Giving your kitchen or bathroom a new lease of life is a great way to upgrade your property, but a complete refit can be expensive so that may be out of the question. The simple and much more cost-effective solution is to update tiles already in place for a fast and funky refresh, and this week we’re going to share our top tips on sprucing them up without breaking the bank.
It’s all about the grout
Freshly laid tiles always look beautiful because the grout is clean, but after a period of time high traffic areas start to appear tired or downright dirty. Even regular cleaning of the tiles and grout can’t completely revitalise them and keep that perfect white finish, so the question is, “what are our options?”
Grout pens
Grout pens offer a simple and cost-effective solution to the problem, but it’s still important to do the job properly. Clean the grout beforehand with a toothbrush and abrasive kitchen cleaner – the longer you spend on this step, the longer the effect of the pen will last. There are downsides to pens, however: after a while the nibs wear down and need to be replaced, and the result can look a little amateurish if you’re not careful during application.
Regrouting
For a quick touch-up, grout pens are fine, but if you really want to do the job properly it’s worth buying a grout scraper and getting that old stuff out! Go for a steel scraper because even though they’re not as strong as carbide, they’re a touch softer and less likely to damage your tiles if you slip. You’ll also need a Stanley knife with lots of spare blades for areas the scraper won’t fit. If you have a big bathroom or kitchen to regrout, we recommend a grout grabber – an attachment for a reciprocating saw that will make the job whizz by!
When regrouting mix the grout in small batches because it’s a race against the clock to get it on the wall. As soon as it starts to firm up (between 5-20 minutes depending on the weather and subsequent conditions) begin sponging it down to create a smooth finish.
Tile paint
If you’re not happy with the colour of your tiles, you can also find lots of different coloured tile paint in DIY stores. You can choose to paint alternate tiles, then alternate again on the next row for a checkerboard effect, or simply paint the whole lot – loads cheaper than removing them and replacing them, and much less labour-intensive too.
Something different?
White is the standard colour for grout, but what if you fancy changing the feel of your room? Switching from white grout to black will give your bathroom or kitchen an art deco look for almost no money – a great style change that will get your visitors talking. Or you may have your own colour scheme in mind.
Another way to update tiles is to use some transfers – there are loads on the market so you’re sure to find something that suits your personal taste.
As long as you take your time, all of these jobs are possible for the enthusiastic DIYer, but, of course, if you think that it might be a little overwhelming you can call a professional… just like us!