Newbie first job - Tile Advice

[joka]

Hi.
Just set up for the first time on my own in a new town. A customer wants his shower enclosure re grouting (100mmx100mm tiles) about 4.5 Sq metres in total, grout width about 6mm. Having never re-grouted before I was just wondering what the best tools would be for the task or even whether it's a worthwhile job ( agreed hourly rate)?

 

[Tile Shop]

Got to be Multitool, like the Fein Multimaster or similar with the grout removal attachment is good fun (and very theraputic and satisfying........... just me?)

Hand held grout rake will work but its a total pain even on large tiles, more-so on 100x100.

As for whether its worthwhile, if you have no other jobs lined up, what else are you gonna do? might as well get paid for doing something while you wait to reel in the bigger fish

Get the practise in and when you get asked to do it again further down the line, it'll be easier/quicker, even with your eyes closed.

And welcome to the forum by the way.

 

[Old Mod]

Hi and welcome to the forum.

(and very theraputic and satisfying........... just me?)

Yep.......just you!

 

[Flintstone]

It's bloody tedious! But yes I would use a multi tool, the hand tools just don't do the job on most grouts, my opinion, have a go and see for your self, it's the first string on your bow

 

[Time's Ran Out]

Only regrouted 1 job in 44 years ( poor quality grout supplied) and used dremmel with lots of end bits.
Not interested personally in this aspect of our trade but it's money!
Mind you if you chip/scratch/damage any of the tiles in the process you can kiss goodbye to any money you were to make as the customer will charge you!!

 

[joka]

Thanks. I've got an Erbauer multi tool but what attachments would you recommend? I've tried their own grout removal tool ( 71mm grout and mortar removal ) on my own grout and it barely scratched it. Would I be better off with a diamond segmented blade?

 

[LM]

Welcome to the forum Joka.
Could you try cleaning the grout up with grout cleaners/restorers etc rather than raking it out, I'd rather grate my shins

 

[joka]

Only regrouted 1 job in 44 years ( poor quality grout supplied) and used dremmel with lots of end bits.
Not interested personally in this aspect of our trade but it's money!
Mind you if you chip/scratch/damage any of the tiles in the process you can kiss goodbye to any money you were to make as the customer will charge you!!

Yeah that's what bothers me most especially given the number of tiles

 

[Flintstone]

Saxon blades are often good on eBay, the diamond ones obviously best.

 

[LM]

Would it be possible to tile over it?

 

[joka]

Welcome to the forum Joka.
Could you try cleaning the grout up with grout cleaners/restorers etc rather than raking it out, I'd rather grate my shins

I've never used any before. Are they any good as I've heard mixed reports?

 

[joka]

Would it be possible to tile over it?

No the whole bathroom is tiled but they just want the shower enclosure renovating as the grout is looking poor.

 

[LM]

They can be surprisingly effective if used correctly, but it does depend on just how ingrained the staining is

 

[White Room]

You could google Saxton blades, they are good prices and cover many varied blades for rerouting.