Grout colour adjustment needed (already dry)

[InThrees]

Hi folks

As the title suggests, we've had a new bathroom installed but the grout selected for the tiled areas is too light in colour.

I've found when the grout is wet, the resulting darker colour, in my opinion, looks much more appealing. I've attached a photo - lighter dry grout visible towards the top half, to at least illustrate the colour difference.

I'd be very grateful if anyone could give me some tips regarding options. I'm aware that for the best result we would arrange for the grout to be scraped out and replaced with darker grout, but I can't bear the cost of that. Are grout paints reliable? Are there sealants available that, when applied, would main the darker colour like when wet with water (although I imagine most are designed NOT to do that!).

Thanks all.

 

[opps]

Grout pens are available. I have never used one though.

 

[InThrees]

Grout pens are available. I have never used one though.

Thanks. Yes, I've seen them advertised. I'm hoping someone will have experience they can share of using any of the products out there.

 

[Old Salt]

I know its your bathroom but for what its worth I prefer the lighter colour. Why dont you live with it for a while and see what you think.

I have never used a grout pen but to freshen up tiles I have scraped the old grout and renewed. Its not too difficult if your only taking the top off rather than the full depth.

 

[nero44]

I have used grout pens a few times before and they work surprisingly well, also inside wet rooms.

I have used them on a kitchen backsplash, kitchen floor, and also inside a shower/bathroom. The bathroom worked quite well, to cover the original grouting (darkgray almost black) and I just could not get all the limescale/watermarks removed. The groutpen made everything look new again. But I will say that it was a safe option as the area had dark grey tiles with dark grouting.

If you have a high contrast, you need to work very carefully. I would not do it if the grouting was flush with the tile, as it will be very likely that you will not get straight lines. The groutpen also sometimes cloughs up, so you need to have some paper/cardboard ready where you can smear off some excess.

I bought one, and tested in a corner area before proceeding with the rest.

 

[InThrees]

Thanks. I was hoping a paint was available that could be brushed over the grout but didn’t matter if the tiles caught some paint as it could be wiped off. In other words, soaks into grout but doesn’t adhere to the shiny tile surface. I don’t think I’ve got a steady enough hand otherwise!

There’s a product by Tile Doctor but I’m struggling to find any reviews etc.