Is the cracked grout on your backsplash driving you crazy? You’re not alone. The best kitchen backsplashes enhance the aesthetic appeal and practicality of one of the most frequently used rooms in the house. Therefore, leaving your backsplash grout in a damaged state makes no sense.

Fortunately, you can follow some simple steps if you want to know how to repair grout in kitchen tile. So read on for tips and tricks that will have your kitchen looking brand new in no time.

How to Repair Grout in Kitchen Backsplash

Grout is needed to put tiles in place, especially if you want your kitchen tile backsplash to look nice. In fact, it preserves the beauty and durability of your stone, ceramic, and glass tiles.

A beautiful long-term installation is always guaranteed when you hire a professional to grout your tiles. However, if you’re up for the challenge, you might find that this task isn’t as difficult as you initially thought.

cracked tile and grout

Select the Grout Type

The amount of space between tiles will determine the type of grout you should use. You have three main options for the kitchen backsplash: sanded grout, unsanded grout, and epoxy. 

Unsanded grout is made of cement, water, and powdered pigments. To the same mixture, sand is added to create sanded grout. Sand is added to the grout to increase its thickness and stop it from shrinking in the joints.

For grout joints smaller than 1/8 inch, we recommend you use unsanded grout. Sanded grout is preferable for joints larger than 1/8 inch in width because the sand prevents the grout from shrinking and adds additional strength.

Most of the time, homeowners choose cement-based grout due to its lower cost and ease to use. However, epoxy may be preferable for tiling in high-traffic areas. Epoxy, consisting of resin and hardener, is almost impervious to various chemicals and is difficult to discolor, making it ideal for kitchens.

grout mixture

Select the Grout Color

Choosing the right grout color facilitates a visually pleasing and consistent end result. Consider how much time and effort you’re willing to put into maintaining the tiles and the tile’s color to make the best decision.

We would steer clear of white grout because it will likely reveal grease and grime accumulation. If the tile is lighter, using a darker grout color will help you avoid obvious stains and can provide an eye-catching contrast. Colorful grout can give a visually appealing feature, but it can also easily show dirt and grime.

colorful grout

Steps to Repair Grout

Step 1 Prep the Area

Always protect the surrounding area that you don’t want to mess up before beginning the process. Using masking paper and painter’s tapes can help you achieve this, especially if you’re tiling up against a countertop or a set of cabinets.

To ensure a flawless appearance, clean the grout lines of the tiles you will be working on thoroughly before you begin. Once it’s clean, remove the damaged grout and clean it thoroughly again. 

Step 2 Mix and Apply the Grout

After the old grout has been scraped away and the area has been cleaned, the next step is to mix the grout to a thick but manageable consistency. Adding too much water will weaken the final product, so be careful not to do this.

Apply grout to the narrow spaces between tiles by holding the grout spreader at a 45-degree angle to the tiles. Using a diagonal motion while applying grout will ensure that it is evenly distributed and pushed into the tiled areas before the grout dries and leaves an imperfect finish.

Step 3 Clean the Tiles

Select a damp sponge, and using a circular motion, wipe the tiles gently to remove any excess grout. Another option is to clean it with a cloth or towel thoroughly.

Step 4 Seal the Grout

When you cover the grout in your bathroom or kitchen with a sealer, the tiles become water resistant, extending the lifespan of the grout.

grout sealing

Contact a Team of Experts

So now you know how to repair cracked grout in the kitchen. But what happens if you don’t have the time to do it yourself? Call Florida Tile & Grout Restoration if you need your grout repaired in Palm Beach, Florida, and want the best results ASAP. Our team has worked with numerous grout varieties over the years, so you can trust that yours will be fixed properly.

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