Removing grout

[con1_uk]

Hello,

It wasnt long ago that we had our bathroom completly redone (6 years). Everything is ok apart from the sealant and the grout around the shower/bath I have tried the stuff that re whitens but it dont last long.

What I want to do is remove the old mouldy grout and refill it with some shiney new grout.

What is the best way to remove the old stuff and how deep should I go?

Is there some good mould resistant grout that will last because with 2 kids the shower area does get wet.

Thanks.

 

[gcol]

Removing grout
If it's a small area, scrape it out with one of these http://www.screwfix.com/app/sfd/cat/pro.jsp?id=17903&ts=20716
Go 2-3mm deep if possible.
If you want to do all the grout, I recommend you hire one of these http://www.hss.com/g/7446/Tile-Grout-Remover-Trim-Saw.html

Removing silicone
Carefully use a sharp chisel and slide it along the bath surface, then the tile surface at a shallow angle and the silicone or grout should come off easy.

Applying silicone
Here's a fool-proof method that gives a perfect finish.
Clean and dry the area - use meths. Mask off a nice straight line (top and bottom of the joint) using either masking tape or electrical tape (electrical tape sticks to tile better than masking tape).
Fill the bath with cold water.
Apply a bead of sealant to the joint then run along the bead with your finger in one continuous movement. You now have the perfect amount of silicone for the seal.
Remove the tape as soon as you've done this. When removing the tape, you'll have pulled the edge of the seal a little, so you need to go over the whole seal again with a wet finger.
You should now have a perfect seal around your bath.
Drain the water from the bath after around 4 hours when the sealant has gone off.

Most boys on here recommend Dow Corning 785 http://www.geocel.co.uk/product.aspx?id=2&pr=dc7s

 

[con1_uk]

Thanks for your reply.

I have ordered a tool from Ebay. The silicon link you sent is there a similar product for grout please?

Thanks.

 

[gcol]

http://www.trades-direct.co.uk/modules/shop/view.asp?Prodcode=bal-microcolour
Or you can get it from Topps Tiles but it's a bit more expensive there.

 

[Diyisfun]

The best tol for sealant is your finger WET

 

[gcol]

I think the tool the poster has ordered is for removing grout.