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DavidFallows · Oct 28, 2007, 08:45 AM

I tiled a backsplash in a kitchen and then I had to leave for a period before I could grout it , so the homeowners dad came over and thought he would help and grouted the tile for me. He really messed it up and left way too much grout on it, my 1/8 inch grout lines are about 3/8 to 1/2 and there is major grout left on the tiles themselves in the indentations of the tile. I tried a grout haze remover from home depot to get rid of the extra grout on the tiles but its not working. I tried scrubbing with scour pads and they are not working either. Its now been three weeks to a month since th egrout was laid since I got busy and couldn't go inspect the work I'm thinking it is to late to do anything now. Only thing I could think of is wire brush but I'm sure that will scratch the tile.

David

PoliticallyCorrect · Oct 28, 2007, 09:37 AM

Acid or a paint scraper would be the two ways to remove unwanted tile grout.

The scraper is best for smooth tiles but will help clear up the mess between the tiles in any case.

Acid will burn if it gets on your skin, take care with it.

DavidFallows · Oct 28, 2007, 01:30 PM

Thanks for the tip what kind of acid??

PoliticallyCorrect · Oct 28, 2007, 01:34 PM

Ha! I knew you would ask that. I use the acid I have around for balancing the pool water but any strong acid should do; Muriatic, Hydrochloric. . The grout is lime based so you will get some hissing.

DavidFallows · Oct 31, 2007, 08:25 PM

Any tips on aplying it to the wall, wet rag, sponge, or spray bottle.. thinking not to spray cause don't need to be misting acid into the air.

KISS · Oct 31, 2007, 10:44 PM

Before you consider working with it, read a Material Safety Data Sheet like this one:

http://www.hasapool.com/msds/110.pdf

As for applying, a paint brush. Small areas at a time with lots of ventilation, eye protection and gloves. You have to keep the stuff away from metal.

It is available at a hardware store.

KISS · Oct 31, 2007, 11:07 PM

Another possibility is a Dremel tool and the grout removal attachment which I do own. Home Depot has the tool. An example bit is here: http://www.dremel.com/en-us/attachme...=66357&I=66362

You would need the rotary tool and attachment.

Here is the attachment:

http://www.dremel.com/en-us/attachme...=69679&I=69794

You might have to bite the bullet and remove the tiles and start over. Here is an demonstration of an expensive tool, the Fein Multimaster.

C. & E. FEIN GmbH - Der FEIN MULTIMASTER

Look at Video 4. This tool oscillates rather than rotates.

Fein is known for its oscillating technology (11,000 and 20,000 oscillations per minute) that is the key to the MultiMaster’s versatility for work that is either fine and delicate or more aggressive, depending upon the accessory and material being used.