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Find a little excess grout on your tile? Find out how to remove epoxy grout from tile and take care of that final cleaning in a snap.
Below you’ll learn how to remove epoxy grout from tile quickly and easily without damaging the tile. Make your tile look the best it ever has!
You can get rid of persistent epoxy residue with an appropriate remover
It’s hard to beat the durability of epoxy grout. It will hold up to years of use, regular cleaning and scrubbing, and standing water. These same qualities make removing dried excess grout a challenge. Sometimes, even a haze of the epoxy grout can be quite stubborn. This article will discuss the most efficient ways to remove dried epoxy grout from tile.
First, here is a handy checklist of items and supplies you will need:
wooden paint stirring stick
nylon scrubbing pad
bucket of water
masking tape
plastic sheeting
paint brush
stiff-bristled scrubbing brush
trisodium phosphate
sponge
clean towels or paper towels
We’ll try the chemical-free method first. Follow the steps below:
- Scrape away excess grout with the end of the paint stirring stick.
- Use the nylon scrubbing pad along with soapy water to remove the residue.
If epoxy remains on the tile, use epoxy stripper. Here is the procedure:
- Use masking tape and plastic sheeting to protect areas where no stripper is needed.
- Apply stripper to the excess epoxy with a small paintbrush. (Make sure you have ventilation and wear proper safety gear such as gloves and eye protection.)
- Allow the stripper to soak for about 30 minutes, then try scraping and scrubbing as mentioned above. (If the epoxy hasn’t softened yet, apply more stripper and allow another 30 minutes of soaking time.)
- Once the epoxy is gone, neutralize the stripper with a trisodium phosphate solution. Follow the instructions on the label.
- Wipe away the trisodium phosphate with paper towels and wash the area with soap and water.
Manufacturers recommend using mild, pH-neutral cleaning products to remove dirt and stains. You may also use a clear grout sealant for another layer of protection.
After your tile is clean and all excess grout has been removed, it’s a good time to check the area for any needed repairs. For instance, if any grout is missing between tiles, mix a small amount of the original grout and replace it.
It’s also a good idea to check for any areas that could use a touch of sealant. Even small gaps or cracks can allow water or moisture in and eventually cause problems. Check the corners, seams, and places where the tile ends, and another material begins. These are all areas that normally need to be sealed.
LePage 2 in 1 Kitchen and Bath Express Silicone is a top-rated sealant designed for this application. LePage 2 in 1 functions as both an adhesive and a sealant, providing a long-lasting bond and effective water resistance. It dries fast, withstanding water contact in just two hours, and it prevents mould and mildew growth as well.
Do you need a paintable sealant? LePage 2 in 1 Kitchen and Bath is the solution. It offers the same bonding and sealing properties as the Express Silicone version above, but in a paintable formula. It cleans up easily with soap and water and can be painted in just 40 minutes.