Grout Pen Basics For Guaranteed Success

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Dirty and dingy grout lines are an unsightly problem. They take from the look of any space and can be downright embarrassing. But with the help of a handy little tool, anyone can make them look like new. A grout pen will give those lines a fresh and clean look without you having to pay a professional or spending much time using it.

While grout pens might look similar to a pen or marker they actually contain a special paint formula that is non-toxic and waterproof. So they can be used in kitchens and bathrooms where there is moisture and water. And as you already probably know these are the places where staining is most likely to occur.

Not A Permanent Solution But An Effective One

Using a tile grout pen is not a permanent solution for stains. They are meant to cover up grout lines that have become unattractive and make them look like new. When your grout eventually starts to get funky looking again it will need to be touched up with your pen once more.

Fortunately, the majority of paint solutions are actually also anti-bacterial and anti-fungal. This means that they will help to keep your grout cleaner for longer and also work to prevent future staining, especially from mold and mildew. Most people don’t realize it, but you can also use a pen to change your grout to a totally different color as well.

You Can Do It!

If you can trace a line you can use a grout pen effectively. There are no skills required in order to use one. The narrow tip of the pen will allow you to apply the paint extremely accurately and with little effort. Even very thin grout lines like those used with mosaic or subway tile can be touched up without a problem. If you do have wide lines, there are pens available that have a wider applicator tip for this purpose.

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Ideal For Renters, Anyone On A Tight Budget, Or DIY Lovers

Since they only cost a few dollars each grout pens are a perfect choice for anyone who wants to spend as little as possible and do the job on their own without having to re-grout or pay a pro. Using one is a quick and easy task but will give you the satisfaction of having completed a DIY project that really makes a difference visually.

They can also be a huge help if you are currently renting because they allow you to improve the look of your rental without having to waste time dealing with the owner or spending money to improve someone else’s property. What color pen you choose will depend on what you are using your pen for such as:

Refreshing

If you are looking to refresh your grout and make it look new you will of course want to choose a pen that is the same color as your existing grout. For most people, this usually means a white grout pen. But there are many other grout pen colors too so if you have colored grout you won’t have a problem. You’ll just want to try and match the original color as well as possible.

Pens range from white all the way to black and can be found in most colors in-between. There are even light and dark shades so if you specifically need a dark grey grout pen instead of a normal grey for instance or one that is cream instead of white, that’s not a problem either.

Changing Colors

If you would like to use your pen to change the color of your grout to something new you will want to go from a lighter to a darker color and not the other way around. This will help to prevent the first color from showing through.

So, for example, you if had brown grout you would want to think about using a black grout pen to change it to black, not anything lighter. Don’t forget that when changing colors you may have to use several applications. (Another option you may want to check out to change the color is grout colorant).

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No Need To Get Confused When Shopping

This is one product that does go by many different names which is something you’re likely to notice quite quickly when shopping for them. It is very common to see them advertised as a: grout stain pen, grout touch-up pen, grout paint pen, or even a grout marker along with a few other names.

These are all the same thing so there’s no reason to be confused. (There is however another type that uses bleach that is explained below). Pens only cost a few dollars each, so it is usually a smart idea to purchase a few at a time. That way you won’t have to worry about running out before the entire job is finished and you’ll always have an extra for the future.

Getting Started And Using Your Pen

Before you begin you’ll want to make sure that you give the area where you will be using it a good cleaning first. If this is on the floor that would mean a good sweeping and mopping, and on the wall a spray down with the appropriate tile cleaner. You should read and follow the directions that come with your specific pen, but in general, most pens are used in the same way.

All you’ll need to do is give them a shake to get started. Then remove the cap and push the tip down which will cover the tip of the pen with paint. Simply trace over your grout lines with the tip and you’re done! If you happen to go outside the lines just wipe the excess off with a damp sponge or rag. You could also place painter’s tape down before you use your pen but you don’t need to.  

A Bleach Pen: The Other Option

There is another pen option that is used specifically for white grout. A grout bleach pen is just as inexpensive and easy to use as the standard variety. But instead of covering up your grout with paint, it uses a special bleach solution to clean your stains, attack dirt, and at the same time disinfect your grout.

When using a grout bleach pen you will want to take the same steps to clean the area and apply it as mentioned above. However, you will need to rinse the grout lines with water when you are done. If you do have white grout which type of pen you pick will really just come down to your personal preference.

There you have it, you’re now ready to make even the grimiest grout lines look like new. Whether you decide to go with a bleach or grout pen, you’ll be able to complete the job on your own fast, easy, and for only a few bucks!