Can I put new grout over old grout?

Why You Can’t Put New Grout Over Old Grout

We’ve all been there. You’re in the middle of tiling your kitchen backsplash or regrouting your bathroom shower and you realize that you’re either out of grout or running low. So, you head to the store to buy more, only to be faced with a dilemma: do you buy new grout or try to reuse the old grout?

Before you make a decision, it’s important to understand that new grout cannot be installed over old grout. We can compare grouting repair to drywall repair in this regard. When we have holes or cracks in our drywall, we fill them in with sparkles. Once the spackle is dry, we sand it down and paint over it. With grouting, however, we cannot simply apply new grout over old grout. The old grout must first be removed; otherwise, the new grout will crack and fall out.

While it may appear to be a difficult task, removing old grout is actually quite simple. A handheld rotary tool fitted with a diamond bit or carbide-tipped blade quickly removes the old grout, leaving you free to apply new grout as needed. So, while you cannot put new grout over old grout, it is simple enough to remove the old grout and start fresh.

In conclusion, if you find yourself in a situation where you need more grout but don’t have any on hand, don’t try to reuse the old grout. It’s much better and simpler to remove the old grout and start fresh with new grout rather than try to patch up the old stuff. Trust us – your home will thank you for it!