Can You Paint Grout?
The answer is heck yes you can. Also, it’s super easy. Also, it works really, really well.
Let’s be real – grout can get nasty. Whether it’s old, stained, or just the wrong color, it has a way of making an entire floor, backsplash, or shower look…blah. Gross. Sad. Instead of regrouting (which sounds terrible) or committing to weekly grout deep cleanings (who has time for that?), did you know you can paint it?
I’ve done this multiple times, and it’s so easy.
I recently did this on my fireplace to blend in some newly replaced tile, and years ago (11, to be exact), I used it to refresh the dingy grout on my kitchen floor.
It works like a charm. If you want a quick, simple, inexpensive way to make your grout look brand new, here’s how to do it.
How to Paint Grout
I use a product called Grout Renew, and it is basically a miracle in a bottle. It let’s you change the color of your grout or just freshen it up, and it also seals it so you don’t have to deal with future grime-fests.
What You’ll Need
Gather up these few things before you start:
- Grout Renew (There are many brands out there, and I’m sure some are wonderful…but I have only used and vouch for Grout Renew)
- A toothbrush
- A damp rag or sponge
The Step-by-Step Process
Step 1: Clean That Grout
If your grout is gross, the paint won’t stick as well. Give it a scrub with a mild cleaner, rinse it, and let it dry completely.
Step 2: Apply the Grout Renew
Dip your toothbrush into the Grout Renew and start applying it to the grout lines. Work in small sections, making sure you really work the product into the grout. Don’t worry about coloring inside the lines.
Step 3: Let It Chill
Let the Grout Renew sit for about a minute so it can soak in and do its thing.
Step 4: Wipe Off the Extra
Use a damp rag or sponge to wipe off any extra paint from the tiles before it dries. If you wait too long, it’s a pain to remove, so do this step as you go.
Step 5: Let It Dry
Give it a few hours to dry completely before walking on it or getting it wet.
Important!
This method doesn’t work on unsealed tiles. If your tile is porous (like natural stone), this could stain it. Test in a hidden spot first.
FAQ’s
- Does painted grout look fake? Nope! If you apply it correctly and wipe off the excess, it blends right in and looks completely natural.
- How long does it last? Years. Seriously. As long as you don’t scrub it with harsh cleaners all the time, it holds up really well.
- Can I use this in my shower? Yep! Just make sure you let it dry fully before exposing it to water. (Painting the grout in your shower makes it easier to clean in my opinion.)
- Is this better than regrouting? Unless you have crumbling grout, painting it is so much easier and faster than regrouting. If the grout is still in good shape but just looks bad, go with paint.
So, can you paint grout? Absolutely. Whether you’re trying to fix some grout drama or just tired of your floors giving you side-eye, this is the kind of project that’s oddly satisfying and stupid easy. Your grout will look amazing, and you’ll feel like a DIY wizard. Everybody wins.