Grout removal hell

[alib103]

Did a job yesterday removing grout from kitchen and conservatory. Bad job, customer wanted grey grout removed and replaced with ivory, i explained all issues/problems, couldn't give a guarantee and overpriced...still wanted me to do it! Got through kitchen quick, not too bad but once in conservatory it seems like its been grouted with grout + adhesive all in one crap, went through 3 grout rakes and a multi tool and still only half done. Explained issues to customer and said i would have to come back and would have to charge another half day....still wanted me to do it, they've been very understanding and i almost feel guilty at charging again, but as i can barely feel my arms and hands, the guilt is wearing off!
Does anyone know or can recommend a really stury grout rake, reckon i need another 3 to get through rest of floor??

 

[Gazzer]

Why didnt you use a grout colourant ?

 

[alib103]

Never tried a colourant before, the grey was very badly discoloured and cracked in a number of places (apparently done by a lad they knew on the cheap). It needed replacing so had to come out, would a colourant have worked?

 

[DHTiling]

Oscillating tool like a fein would be easier than hand raking.

 

[John Benton]

Never tried a colourant before, the grey was very badly discoloured and cracked in a number of places (apparently done by a lad they knew on the cheap). It needed replacing so had to come out, would a colourant have worked?

If the job was done on the cheap, the chances are there could be underlying problems, and just by re-grouting this problem may occur again, so you may get a call back from the customer.

 

[alib103]

If the job was done on the cheap, the chances are there could be underlying problems, and just by re-grouting this problem may occur again, so you may get a call back from the customer.

floor was done 10 years ago so hasnt done too bad, hopefully what i put in will do the job.

 

[charlie1]

Consider how wide the joints are too before pricing for grout removal, 5mm or more and you will have really hard time!

 

[John Benton]

floor was done 10 years ago so hasnt done too bad, hopefully what i put in will do the job.

It could be the substrate that has only just started to fail now and then the problem is still there.

 

[Gazzer]

Never tried a colourant before, the grey was very badly discoloured and cracked in a number of places (apparently done by a lad they knew on the cheap). It needed replacing so had to come out, would a colourant have worked?

Its always worth a try. A lot less effort and so far the results I have had are good. Going from dark to light grout though is always going to be harder than the other way.

 

[Lukass]

Worst job in Tiling removing old grout, Mapei when dry is like a rock. Multi tool seems like a best tool for the job but after whole day shaking your hands are gone and you ask yourself: why I'm doing this s....
Angle grinder with a very fine blade would be fastest but it would be dusty as hell.

 

[alib103]

The joints are HUGE, 5mm minimum....tis the job from hell! Like i said i did everything i could to put them off but they or i should say she just wanted it done! Never mind, will get a few grout rakes and get back to it, at least i'll have arms like popeye at the end of it!

 

[charlie1]

Mate, bite the bullet and invest in a fein multimaster, its gonna save you so much time! Personally I would use an angle grinder in them joints!

 

[Rookery]

I wouldn't have attempted it by hand, not for all the tea in China. You need a Fein, or a cheaper version of it but it'll be dusty tho less dust than if using an angle grinder.

 

[macten]

Since the pain of the last one I did I have always quoted £180 per day labour and It will take as long as it takes, nobody has booked me at that price but wouldn't want to do it for less. Doing it by hand I wouldn't even attempt.