In the process of updating my daughters’ bathroom, I tore out an old vanity to replace it with an open shelf, so that meant I needed to fill in a small section of tile. Fortunately, the former owners had used a basic box box product, so I was able easily find the match. However, that meant I also needed to match the grout which can be harder to do going in blind. I also felt the existing grout was too dark. In the past, I have successfully used this fabulous “TEC grout colorant” to essentially paint over aged grout to restore it in the same color or paint it an entirely new color. I’m telling you, $20 and two hours and you got yourself a whole new tile floor! So, my plan in their bathroom was to get a lighter gray grout to do the new section and then the coordinating TEC Colorant to “paint” the rest of it.

I wanted to take the lazy girl option, so I asked the worker at Menard’s where their pre-mixed grout was located. Pre-mixed is considerably more expensive than powder in a bag that you have to mix yourself, but I recommend it if you 1) don’t need very much and 2) have never laid tile before. It helps you understand the proper texture of the grout so when you do go to mix it yourself, you know it should be about as thick as play dough. Anyway, so the worker says, “well, ma’am, this is what we have.” Disappointly, I said, “Hmmm, nothing else, huh?” And he replies, “Well, we do have some glitter grout, but doubt you’d want that.” Glitter!?!?!? Common’ this is going in two little girls’ bathroom and glitter happens to be at least one of two of them’s their favorite color. I said, “Oh, I’d definitely like to see that.” He looks at me a little shocked and shows me over to the samples. Yes! This was what I wanted but I still had the dilemma the 75% of the bathroom was already tiled and I really didn’t want to Dremel out all the grout and start over. So, on I went on a mission to figure out how to make my grout glisten without replacing it. Read on for the deets!

Investment

$20 (grout colorant, glitter, mod podge)

2 Hours for small bathroom (1 hour to paint grout, 1 hour to paint sealer)

Supplies*

• Grout Colorant (Your choice - either match current or change altogether. This will not hide cracks, it just changes the color. Several different brands out there. You do not need much - get the small botttle!)

• Aqua Mix Grout Colorant Pre-Treat Cleaner or equivalent (optional, but recommended)

• Extra Fine Glitter (Color of Choice. I did gray grout colorant with silver glitter)

• Mod Podge Gloss Sealer or Dishwasher Safe Sealer

• Small Paintbrush (¼” or less depending on width of grout lines)

• Microfiber cloth and bucket of warm water.

Steps

1. Clean grout really well. Best practice is to use a grout pre-cleaner because there is a bit of acid in it to help open up the pores of the grout so it will adhere better. This will definitely affect the durability. If you need to skip this product for budget, I’d use white vinegar and a tile brush to scrub the heck out of it! General rule of thumb - nothing “new” will stick to something that is old and dirty!

2. Work in small sections - 12”-24” inches at a time. Start in the furthest corner/wall from the door and work your way out towards the door like you were vacuuming a room. :) Wear socks and a pair of pants over shorts. When you are almost door and approaching the door strip down! Pants and socks off - and carefully take immediately to the washer! Here’s the deal - if you don’t take this advice your glitter is going to be everywhere in your house for a year. Think Christmas year round. lol.

3. Pour a few tablespoons of colorant into a small disposable plastic cup. Start painting your grout. This is tedious, but taking your time to do it neatly and only paint the grout and not the tile dramatically affects your end result. If you do get a bit on the tile, use your damp towel to wipe it off before you apply the glitter (do not wipe after applying glitter until dry).

4. When still wet, generously apply glitter. The colorant dries fairly quickly, so this is why you need to work in small sections. You could go for a more subtle look and just barely sprinkle it to give the grout some interesting sparkle without going full glam. Your call depending on your location. I went all out for the girls’ bathroom, but I think I will do “just a touch” in my power bath remodel for some interest, but not full blown Vegas style.

5. Lock door, put yellow caution tape all over it and tie up your children for three hours. Okay, I’m kidding, but only kind of! Keep that *hit in the bathroom!!!

6. Now that the grout is dry, put on new socks, grab a broom and the Dustbuster and sweep up all the glitter. No water on it for 12 hours.

7. Get your paint brush back out and apply mod podge sealer, again, only to the grout lines over the glitter and be sure to fully cover. This is what is going to hold the glitter on the grout forever or as long as you love glitter grout! If you get any sealer on the tile, be careful when you wipe it up that you get it all off of you’ll see shinier spots on your tile when it all dries.

8. Lock door, put yellow caution tape all over it and tie up your children.

9. Let dry 3 hours and then get a bucket of water and rag and wipe the floor to get remnants of glitter. Do not scrub or steam mop floor for a week to let cure.

10. Stand back, admire and enjoy! Consider adding other sparkly accessories such as crystal vanity knobs or shower curtain glides. You can also mod podge your light switch plates!

    Note: If you are going to change the color of your grout, you may need to do two coats. I would do a test area and see what you think. If you decide to, do the first coat with no glitter and then apply the glitter on your second coat.

Enjoy the Project!

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