is a great investment.
Easy to Maintain
A grout-painted tile is much easier to keep clean than an unpainted tile, as the paint creates a barrier that stops any dirt and grime from accumulating. Moreover, it is very easy to touch up if it does get worn down.
All you need to do is reapply more grout paint, and the tile will look as if it was freshly painted. Grout paint helps to turn tiles into grout maintenance surfaces which can last for many years with minimal effort.
Drawbacks of Grout Paint
Grout paint can be a great way to spruce up the look of a tiled floor, but it has several drawbacks.
Limited Color Choices
For many citizens who are counting on the paint to update their tile grouts and maintain their esthetic value, the few colors available to choose from can be quite a challenge. While white and other neutral colors are ideal for most homeowners, there may be other shades that would better suit the particular design of a given bathroom or kitchen.
Not Waterproof
For grout paint to work, it should only be used in areas where water will not be in contact with the tiles, such as bathrooms, kitchens, and other areas where water is prohibited. It must also be noted that grout paint does not work well in areas of high moisture, so it is not suitable for outdoor applications.
Using a compatible grout sealer before and after applying grout paint can help protect it somewhat, but sealing may need repeated touch-ups. Just keep in mind that grout paint works more as a decorative, temporary solution. For heavy-duty waterproofing in kitchens, baths, etc., actual grout replacement may be the better option.
Grout Paint May Not Be the Best Choice for Areas With High Moisture
This is because grout paint does not provide a watertight seal and may not stick well to the grout when exposed to excessive moisture. Additionally, grout paint can chip or peel away, which can reduce the durability of the grout. In addition, grout paint is also not as heat resistant as acrylic or epoxy-based grouts.
For areas with high moisture, such as showers or sinks, look into alternative grout sealers that provide a more watertight seal and better resistance to heat. It is important to weigh your options and ensure that the grout sealer you are using is suitable for the area in which it is being used.
The Ultimate Guide to the Pros and Cons of Using Grout Paint
Grout paint can be a great solution for dirty and discolored grout, but it should only be used if applied and regularly maintained. It is important to be aware of the pros and cons before making an informed decision on whether to paint grout or not. For more information on the pros and cons of grout painting and grout care, consult a local professional today.
If you want to learn about a wide variety of home improvement topics, check out the rest of our articles.
