grout removal

[michaeldaly83]

Hi Guys
Was looking for a bit of advice got a job to re-grout about 5sq meter of mosaic tiles.Not to sure about doing this on mosaic to begin with.Would rather just replace tiles but customer just wants it re-grouted.Would you advice using a fein multimaster for this or will i just chip tiles.Or just rake out by hand.

 

[DHTiling]

Depends on how tight the joints are..

Is grout re-colouring not an option..?

 

[michaeldaly83]

Yeah I will suggest it to them.Joints where either 2 or 3mm.How wide do the joints need to be to get the fein in without damaging the tiles. thanks mate

 

[DHTiling]

2mm for the fein..with the narrow blade.

Some customers see dirty grout and think it just has to come out when infact a good grout cleaner can work or just simply a grout colourer..

Saves a lot of hard work..

Here is a Demo from Tradetiler..

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m7BTYdRa9Tc&feature=player_embedded]YouTube - Tradetiler Aqua Mix Grout Colorant Application[/ame]

 

[michaeldaly83]

Thanks for that mate think i will go on the website and have a look.It would save a lot of hard work.

 

[SandyFloor]

I wouldn't fancy removing grout from mosaics....couldn't even guess how long that would take. I would go the path Dave is suggesting.

 

[Onlinetiler]

Hi Michael,

I had a run of regrouting jobs recently, despite it being my least favourite thing in the world (online video blog Let me show you what it's all about to prove it!! and I have to agree with Sandy above, if there's an alternative to regrouting 5m2 of mosaic then take it.

If the customer is adamant then I wouldnt even consider regrouting without using the Fein, it's the only tool in the bag for me and I cant imagine you'd damage the tiles with it - I think you're more likely to damage them by raking to be honest.

Of course the one thing you have to be really careful of, depending on how thin the mosaics are is that you don't risk going too deep and damaging any waterproof membrane underneath or dislodging the individual tesserae. It may also be prudent to disclaim yourself from any coming loose due to poor fixing in the first place, I know that's not a very positive attitude but I've visited so many awful jobs in the past couple of years that I tend to try and avoid opening cans of worms wherever poss.

Good luck with it - let us know how it goes.

 

[Dan]

Hi Michael,

I had a run of regrouting jobs recently, despite it being my least favourite thing in the world (online video blog Let me show you what it's all about to prove it!! and I have to agree with Sandy above, if there's an alternative to regrouting 5m2 of mosaic then take it.

If the customer is adamant then I wouldnt even consider regrouting without using the Fein, it's the only tool in the bag for me and I cant imagine you'd damage the tiles with it - I think you're more likely to damage them by raking to be honest.

Of course the one thing you have to be really careful of, depending on how thin the mosaics are is that you don't risk going too deep and damaging any waterproof membrane underneath or dislodging the individual tesserae. It may also be prudent to disclaim yourself from any coming loose due to poor fixing in the first place, I know that's not a very positive attitude but I've visited so many awful jobs in the past couple of years that I tend to try and avoid opening cans of worms wherever poss.

Good luck with it - let us know how it goes.

Love the website mate.

Will follow you.

 

[bootsmckiber]

I think Daves ad says it all,save yourself some time and heartache and your client some money

 

[michaeldaly83]

Thanks for all the replys.I spoke to customer she is adamant she wants it re-grouted so going to go ahead with the fein.I will let you all know how it goes thanks.

 

[DJS]

Blimey, I did a re-grout in a 4m2 shower cubicle the other week with 150x150 plain white tiles and grout (I felt like online tiler did in his vlog....very funny). Took about 4-5 hrs to grind it all out with a Worx Sonicrafter (like the fein), and it took 2 blades to do it. I'd charge for 4 blades, just to make sure you got enough!

Saying that I also bought an adaptor to fit bosch and fein blades. So I have replaced the WORX blades to a Bosch one now. When the bosch one wears out, I will be getting a fein blade for it. I removed 29 tiles with the bosch the other day, and it's still ok. So I think the sonicrafter blades are probably a bit naff in a commercial sense, and I can't wait to try the fein blades.

If you got 5sq m of mosaic, I wonder how long and how many blades it's gonna take you!! Good luck fella!! I also agree using the epoxy grout colourant is probably a much more cost effective solution. I will always try to persuade my clients to go with that option if I get asked again in future.

It's been 3 days since you posted so I guess your still at it? :lol: Couldn't resist.