Grouting Bowling Balls

16 years ago

I'm new to BB's (finished my first penny one on the weekend)....tee hee.

I think I've read enough in the historical posts to know that I should used "sanded grout" my question is and I think I read this in an old post but cannot seem to locate it again....can I change the colour of just plain old white or grey grout by adding folk art craft paint to it without affecting the grouts durability? And if so should I seal the grout with sealer...My plan is to put my second ball that I am doing with glass half marbles outside and I want to grout it (just my preference). I'd prefer to not have to buy several different colours of grout if I can make my own colours with 100's of colours of craft paint that I already have

Thanks for any advice.

Tracy

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Comments (5)

grandmathyme
16 years ago
I have used craft paint to color grout and it's worked just fine outside here in rainy Washington State. I DO seal it before putting it out, however.

I have a bird bath I made out of a large terra cotta saucer, added marbles and colored the grout green to match the base, using acrylic craft paint, and it has made it through 2 summers and 2 winters outside now with water in it all the time. No problems so far. Have fun!
Dottie B.
16 years ago
Yes, you can add paint or even concrete stains to add color to grout. The key is to make enough grout in the first place, because if you run out, it will be nearly impossible to make more to match. To get around this, I buy pre-colored grout in the most popular colors that I tend to use most often, like black, grey, or terra cotta.

I've also painted the grout afterwards. Depending on the color you choose, it may take two coats. Just wipe off the excess that may get on your glass globs or tile as you go along. Use an acrylic water based paint. I like Patio Paints because they are especially made for the outdoors, but regular craft paints work well too.

I always seal my grout afterwards, no matter if I paint it or not. Prevents algae and stains from forming.
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sensibullmastiffs
Original Author
16 years ago
Thank you for the responses....off to Home Depot after work to buy grout and sealer...woohoo...oh and also to walmart to see if I can find some more glass gems and river rocks, One gem ball ready to be grouted and two more sitting waiting for me.....who woulda thought bb's could be so fun.

Thanks again
grandmathyme
16 years ago
>>.....who woulda thought bb's could be so fun.

Yes, they really can be fun to do! I had such a good time playing with bowling balls and making projects a couple years ago. THEN, I got the idea to decoupage some...looked cute enough, but didn't hold up in our wet weather (even with exterior decoupage medium). I was quite disappointed after all the work and then had to pay to get rid of them!

I have a terrible urge to make a bowling ball lady bug and bumble bee! Maybe one day!
cait1
16 years ago
I've never used 'sanded' grout, so I don't think it's a big deal if you don't use it. I've had stuff outside for years and nothing's happened to it. Sealing is the key. Must seal.

I've only ever used the colored powder so have no experience with acrylic paint. But, and I don't mean to disagree with you, Adina, you can make the same color again if you measure the ratio of white grout to colored powder. I made blue grout for the backsplash in my kitchen and hadn't made enough, but because I knew the measurements of each I was able to make more of the same color.