Yes, you can seal over grout that's already been sealed. In fact, if you deep clean pre-sealed grout, a resealing may be necessary. In other cases, the sealant may just wear off.
epoxy grout is a great choice when you are ready to re-grout a tile project. Because epoxy grout is so much stronger than other types of grout (particularly cement grout), you won't even need to remove all of your old grout. You can apply new grout right over the top of the old grout.
Myth #4: You can't seal old grout!
While sealing grout as soon as you install your tile is the best way to protect your investment and lower maintenance over its lifespan, it's never too late to seal old grout to avoid future damages.
ANSWER - It is possible to grout over existing grout if there is enough depth to do so. 1/8 inch depth may or may not be adequate depending on the type of grout used. A latex modified grout may work, but you have to properly clean the existing grout to ensure the new grout adequately bonds.
However, you must make sure you are re-grouting with the same type of grout you originally used. If not, the second layer will not adhere well to the first and you will have to do the same job over again in a few months' time.
Regrouting a shower is more cost-friendly than replacing shower tiles entirely. It's worth regrouting a shower that needs a little TLC because grout helps protect your bathroom from mold and mildew.
Grout is a cement-based product mixed with chemicals, water, and in many cases sand. Portland cement based grouts are particularly porous. Porous grouts attract water, dirt, oils, etc. While the tile industry does not require sealing, it is always recommended, especially in wet or high-traffic areas.
The Grout Medic recommends that homeowners have their grout cleaned and re-sealed at least once every two years, as grout sealant will eventually wear out over this period of time.
For high-traffic areas, like the main bathroom, you should consider sealing it every six months, while low-traffic areas like the guest bathroom can be resealed every two years. If you are using epoxy grout, it might not be necessary to reseal it as it is highly water-resistant.
Moisture and direct water contact contribute to grout deterioration over time, and eventually, the tiles will crack. This is why you should consider regrouting shower tiles every six months.
While penetrating sealer leaves no shine and will not alter grout color,impregnating sealer may darken your grout slightly. Non-penetrating Grout Sealer- these types of sealers form a film or barrier on the surface of the grout. This barrier helps to repel water and stains.
Using Too Much Sealant
You might be tempted to use more grout sealer to get the job done quickly, but an excess amount can easily spill over onto the tiles. As a result, unnecessary time will have to be spent scrubbing the excess sealant off.
Be sure to let your grout sealer dry thoroughly before testing a small area with a few drops of water. If the water beads up, you're all set! If not, you'll need to apply an additional coat of sealer to your grout. Most grout sealers take 1-3 coats for best results.
It's important to thoroughly clean the grout before you seal it so you don't lock the yuck in! Mix dish soap and hot water and apply to the grout with a toothbrush. Let it sit 10-15 minutes. Brush the grout with a toothbrush and use a sponge and clean water to remove all of the soap mixture.
Sealing wall and floor tile grout in your home can be very beneficial. This is particularly true in shower or bathroom areas where moisture, shampoo and soap residues can cause hard to remove staining and contamination.
Grout sealer will not harm porcelain tiles if it gets on them while you are working. That said, it can dry clear and shiny, and this may be noticeable. It may be particularly visible if you have bright or overhead lights in the space where the tiled floor is located.
Regrouting is the best option when tiles and grout begin to show signs of discoloration or the stains are so deep that they cannot be removed. As grout ages, it naturally deviates from its original color. If the white grout turns yellow or is covered with stains, you must regrout very soon.
There are a few signs that your grout and tile need to be looked at or potentially replaced. Discoloration from mold, persistent mold issues, loose tiles, crumbling or cracked grout, and obvious signs of damage are all reasons to call in a professional tile restoration service to get your grout and tile replaced.
Water can sneak between the tiles and infiltrate the wall. This will immediately lead to water damage. When left untreated, mould and mildew can form beneath the tiles or behind the wall. You could be looking at a hefty repair bill once you discover the damage resulting from old grout.
The grout should be dug out a minimum of 3mm deep (preferably deeper) so that new grout can have a firm base and a larger surface area of the sides of the tiles to adhere to. Do not attempt to apply new grout over the damaged existing grout.
Regrouting is a two-step process by which you first remove the hardened old grout from the seams, or joints, between tiles with an oscillating tool and some manual scraping. Then, you mix up some new grout and apply it to the tile with a grout float and clean it up with a sponge.
Grout is porous and therefore absorbs liquids. Because of this, the reason you should not seal your tile grout is that the sealer's liquid chemicals combine with the grout to create a surface that is actually much more difficult to clean.