Hey everyone! I'm gearing up to regrout and caulk the tiles in my shower and feel pretty confident after watching a bunch of YouTube tutorials. However, I have a few questions I hope you can help me with:
1. When it comes to cleaning the tiles after grouting, should I tackle the whole wall at once or do smaller sections to make sure I don't miss any spots before the grout starts to set?
2. Should I really leave the corners for caulking until last? And how long do I need to wait after grouting to do that?
3. I've noticed that the grout in other showers isn't always level and has little dips between the tiles. Is there a tool to help smooth that out? Does the grout tend to shrink while it dries? I know it sounds silly, but I can't help but be a bit of a perfectionist about it!
4. Also, if anyone has extra tips or tricks, I'd love to hear them! Thanks in advance!
2 Answers
Definitely wait after grouting before you start caulking! Give it about 24 hours. And you're right about the grout leveling—it can have dips. Using a grout shaping tool during the application can help, but if the lines already look off after drying, it can be tough to fix once it's set.
As for your prep, blocking the drain is a smart move—you don’t want any debris getting stuck. And lining the sink with a bag is genius to keep it clean during the project. Just make sure to keep everything organized, and you'll do great!
For cleaning, it's best to do smaller sections as you go. Wring out as much water from your sponge as you can before wiping. I usually follow up with a microfiber cloth for any leftover haze.
As for caulking, yep, you should definitely wait at least a day after grouting for everything to cure. That way, you won’t mess up your work!
And about those uneven grout lines, you can use tools to shape the grout if needed. I’ve even used things like a marker cap or plastic spoons for a curve—you just want something that won't scratch the tile. You can also buy grout tools that have various shapes, which are handy for smoothing both grout and caulk.
Also, don’t forget to manage your grout rinse water—don't dump it down your drains! Use designated buckets instead and dispose of them responsibly. And remember to wear gloves and wipe down your hands and tools to avoid any cleanup mess later.
Thanks, this is super helpful! Just to clarify on #3, when you say use a tool to shape the grout lines, you mean to kind of create a curve at the edge, right? I really want it to look nice!