Rough as Ass Holes! - TilersForums.co.uk | Tile Forums

tpwuk · 16-07-2008

Hi guys,

I'm in the process of finishing my ensuite project.

I'm almost finished with the grouting. One wall however I made the mistake of leaving the grout on for too long (1 day - DOH!). Tonight I cleaned off (with great difficulty!) all the grout but it's left my grout lines quite rough looking. Compared to my other walls it looks a bag-o-sh1te!

What 's the best approach for rectifying this?

They're preformed mosaics (24 per tile) so they're a major pain in the bum to grout!

Cheers,
Glenn

**sWe** · 17-07-2008

Erm, I'm not sure it's even possible to rake the grout out on preformed mosaics without damaging the tiles, cuz that's pretty much what you'd have to do normally, and I've never had to do that.

I'm pretty sure cement removal agents won't work particularly well either, but you could try something like Lithofin Cement Away, which seems to be a favoured product among the British forum users, in quite high concentratation (or undiluted), with a REALLY rough emulsifying/polishing pad (scotch brite type of material, but with abrasive properties). Bear in mind that you must try on some out of view spot first, to see if damages the tiles in any way, because it's a very real risk. You also run the risk of damaging the rest of the surfaces if you try that, as well as discolouring the grout.

Other than that... Retile the dodgy parts completely. That's what I'd do.

And oh; preformed mosaics made from regular ceramics (that's what they're normally made from in my experience) require you do grout faster, and wait less for it to partially set, because the tiles absorb alot of the water in the grout. When you've done the final cleaning, it might be a good idea to keep the grout slightly damp for a day or two, as it cures through hydration, which means the binding of water, and if the tiles absorb alot of the moisture, the curing slows or stops, causing the grout to be brittle.

**brian c** · 17-07-2008

take them off and replace then grout and wash off,this way less hassle.

tpwuk · 17-07-2008

Thanks sWe - the tip about keeping the grout damp is a good one.

Brian...it's not feasible to take all the tiles off - not got the time or money - I thought there might have been a "nifty" trick of the trade!

**whitebeam** · 17-07-2008

Nifty trick is when you try to get round something, To put right is another story