Bringing Advice Please

[pulmicort1415]

I am about to take the old grout out of a tiled floor and regrout.
I am getting a little worried about the way I should go about the regrouting.
So much different info on google.
I am only a quite competent DIYer.
What I need to know firstly is, should I use epoxy grout or is it only for the pros?
Or. Should I stick with the old tried and tested "normal grout".
If I decide on epoxy can it be bought ready mixed?
If I go for normal grout can I seal it and how is that done. Is it a success?

Also how high should the grout be. Level with the tile top?
All tips would be appreciated.

[Atheist]

Is the tiled floor internal or external?

Do you know how to 'take out' the old grout? (It's quite a job!) Why would you take it out? Is it simply that you don't like the colour?

Grout shouldn't need to be sealed. If you do regrout, you use a rubber squeegee to run over the tile surface (not applying grout into individual joints, simply swiping the whole area to force the grout in) then you use a dowel or pencil or proprietory plastic tool or teaspoon to run along the jointss, leaving the grout slightly below the tile surface.

I'm sure someone better qualified will come along and give you some good advice.
Good luck.

[pulmicort1415]

Yes have removed grout once before. The existing grout on this internal floor is so grubby looking

[Canary42]

I'm currently grouting my re-tiled toilet floor, and being a bit concerned myself about its absorbency (leading to unpleasant smells) I did notice the hardware store was selling a sealing spray which I will look into when I've finished grouting.

As regards the profile, I think it's a matter of choice - in the other rooms I've tiled in the past I've lightly run the tip of my finger along the joins to create a slight U-shape depression finish - I stress the "slight". But a flat level might look as good, or even a slightly raised one but I would beware danger of tripping in this case.
We do have a professional among the Ab membership (TheBuilder) and he will probably be along some time with advice.

[Canary42]

P.S. You can get grout pens to improve old grout.

[Old_Geezer]

I tried epoxy grout once. My advice is to leave it to those with lots of experience with it. It ended up adequate but not to a standard I was happy with.

[pulmicort1415]

Is the "Builder" about?

[The Builder]

Late on duty, but here eventually :o)

The cementitious v. epoxy grout argument seems to run forever.
Also, if the tiles are on a timber floor, then a latex grout is usually used (flexible.)

Everyone has their personal favourites.
This is a cementitious one that will do everything you need.........

Amazon.co.uk User Recommendation

Epoxys are not very DIY-friendly. I would stick with a cement one as in my link above. (Mapei is another one that tilers like.)
It wouldn't hurt to seal afterwards. Google something like HG Floor Sealer. (Cement grouts can be a little porous)

Ready-mixed are fine, but tilers tend to prefer powder since it's easy to adjust the mix as required. You just mix what you can confidently handle.
The other thing against Epoxy is that it tends not to flow so well as cement. Harder to poke into every cranny.

You could write a book about this. So many choices.
For you, you won't go wrong with the one in my link (or similar).

Grouting "floats" and sponges are essential too since you don't have to bother with "fingering" the joint afterwards. A good rub-up with a piece of sponge when almost dry and you're done.

[bednobs]

oh la la!

[The Builder]

I've just looked at my previous answer to you a few months ago.
I advocated epoxy then, but, giving it more thought, I do think a cement grout is more user-friendly.

Bednobs............. I know, I know. I'd expect something from Douglas, but I thought you were a little more refined............ ;o))))

[bednobs]

even a refined girl has needs

[pulmicort1415]

Thanks builder. Is there special brush for grout lines. See one in videos

[The Builder]

A grout brush?. I guess you mean for cleaning out the gaps after removing the grout.

Or perhaps a brush for cleaning existing grout?

Plenty of both if you Google "grout brush." I can't say that I've ever used either. I just tend to use whatever I have around.

[pulmicort1415]

Brush for applying grout line sealer

[The Builder]

Ahhh........... the HG sealer comes with a pipette for floor grout, but any small clean paintbrush is fine.

[pulmicort1415]

Thanks again for the advice. Think I'll give epoxy a miss