Tile Counter Top Repair

jliles

I have a tile countertop on a job where the grout is in poor condition in a couple of areas. I have a contractor who wants to fix it by using caulk over the grout and then do a covering of all the rest of the countertop grout with the same color caulk. It seems to me that this thin of a coat of caulk on top of the grout will wear off quickly at best or peel up quickly at worst. I think the only possible solutions are to remove all the grout and replace with new grout or just replace the countertops. I know around tubs you can use caulk over grout but I have always been told that the space has to be pretty deep for the caulk to hold. What do you guys think? And how do I back my position up if you agree?

Thanks for any help!

Jim

Teetorbilt

IMHO, You're right on all counts for the countertop. Never heard of caulking grout in baths. Tile is tile, same procedure everywhere.

__________________
You can't solve you're problems with the same level of thinking that created the problems.

Albert Einstein

Mike Finley

Personally I would like to see the guy cover the existing grout with a layer of caulk. I don't think he could do it.

I've used the color matched caulk over a small stained or cracked and missing section of grout, but even getting caulk to cover a small 2-3 inch section of grout completely without the grout underneath showing takes a delicate hand and a lot of finessing. To do an entire counter top, I don't see it even being possible.

Possible or not, of course like Teetor, I wouldn't recommend it. If they don't want to remove all the grout and re-grout a better thought might be to repair the grout and then stain it all the same color using a proper grout stain.

MattCoops

If the existing grout is just discolored and nasty looking you can use a grout colorant to stain the grout a color of your choice.

Now, if the grout lines are cracked, has divets, anything like that, remove the grout with a grout saw or dremel tool and re-grout. Wait 3 days and seal.

__________________
Matt with Cupan Custom Tile & Paint of Lowell, Massachusetts
Design and installation of ceramic tile and natural stone for floor, wall, and countertops
(978) 601-8774 | cupantile@gmail.com | view tile pictures and more

cleveman

why would anyone in their rfm use a cementious grout?

remove the grout and re-grout with epoxy.

neolitic

You're doing better
Posts are only a year old now!

__________________
Put your location in your profile!
(Sorry....it seems there really are dumb questions)

reveivl

If he has something to add to the discussion, who cares if it's old? This forum, at least for me, is about information sharing, not necessarily answering the OP's question in time for him to use the info. JMO.

__________________
From where does knowledge come? If you need to know what is in a box, you could ask someone (not reliable), you could pray, (not useful), you can consult with the scripture (not helpful) or you could open the box (science)

Tom R

Sounds like he's just making a friendly (maybe even 'follow-up') joke.

__________________
http://www.tr-built.com

neolitic

Guys--Check out his posts.
Believe me he's just trying to be irritating...
for some unknown reason.

__________________
Put your location in your profile!
(Sorry....it seems there really are dumb questions)

Teetorbilt

Have we let y'all down yet?

__________________
You can't solve you're problems with the same level of thinking that created the problems.

Albert Einstein

better building

You say its a contractor? from where? he must be a wanabe contractor from the home depot.

Teetorbilt

We have to look at everything. Only Nathan makes the final decisions.

__________________
You can't solve you're problems with the same level of thinking that created the problems.

Albert Einstein

neolitic

I was referring to rev and TomR.
I know he hasn't crossed any lines for the Mods.
Just a PITA, like having a house full of 3 year olds
No complaints about Mods here,
better thee than me!

__________________
Put your location in your profile!
(Sorry....it seems there really are dumb questions)

Tom R

And I was referring to 'you' ( you making a joke) . . .

Just a ball of confusion around here . . .

__________________
http://www.tr-built.com

neolitic

Aha! Now I see
Yes, chaos and confusion!
My job here is done!

__________________
Put your location in your profile!
(Sorry....it seems there really are dumb questions)