Highly doubtful. Can you show us a pic of the installation? It might be able to be scored out and regrouted. Other than that, your best bet would be a grout colorant. But lets see what it looks like, first.

Thanks here are a couple pics

Yes, the color can be changed. He's referring to grout colorant which will change he grout color; it's basically painted on. Most grout lines have one.

So talked to contractor. Tile is not sealed. said re-grouting could lead to chipped tiles. He seemed to be leaning to another layer over it? I was one who suggested the coloring. Is the colorant definitely the best option? Does it last?

Ed: OT, but would you please share what color & brand grout was used? Hope you get the end result you're looking for. TIA.

It’s bright white- will have to follow up on brand

It looks like a nice job. I wouldn't mess with it.

Anytime color is involved: paint / tile / grout / flooring / countertops - you should verify at the time of installation.

OP - "he used white instead of gray".

For our benefit, was he instructed to use gray as part of contract or later in writing?

DO NOT grout over that. He should be able to very easily score that grout out with a utility knife. If he tries to tell you he'll chip tiles then tell him if that's the case you'll find someone who CAN do it without chipping the tiles and take the cost off his bill. I'll bet he changes his mind real quick. That grout should still be pretty soft. It hasn't had time to cure yet.

Colorant IS another acceptable option, and yes it lasts.

I put the color in several emails. He said the white color was on the order at the tile store which if true is partly tile floor fault. But he was responsible for placing the order

Is there huge difference in quality between regrout and coloring? Is it a lot more work to regrout? I guess I’m wondering how much to pressure him to regrout and if its worth making it a big issue.

Colorant is not the best way to change the color of the grout, he needs to regrout. That means he needs to scrape off all the grout and apply the new grout. Do not let him grout on top. The excuses he gave is just because he doesn't want to spend all this time scrapping the grout out.

If it is actually his mistake and from the beginning you told him grey then he should understand that he needs to fix his mistake and take his time and be careful not to damage the tiles.

In my opinion I like white grout with white subway tile but need to see the whole bathroom to give you best opinion

Looks good with the white.

Thanks I’d like to think i‘d be open to keeping the white but other side of bathroom has grey walls and gray vanity and it would just be gray on one side and white on the other And I think would look odd.

Also I really don’t want to have to worry about keeping it clean

Having experience with 2 baths that had colorant done, one in the same situation as you are now, I can say that in dry areas it will hold up pretty well, but in a shower it will not. Not even the epoxy-based colorant. I had to re-do ours within a few years from when it was first done on a new grout installation.

That said, I much prefer the white in your photos to a grey grout and would consider this a lucky break.

I see absolutely nothing to be gained by highlighting the grout. What you have now is a classic white tile wall. Outlining every tile in gray adds nothing, and it will highlight every flaw in the installation (varying grout widths, slivers of tile, etc.). Your closeup looks like they did a good job installing the tile; I'd leave it as is, it's classic.

Thanks for reply and the info. I really don’t like the white and I understand everyone has their personal taste. In my opinion the subway tiles need to be accentuated otherwise my bother with them at all.

Thanks, i know i'm one has to live with it. I really prefer the gray but it's possible it's not worth it to fix it at this point. Really torn what to do here. Appreciate all the replies.

And brand of is Laticrete for person who asked

Ed - What do you mean "not worth it to fix"? You said gray, they did white. You want gray, insist on gray. Otherwise why did you even create this msg thread?

Well yeah fair question. I guess I was hoping the solution would be easier. Seems like the right way to do it is to re-grout but contractor I know wont be happy. I understand I can say just do it but the quality could suffer and might be better not to get into a big fight about it.

The white looks gorgeous.

If you turn the grout darker it will accent the lines & be busy.

Imho, the white grout accident is a blessing. It makes the room look bigger & brighter.

of course, whatever the client wants.

Guess looks ok. Honestly my biggest concern is keeping it clean which most people says is a nightmare.I’m a low maintenance guy and the white not a good match for me

I like low maintenance,too. I have white grout for years, no problems keeping it clean.

i do suggest white chaulk for sealant in other parts of bathroom. I had clear. It's horrible, because over time it turns dark under & can't clean under. Had to remove & white chalk.

Ed, you can keep the white grout clean by applying a grout sealer. You apply white silicone only on corner of shower and where it meets the floor and ceiling.

Again appreciate comments. I read a bunch online and a lot of people commented they really regret the white because impossible to keep clean. not many said they regretted the gray. I dunno just trying to sort through al the info. have to decide soon.

Check to see which Laticrete. It may already be sealed (there is one from this company that you do not need to add any topical sealer to). Don’t worry about cleaning it - grout has come a long way. Post more pics of bathroom for better weigh in on grey vs white.

We had to use a grout stain once and it actually worked very well and last time I checked, homeowner said it was holding up well. That was probably 6-8 years ago and this is a home where only one person lives - so not as much use as some showers get. It paints on with a tiny brush. It is also a sealer so no additional sealing needed upfront. (As with any sealer it does not last forever.) It is a pain to do just because of the volume of grout lines, but takes no great skill and does not make a mess. No chance of someone letting a Dremel or Fein saw get away from them and ruining a tile.

I don't like white on white. I like tile definition. If you read up on white subway tile, the VAST majority of people go for light gray. But, there is a camp who like white, and that's totally fine, just a personal choice to make our homes our own.

i'm curious about the comment that 'grout has come a long way'. Is grout less susceptible to getting dirty than it was a few years ago? i'm getting ok with how the white looks but the thought of the grout getting dirty or just dis-coloring over time bothers me more.

We had a powder room (generous term) converted to a full bath around twelve years ago. I used white grout on the floors. That grout discolors with foot traffic. We recently had our kitchen backsplash installed and our tiler used an epoxy grout I believe. The stuff seems bulletproof.

But if anyone gets into a pickle with discolored grout, try Krud Kutter and a scrub brush. Spray and let it sit for a little then scrub and wipe off.

Ok this is turning into the argument similar about avoiding white kitchen cabinets because they show dirt.....your grey grout is getting just as dirty as your white grout. Both need to be cleaned. Grout has come a long way in that like the Laticrete brand I mentioned it has the sealer built in to the product so it is very easy to clean and does not wear off or need to be reapplied.

A lot of cleaners have bleach in them. They can be used with white grout. A big reason I prefer white over colored grout.

With grey grout you have to be careful to avoid certain cleaners, especially bleach, because bleach can discolor colored grout.

No way. You should NOT use bleach on grout for ANY reason. It'll degrade the grout over time.

My tub and shower tile were installed 17 years ago, and there's no problem with cleaning or keeping the grout white. I spray it with an after-shower cleaner when I remember to, and that is basically it. Wipe with a sponge once in a blue moon, and everything is spotless.

Well since so many people replied to this thought i'd provide an update for those who might care. Contractor stepped up and agreed it was his fault and dug out white and replaced the gray. I like it a lot better. It does show the imperfections that you don't see with the white but i prefer the tile definition and think it goes better with the gray walls.

I’m glad he corrected his mistake and that you are pleased. Update is much appreciated.

Looks very nice. I am glad he stepped up to the plate and changed it to what you wanted. Thank you for the update. May the rest of your remodel go with out problems and stress.

My contractor used black grout where white was specified. Just found out. Wonder if it would be as easy to change as the white to gray?

Yes absolutely, one could even modify the look of it also. For example, if your grouting is lighter color but you'd prefer it to be a darker color, you can ask for it from your contractor. There are two sure options you can change the color of your grout. You can either remove the old and replace it with new, or you can choose to dye your existing grout.

Looks good!

My contractor just used white instead of light grey as requested. i just saw it today. I may just live with it to avoid such an undertaking of removing the grout. Its frustrating because we had the conversation multiple times.