Is it possible to skin over grout in floor tile?

I would like to apply a thin skin of grout over existing grout lines in my floor tile. Is this doable?

Is it possible to skin over grout in floor tile?
Why?





If your grout is dirty, clean it and reseal.


If it is cracked, take a Dremel and grind it out, replace and seal.
Reply:Good question, so would I.
Reply:nothings impossible, but some things wouldnt turn out the best.
Reply:The best way to redo tile grout is to grind the old grout and apply new stuff. If you just try to "skin over" old grout, the new skin probably won't stick to it for very long because the grout is hardened and, just like cement, or concrete, if the grouts "pores" are hardened then the new grout can only penetrate the closest and available ones. Grout is so dense that it is unlikely that you would get new to stick to old without grinding out a good portion of the old before you try to "reskin" it. Also, after the grinding process, make sure that you saturate the old grout, with water, to make it more acceptable to the new grout.
Reply:They have color stains for the grout now. Try that.
Reply:Very easily done and very effective seal against dirt and discoloration.





Take ordinary portland cement plus a hardener and some ordinary latex paint as a colorant Mix about 3 cups of portland cement to 3/4 cup hardener and 1/3 cup of latex paint. Add water as needed.





Mist the tile first, wetting it good then take the mix above and go down the grooves with a leather glove finger and it will make them look like new and last indefenitely .





This method is used in commercial building and seals the tile. No more silicone junk needed once you seal up the grout this way.
Reply:The Tile Council of North America recommends you remove at least 1/2 the depth of the existing grout. Dremel tool works best, though tile dealers do sell a hand-tool.





I'd recommend removing 2/3 of the existing grout, to be safe.





If you want to avoid doing this again in the future, use either an epoxy grout (available at Lowes under the name SpectraLock), or seal your floor when you are done.