Can the flaking grout in the shower walls be salvaged with sealing, or is it necessary to remove and redo the grout entirely after discovering it wasn’t sealed properly?
Asked by Carmen Ballesteros 
3 months ago
Last Updated: June 12, 2024
I noticed that the grout on the shower walls is starting to flake off. We recently moved in and I was cleaning the tile when I saw it. Do you think the grout wasn’t sealed properly? Can we still seal it or should we consider removing and redoing the grout?
You can definitely still seal it, actually, it’s recommended to reseal your grout every 2-3 years.
Prefers using epoxy grout for a hassle-free experience in the shower
I agree, but I doubt the grout she used is sealing properly, so it’s more likely in her situation unless she decides to remove the old grout.
Seems like it has been painted. The grout color doesn’t come off.
It seems like paint to .
Is right about grout being uniform in color. If black is chipping off to reveal white underneath, it’s likely painted white grout. You have the option to remove the black paint, seal the white grout, or completely replace the grout with a multitool and reseal.
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Looks like they used a grout pen to spruce things up before selling. If you want to maintain it, consider applying a grout sealer. Seems like a quick fix and flip, keep an eye out for other shortcuts. Good luck!
That’s a grout pen right there.
Smooth it out with some grout caulk and then give it a seal.
It seems like Unsanded grout is usually applied using a caulking tube.
The grout is a dark black color. I really don’t want to have to remove it all. Do you think a grout sealer will be effective for a long time?
As others mentioned, it appears to have been painted over. It might be best to reapply grout. You can use grout blades on a vibrating tool to make the job easier compared to doing it manually
Hey, it seems like some folks using tech power grout and similar products are running into occasional issues (mostly due to user error) with their black grout not hardening or curing correctly. If you’re unsure about the type of grout used, applying 511 sealer can help address this issue. It might require multiple coats. Just make sure the shower is completely dry and clean before following the instructions.
I think the previous owner used Mapei Ultracolor because I discovered a half bag of white grout in the closet. Maybe they mixed in dye?
Said it requires some sealer, probably a few coats.
It’s subpar grout. Probably fixed quickly to sell. You know what should be done. Take it out and redo it. Or do a quick fix and seal it, but it might not hold up for long.
Pre-mixed grout in a container is really convenient. Can’t recall the brand. Work in small sections as it dries quickly but can be stored for years in the container. Never had any issues with it.
Looks like the original grout wasn’t put in properly. Those grout lines are filled too much.
Seems like a rushed job, possibly for a quick turnaround. Let’s hope the shower was installed correctly.
Why not just regrout it? In my experience, using sealer doesn’t really do much except waste money.
Keep scrubbing, the grout is on the tile itself. Just keep at it!
It seems like the grout used to be white and was later painted black. You might want to consider having the old grout removed and replaced with black grout.
Remove the old grout and reapply new grout following the manufacturer’s instructions closely. If you’re unsure, it’s best to hire a professional who is certified by the manufacturer. Contact a reputable tile shop in your area or visit the Maepi website for assistance. While it may be an added cost, it will be much cheaper than having to redo it multiple times or risk voiding the warranty.
In my opinion, it seems like a simple fix. They used too much grout and didn’t clean it up quickly, causing it to harden. To me, it looks like a job for some gloves, a mask, and a bit of muratic acid. Work on small areas at a time. Apply the acid to the joints, wait a few minutes, scrub with a sponge, and rinse thoroughly. The tile should ideally have a 1/16 inch grout joint. It will make a huge difference in the appearance. Just sharing what I see in the pictures.
Keep at it with the scrubbing. That grout shouldn’t be sticking to the tile.
I’m like a magic eraser for grout! I would remove the existing grout and have a professional replace it with Mapei epoxy grout, perfectly color-matched silicone for the corners.
Quick update on the shower situation: I spoke to a tile guy and he mentioned that the incorrect mortar was used. It contains epoxy which is suitable for floors but not for shower tiles. Additionally, they might not have given it enough time to set before grouting or it could have gotten wet. In any case, it led to moisture seeping behind the grout causing it to crumble.
So now the dilemma is what to do next. Is it possible to remove some of the grout and redo it? What kind of grout would be best?