Is it okay to use caulk to re-grout kitchen counter tile?
Question:I know caulk is normally used as a sealant and grout is used between tiles, but are they made of the same thing? Can I run caulk over my old kitchen counter tile grout to "clean" it up?
Answers:
No they are not the same and no the caulk will not work as a substitute. Although re-grouting is a fairly simple process. purchase some grout at your local supplier and read the instructions. Use clean water, and buy a grouting sponge trowel to apply it with. Remember the consistency of peanut butter and be sure to get as much of the old grout out as you can. Also be sure to seal the grout before using the counter to prevent staining. You will be amazed how accomplished you will feel from doing it right yourself. Bon chance mon a me'.
I wouldn't do that. Grout is not that hard to use. Just get some premixed stuff at the home center and follow the instructions.
i wouldnt..
caulk is mostly silicone.
i think theres grout in a tube though...
goto homedepot and ask them
Grout and caulk are very different in their make up. Grout is more like cement and caulk is more like rubber. From personal experience, the previous owners of our house used caulk to "clean up" in between the grouted tile in our bathroom shower, and I am unhappy with the result. The grout and the caulk look different. Maybe if you went over ALL the grout with caulk it would look okay.
if you do - use a caulk for wet surface - but i recommend grout and then a good sealer. it will be maint. free after that and its really not difficult at all!
good luck!
Not at all the same thing. Grouting is easy. There are sanded "grout" caulkings intended for small touch ups, but I wouldn't recommend them.
Caulking might seem easier to you, but even, straight beads takes practice. You would need to use silicon in this situation (for mildew) and trying to smooth it without smearing it (you won't) and cleaning it up (almost impossible) will make this a nightmare.
If caulk worked as well as, and was easier to use than grout tile setters everywhere would do it and there would be no grout.
If all the grout is there, then there are several products that will clean it up at you local hardware store. If the grout is cracked, remove the lose pieces, you can scratch them with a pennige of something or buy a little hand grout saw.
Regrout using un-sanded grout for a smooth finish and seal afterwards.
Should be an 4 - 6 hour job for a kitchen counter.
More Related Questions & Answers...