Re-grouting method.

[moomarine]

Just thought I'd share my method of re-grouting a whole house! (4 bathrooms, large kitchen/utility and downstairs toilet).

After a lot of trial and error by reading previous threads about it I believe I have found the best way, but would appreciate other people's experience! (I imagine a lot of people probably don't do this kind of work and I almost didn't myself but thought I'd give it a go out of interest really!)

So I started by just using my multi tool with a grout removing blade which was ok but the blades go quick and it does take a fair bit of effort and on your knees permanently. The one benefit I found was that it keeps the dust at ground level rather than up in the air.

I then moved onto what I think was the best way. Using a 18v angle with turbo diamond blade holding a wet/dry Hoover behind the blade. I have the dewalt 18v XR which is really easy to hold with the Hoover as it isn't fat and round like most grinders! I then go over very quickly with the multi tool anywhere where the grinders missed chunks.

I did try using my 240v grinder but it was way too fast RPM vs the 18v creating too must dust for the Hoover.

I have actually quite enjoyed this job other than the fact it kills the wrists! Lol - can't imagine it's good for the carpel tunnel syndrome!

 

[Dan]

How long did it take,

 

[LM]

That's the same way I do it on most jobs. On floors with thin joints and delicate tile edges I will use a plunge saw and guide rail for gaurenteed accuracy and no run offs, with depth set to about 8-10mm

 

[Old Mod]

That's the same way I do it on most jobs. On floors with thin joints and delicate tile edges I will use a plunge saw and guide rail for gaurenteed accuracy and no run offs, with depth set to about 8-10mm

Which saw Lee?

 

[moomarine]

How long did it take,

This was a while ago but back here today to finish the downstairs toilet.

It took 3 days to do the 4 bathrooms including grouting them but this was with my multi tool. Then the kitchen/utility was 3 days but a lot easier with the angle grinder. Kitchen was a larger area than the bathrooms together.

 

[Andy Allen]

Never done a regrout in 34 years !!
Don't think I ever will to be honest.
You seem to have cracked it, hope you had a good price on it.

 

[moomarine]

Never done a regrout in 34 years !!
Don't think I ever will to be honest.
You seem to have cracked it, hope you had a good price on it.

This is where I went wrong!
I know now for the next time that I will be pricing it higher than this time! Did for £140 a day as a day rate plus grout etc on top but it was really a tester and I know better now!

 

[LM]

Which saw Lee?

I had an old Bosch set up that was nicked on a site I was on just after christmas, so I was thinking of getting a Fesstool TS 55 with an ATS 160mm diamond blade using a reducing ring, but haven't actually got round to it yet. Would you recommend a better choice for me or would that be a goer?

 

[aussie tiling]

A decorator showed me a good trick and it actually works a good water proof PVA and permanent ink mixed together and paint over joints, you have about 1 minute to sponge it off but works great and no dust or grinding.

 

[Old Mod]

I had an old Bosch set up that was nicked on a site I was on just after christmas, so I was thinking of getting a Fesstool TS 55 with an ATS 160mm diamond blade using a reducing ring, but haven't actually got round to it yet. Would you recommend a better choice for me or would that be a goer?

I have that set up, but can't say I've tried to rake joints with. 😀

 

[macten]

If it's in good nick and I've nothing better to do I'll clean it and colour it.
Life's too short to rake out grout!

 

[andyb1]

Would rather sit at home than re-grout tbh!

 

[LM]

Give me 250 a day and I'll whistle away at it with my earphones in and my ear muffs on 😉

 

[Stef]

The easiest way I've found to regrout is to pass it on to someone else...