Frequently Asked Questions About Grout Pens: Answered
Grout pens are a clever invention designed to breathe new life into tired, discoloured grout in between your tiles. Whether your bathroom or kitchen tiles have lost their lustre or you’re simply keen to update your décor without extensive renovation, grout pens provide a quick, cost-effective solution. With their easy application, these handy tools allow homeowners to refresh their grout lines, giving tiled areas a fresh and clean appearance almost instantly.
Let’s delve into some of the most frequently asked questions about our Rainbow grout pens, down to:
- how they work
- their effectiveness
- how to maintain your results
- and the variety of colours available
What Is a Grout Pen?
A grout pen is a simple yet effective tool designed to restore and refresh the look of the grout between tiles. Typically resembling a marker or a felt-tip pen, grout pens contain a water-based paint formula that is both non-toxic and quick-drying. This paint is specially formulated to adhere to grout, providing a clean, uniform appearance that can dramatically enhance the overall look of your tiled surfaces.
How Do Grout Pens Work?
Using a grout pen is straightforward:
- Shake the Pen: Before use, shake the pen vigorously to ensure the paint is well-mixed.
- Prime the Nib: Press the nib down several times on a piece of scrap paper until the paint starts to flow.
- Apply to Grout: Run the pen along the grout lines, gently squeezing to release the paint. It’s best to apply in a smooth, continuous motion to maintain an even line of paint.
- Allow to Dry: Once applied, the paint dries quickly, but it’s recommended to avoid contact with water for at least 24 hours to ensure the paint sets properly.
Find our detailed application guide from a few years ago here.
Grout Pens 5mm Twin Pack
What Are The Limits When Using Grout Markers
Grout markers are very effective for covering up stains and giving tiled areas a cleaner, more updated look. However, the effectiveness can depend on the condition of the original grout and the quality of the grout pen used. For grout that’s heavily stained, regular touch-ups might be necessary to maintain the fresh appearance.
While they provide a simple, affordable solution for sprucing up tiled areas, they cannot fix textural or structural issues…Meaning, if your grout is badly damaged or crumbling, you will need to look into traditional re-grouting methods.
Can Grout Pens Resist Mould and Mildew?
Grout pens are not only designed to cover up discolouration but also offer some level of protection against mould and mildew, particularly ours which has been formulated with anti-fungal additives.
While they do not eliminate the need for regular cleaning, they can help prevent the growth of mould and mildew on the surface of the grout. It’s important to note, however, that the underlying grout must be clean and free of mould before application to ensure the best results.
Regular maintenance will still be necessary, but a grout pen can serve as an additional protective layer against moisture and fungal growth.
How Long Does The Application Last?
The durability of your application can vary based on several factors including the condition and type of grout, and the level of exposure to water and traffic.
Generally, a well-applied grout pen can last anywhere from six months to a year before requiring a touch-up. In areas with less traffic and moisture, such as backsplashes or accent walls, the application may last even longer.
To extend the life of your grout pen application, it’s advisable to clean the treated areas gently and avoid harsh chemicals that could wear away the paint.
Can You Remove Grout Pen Paint If You Make a Mistake?
The finish is a semi-permanent solution, which means while the application is durable, it is still possible to remove or correct mistakes if necessary. If you make an error during application or simply change your mind about the colour, you can remove the grout pen ink in the following ways:
- Wiping Freshly Applied Paint: If the mistake is noticed immediately, you can often wipe it off with a damp cloth before it dries.
- Using Isopropyl Alcohol: For paint that has dried, applying a small amount of isopropyl alcohol on a cloth and rubbing the area can remove the ink. This method works best if the grout pen ink has not been sealed.
- Re-grouting Over the Paint: In cases where the grout pen has fully cured or been sealed, the most thorough method of removal is to re-grout the area. This involves removing the top layer of grout and then applying new grout over the top.
Always test removal methods on a small, inconspicuous area first to ensure that it does not damage your tiles or the surrounding grout.
What Colours Do They Come In?
While White Grout Pens are the most popular options among those who want to refresh their once bright bathrooms… we have released a range of 11 shades suitable for all areas in your home!
Choose from:
- Brilliant white
- Cream, brown & terracotta
- Multiple light grey shades
- Multiple dark grey and black shades