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Sanding tile grout - A comprehensive guide

Unleash the true beauty of your tiles: how to sand tile joints like a pro

Difficulty: Easy | Costs: from 10 euros | Workload: 20 minutes per tile

Image of tile grout being cleaned in preparation for grout sanding

1. Sanding tile joints - overview

  • Can be done yourself and quickly
  • Follow the step-by-step instructions
  • No big investments
  • Seal tiles for a better result that lasts for years
  • Try to work the grout with a grout remover before sanding.

Tile can drastically change the look of a room, and grout plays a key role in that.

Although tile joints are often overlooked, they add significantly to the overall appearance of your tiles.

In this article you will learn how to grind tile grout professionally and take your home to the next level.

2. Why tile joints should be sanded

Image of a tile grout that keeps mold away

Grinding tile joints is not only an aesthetic decision, but also a functional one. Joints that are kept in good condition protect the tiles and ensure that they last a long time.

They prevent the ingress of water and protect against mold and bacteria.

3. The process of joint grinding: step-by-step instructions

Image of tile joints that have already been sanded and are currently being re-pointed

3.1 Materials and Tools

Before you start sanding, you need some special tools and materials:

Diamond grinding discs for grinding tile joints with an angle grinder

  1. Floor grinder:

    This is the most important tool. It is specially made to remove grout without damaging the tiles.
  2. Dust mask and goggles:

    Sanding the grout can create a lot of dust, so it's important to protect yourself.
  3. Bucket and Sponge:

    For cleaning the tiles after sanding.

It is important to sand carefully, paying attention to the depth of the joints.

You should only remove as much material as is necessary to smooth the surface and achieve the desired appearance.

3.2 Step-by-step instructions: How to sand tile joints

After you have your tools and materials ready, follow these steps to professionally sand your tile grout:

  1. Identify the joints to be sanded:

    Examine your tiles and mark the areas that need treatment. This could be due to discoloration, mold or simple wear and tear.

  2. Put on your protective clothing:

    Safety first. Make sure you wear a dust mask and goggles to protect yourself from the dust created when sanding.

  3. Begin by sanding the joints:

    Take your grout grinder and gently start sanding the selected grout. Work slowly and methodically to ensure you cover all required areas without damaging the tiles.

  4. Clean the dust:

    After you're done sanding, take a damp sponge and a bucket of water and wipe the dust off the tiles. This gives you a clear view of the joints and allows you to spot any missed areas.

  5. Check your work:

    Look closely at the grout to make sure it's sanded evenly and has the look you want. If necessary, repeat steps 3 and 4 until you are satisfied with the result.

Our tip: If a tile grout has failed completely, you can mill it out with a diamond cutter for tiles and grout again.

3.3 Post-treatment of the joints

Tiles were sealed again after joint grinding

After sanding the grout, you need to seal the tiles .

This protects them from moisture and makes them easier to clean.

3.4 Maintenance and Care

It is important to check the joints regularly and regrind if necessary.

This will keep your tiles in top condition and extend their lifespan.

Good to know: According to Toom.de, tile joints must be renewed if even the use of special cleaners does not bring any visible change.

4. Conclusion - Grinding tile joints is no problem with the right tools.

Tile grout sanding is an effective way to improve the appearance and durability of your tiles. It takes some work and attention, but the result is worth it. With the right tools and techniques, you can do this process yourself and add value to your tiles.

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This work from https://iynxtools.de/blogs/how-to-s/fliesen-fugen-schleifen is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License .
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