Update Kitchen Tile

Dremel tools are perfect for making updates to your tile
  • Difficulty
    Medium

Years of wear can make your tile and grout look weathered and worn. You may even have a broken tile you'd like to remove.... Dremel tools are perfect for making updates to your tile. In this project we removed grout to replace a broken tile. You can use the same grout removal technique if you would like to simply re-grout worn or moldy tile.

You need
Step15

Remove Grout

Removing wall or floor grout with the Dremel Rotary tool

When removing wall or floor grout with your Dremel Rotary tool, the Attachment #568 makes the job easy! The attachment keeps the bit at the perfect cutting angle and guides the bit between tiles so you don't damage them. - First, you'll want to prep your tool for the job. Start by removing the nosecap of your tool completely. Next, insert the Rotary Accessory #569 and tighten with your EZ Twist Nosecap wrench or the wrench included in your tool kit. Finally, screw on the grout removal attachment firmly. You will notice that the attachment has a depth guide, allowing you to set the depth of the bit in 1/8" increments. To begin your project, loosen the thumbscrew next to the depth guide and set it to 1/8" (the most shallow) depth.

Step25

Remove Grout

Aim to remove grout to the same depth as done with the grout removal attachment

- Plug in your tool and set it to 15,000 to 20,000 RPMs. That is switch setting 15 or 20 on your 4000 tool. If you are not using a 4000 tool, refer to the owners manual for your model on Dremel.com to determine the switch setting that achieves 15,000 to 20,000 RPMs. - Using a pulling motion, work the bit through the grout, letting the attachment guide you through the tiles without nicking them. - Make several passes through the grout if necessary. On your first pass, set the depth of the guide on the shallow side, to 1/8". Don't set the depth of your guide too deep on your first pass, as this may damage your bit. On your second or third pass, set the depth of your guide even deeper. - When working in a corner, unplug your tool, remove the attachment and replace it with your nosecap. Aim to remove grout to the same depth as you had done with the grout removal attachment, making several passes if necessary.

Step35

Remove Tile

Removing the grout around the tile 

If you are removing grout to replace damaged or worn tile you will need to pry the old tile off. - Here we used a chisel and added some force by lightly tapping it with a hammer. - Having removed the grout around the tile will make this process easier, but do remember to continue wearing eye protection to avoid any debris getting into your eyes.

Step45

Prep Surface for New Tile

Grind and shape the adhesives to create a smooth, even surface using the Multi-max

Once you have removed the grout around your tile, it is time to get out your Dremel Multi-Max tool. Smoothing down the surface that you will be setting your new tile in will help make sure your tiles are set on an even surface. - Attach a Carbide Rasp #920, plug in your Multi-Max and set it to full speed. Working in slow, even strokes, grind and shape the adhesives to create a smooth, even surface. The shape of the accessory will allow you to fit into corners to make sure the entire area is smooth.

Step55

Re-grout and Wipe Off with Sponge

Re-grout and Wipe Off with Sponge

adhesive to the area you smoothed down. - Set the new tile in its place, keeping an even space between the new tile and surrounding tiles. Allow to set overnight. - Once the tile is set, re-grout with similar tile grout as was used around your other tiles for a uniform look. Using a grout float, force grout into the seams which need to be filled. Allow to dry then wipe off excess grout from surrounding tiles with a clean, damp sponge.