Grout removal hell

[alib103]

Did a job yesterday removing grout from kitchen and conservatory. Bad job, customer wanted grey grout removed and replaced with ivory, i explained all issues/problems, couldn't give a guarantee and overpriced...still wanted me to do it! Got through kitchen quick, not too bad but once in conservatory it seems like its been grouted with grout + adhesive all in one crap, went through 3 grout rakes and a multi tool and still only half done. Explained issues to customer and said i would have to come back and would have to charge another half day....still wanted me to do it, they've been very understanding and i almost feel guilty at charging again, but as i can barely feel my arms and hands, the guilt is wearing off!
Does anyone know or can recommend a really stury grout rake, reckon i need another 3 to get through rest of floor??

 

[Gazzer]

Why didnt you use a grout colourant ?

 

[alib103]

Never tried a colourant before, the grey was very badly discoloured and cracked in a number of places (apparently done by a lad they knew on the cheap). It needed replacing so had to come out, would a colourant have worked?

 

[DHTiling]

Oscillating tool like a fein would be easier than hand raking.

 

[John Benton]

Never tried a colourant before, the grey was very badly discoloured and cracked in a number of places (apparently done by a lad they knew on the cheap). It needed replacing so had to come out, would a colourant have worked?

If the job was done on the cheap, the chances are there could be underlying problems, and just by re-grouting this problem may occur again, so you may get a call back from the customer.

 

[alib103]

If the job was done on the cheap, the chances are there could be underlying problems, and just by re-grouting this problem may occur again, so you may get a call back from the customer.

floor was done 10 years ago so hasnt done too bad, hopefully what i put in will do the job.

 

[charlie1]

Consider how wide the joints are too before pricing for grout removal, 5mm or more and you will have really hard time!

 

[John Benton]

floor was done 10 years ago so hasnt done too bad, hopefully what i put in will do the job.

It could be the substrate that has only just started to fail now and then the problem is still there.

 

[Gazzer]

Never tried a colourant before, the grey was very badly discoloured and cracked in a number of places (apparently done by a lad they knew on the cheap). It needed replacing so had to come out, would a colourant have worked?

Its always worth a try. A lot less effort and so far the results I have had are good. Going from dark to light grout though is always going to be harder than the other way.

 

[Lukass]

Worst job in Tiling removing old grout, Mapei when dry is like a rock. Multi tool seems like a best tool for the job but after whole day shaking your hands are gone and you ask yourself: why I'm doing this s....
Angle grinder with a very fine blade would be fastest but it would be dusty as hell.