How to Renovate Old Ceramic Tile

Many people choose ceramic tile for its beauty and longevity. However, when the grout starts to crumble or the seals start to discolor, many think that the whole wall must be replaced. If you have old ceramic tile, consider renovating the wall instead of installing a new one. Most homeowners have enough skill to renovate their bathroom or kitchen tiles, and you only need to budget about $50 for the project.

When you begin to notice any signs of deterioration of your grout is the time to begin to renovate the ceramic tile. If it begins to crack or soften it is only a matter of time before your ceramic tile begins to fall down as water works its way between the cracks and to the mortar. Once that occurs, the ceramic tile is even harder to renovate.

You can renovate a single area of tile or renovate the entire area. The key is not to delay before the problem spreads. Although the cost to renovate ceramic tile is small, it can be time consuming, so budget a long afternoon to complete most of the work. To renovate ceramic tile, you should regrout, recaulk, and then seal the surface to prevent the need for future repairs.

To remove any old grout, buy a grout saw. It should be relatively inexpensive, under $10, and will make removing the old grout a simple task. To use a grout saw, simply run the blade into the cracks between the tiles to remove the old grout. Remove the grout with slow, steady movements to be sure you don't damage the ceramic tile. Be thorough and remove as much unsound grout as you need to.

Next use a brush or soft cloth to remove any dust or debris within the grout lines. You should also take a knife or scraper and remove the old caulk that is around the tub and plumbing lines. Remove as much of the old caulk as possible, if you are careful you may be able to remove most if it in one long strip.

Now that the old materials are removed, you can begin to regrout and recaulk the area. There are two types of grout, premixed and powdered grout. The premixed grout is best for smaller jobs. However, if you plan on doing larger area, consider buying powdered grout and mixing it yourself with liquid latex.