Repair of vintage quarry tile floor - TilersForums.com

[Stuartzm]

I am trying to match the grout joints of a century-old quarry tile entrance floor after re-setting a single tile loosened during renovations. The joints are about 1/2-inch wide and appear like un-coloured cement mortar with the sand grains very apparent (see photo). I realize that the repair will be apparent to some degree, but would like to get close as possible. Will traffic and cleaning improve my repair over time?
Does anyone know what the original materials/methods were or have experience with this kind of repair?
I have done color tests with standard brick mortar mixed with sanded white grout to adjust the tint.
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thanks

 

[Robert Maldonato]

You can sand some of the existing grout from an inconspicuous spot to get some of the original grout colored powder then grout the repair area and dust to cover the surface. It helps to try to match the color as close as you can. I’ve done this with the weird colored grouts that were hand mixed and dyes added. I’ve had my own tile business over 35 years and do amazing repairs nobody will touch. Hope this helps.