Yes, you can paint grouts with acrylic paint if grout dye or grout colorant is unavailable.
Grout is an adhesive used in several projects. It is used as mortar in filling gaps in-between tiles, it also serves as a fine plaster to connect concrete slabs and finish ceilings and walls. Grout can also be used to fill cracks in construction projects.
Beyond its role in building and construction, grout is also used in arts and crafts when making tile mosaics.
Grout powder usually comes in white and beige colors and very few other color options that may not reflect your creativity and personality. Hence you may want to color your grout to truly express your artistry.
There are grout dye and/or grout colorants in several different colors to color your grout. However, when these are not available, you can also use acrylic paint to color your grout for optimal expression.
How to Color Grouts with Acrylic Paint?
This can be achieved in 2 different ways. The first method requires you to apply the acrylic paint directly to the hardened grout. The second method involves mixing the acrylic paint with the grout powder and applying the mixture to the grout spaces.
Method 1: Apply the acrylic paint directly to the hardened grout.
When you choose to go with this first method, you need to understand certain things:
- Hardened grout is porous and has a loose surface. As a result, acrylic paint won’t stick well on hardened grout.
- Acrylic paint is water-based and will gradually wash away from the surface of the hardened grout, especially if the grout is used on areas in frequent contact with water.
To solve these issues and make acrylic paint stay longer on the grout, you must seal the acrylic paint to the surface of the grout after painting.
The seal will bind the acrylic paint to the grout’s surface and also protect the acrylic paint from water. To apply the acrylic paint to the hardened grout, follow these steps:
Clean the surface of the grout to be painted.
Because grout is porous, it tends to absorb stains so frequently. Therefore, you need to clean the surface of the grout properly before painting.
You can use a brush and a mixture of white vinegar and water (50:50) to scrub off dirt on the grout’s surface before wiping the grout clean with a rag.
Apply the acrylic paint.
Pour your desired acrylic paint into a container and thin it with water if necessary. Using a paintbrush, apply the acrylic paint gently to the grout. Be careful not to paint the tiles.
You can add as many layers of paint as you want after each layer dries, this will only bolden the color of the applied acrylic paint.
After applying the paint, leave the grout to dry completely before moving to the next step.
Apply a seal.
Once the acrylic paint is properly dried on the grout, apply a seal to the painting. This is very important as it protects the acrylic paint and prevents it from being washed away upon contact with water.
You can use either the grout sealer or floor wax to seal the acrylic paint. Applying three layers of the seal with a paintbrush should be enough, just ensure that each layer dries completely before applying the next layer.
Clean off stained tiles.
If you notice any paint spills on the tiles, clean it off immediately with a wet foam or towel. Acrylic paint dries fast, it may be difficult to remove it from the tiles once it’s dried.
If water doesn’t remove the paint spill, try paint solvent or a Scotch-Brite pad. Do this carefully to avoid wiping off the paint or seal on the grout.
Method 2: Mix the acrylic paint with grout powder.
Pour the required amount of grout powder into a container. I recommend that you use white grout powder for this method because it’s the best to achieve your desired color. Add the required amount of water as instructed on the grout package and stir the mixture gently until you have the consistency of a thick paste.
Add your desired acrylic paint to the mixture and keep stirring. Add more acrylic paint and stir thoroughly until there’s no more white shade in the mixture. You may need to add a little more acrylic paint, water, or grout powder to the mixture until you achieve the right consistency and color depth.
Once you achieve the right consistency, apply the mixture to the desired areas using a putty knife. Cover up all the grout spaces with the mixture immediately as the mixture tends to dry fast. After applying the mixture, clean up any stains on the tiles immediately.
Leave the mixture for at least 12 hours to dry completely. Once the mixture is dried, apply a grout sealer to seal the mixture.
You can purchase the grout sealer from any hardware store.
Coloring Grout Without Acrylic Paint
There are some easy and effective ways to give the grout the perfect color-
Method 3: Use a grout pen
A grout pen is one of the easiest ways to change the color of your grout without having to remove and replace it. You can use a grout pen to paint over the hardened grout on your floors, walls, or countertops.
To use a grout pen, simply follow the manufacturer’s instructions on the package. Some pens may require you to shake them well before using while others may need to be primed with water before use.
Once you’re ready, trace over the grout lines with the tip of the pen. Be sure to evenly apply pressure as you move along the grout line. You may need to go over the grout line several times to get an even coat of color.
Allow the grout pen to dry completely before moving on to the next step.
Method 4: Use a grout paint marker.
A grout paint marker is another easy way to change the color of your grout without having to remove and replace it. You can use a grout paint marker to paint over the hardened grout on your floors, walls, or countertops.
To use a grout paint marker, simply follow the manufacturer’s instructions on the package. Some markers may require you to shake them well before using while others may need to be primed with water before use.
Once you’re ready, trace over the grout lines with the tip of the marker. Be sure to evenly apply pressure as you move along the grout line. You may need to go over the grout line several times to get an even coat of color.
Allow the grout paint marker to dry completely before moving on to the next step.
Conclusion
Acrylic paint is one of the best materials you can use to change the color of your grout. It’s easy to apply, dries quickly, and is available in a wide range of colors. You can also mix the acrylic paint with grout powder to achieve your desired color.
If you don’t want to use acrylic paint, you can also use a grout pen or grout paint marker to change the color of your grout. These pens and markers are easy to use and come in a wide range of colors.
Choose the method that best suits your needs and budget. Whichever method you choose, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully to achieve the best results.
