Refresh 4 inch tile shower?

2 years ago

I thought a couple of tiles on the shower floor were cracked, but after checking more carefully and feeling with my fingers, it feels smooth. So, it appears the color is just scratched off leaving black streaks. I tried scrubbing with Bon Ami, but i think it’s permanent. Can those tiles be cosmetically fixed with paint or do they need replacement?

I heard that replacing shower floor tiles is risky because it can break the water-fastness of the floor.

I am planning to try to get the shower looking like new again by getting those tiles repaired, regrouting and recaulking the floor plus replacing the bottom and side seals for the frameless shower doors.

Wondering about getting the shower completely retiled with nicer, more modern tiles, but not sure it’s worth it vs just renewing what’s already there since messing with the shower floor is apparently very risky and expensive.

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Comments (4)

jaxo
Original Author
last year
Turns out the scratches could be removed with more scrubbing and I got the grout 80% cleaner looking with Zep and a grout brush. However, there is some permanent wear and discoloration that will never come out. So, the shower floor grout still needs to be replaced if I want it to look new again.

I was considering getting expoxy grout for the shower floor, but one contractor says he doesn’t recommend it for white grout, because it will eventually turn yellow and not be repairable.

Is there a better material for white shower floor grout or is there another color of expoxy that will work better with the shower base without clashing with the grout color on the walls?
cat_ky
last year
If the grout is still in place and holding, I would leave it and use a grout colorent on it. If you want to regrout, you need to remove all the old grout. You cannot grout over the top of the old.
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jaxo
Original Author
last year
I understand the grout needs to be removed. i will be hiring someone to do it that specializes in that work.

However, if I’m going to the trouble and expense of regrouting, I think epoxy grout would be best so it will last the life of the tile and never need to be redone again.
J Sk
last year
last modified: last year
If you have white grout pls try Oxi Clean Scrub with bleach. I apply on my white grout generously and just leave 30 min or more. Later with wet soft sponge I wipe/ Clean until oxi clean is removed. Works always for me. I don't Scrub. Just check first if that is not going to discolor your tiles. Mine are white. It also works for me if the white caulking in shower is effected by mildew.