I purchased a home a few years ago, and after we moved in discovered the former owner had painted the grout so it would appear white. I have scrubbed the kitchen tile so many times, the paint is now slowly "disappearing" and badly discolored grout remains. I can't seem to get it clean no matter what cleaning product I use. I have decided regrouting must be the only recourse I have to achieve an acceptable appearance ... but I don't know how to do it. What do I need to do? Do I need to get "some special" tool to remove the existing discolored grout, and then completely regrout the entire kitchen countertops? Is there a "magic" product to clean up this yucko looking tile that I have missed? HELP!!!

Jacque,

i use a dremel type of tool and a grout bit. <mine is actually the craftsman version.> it is time consuming and you need to be carefull NOT to get too close to the edges of the tile. the bits come in 2 sizes depending on the width of the line. <both super stores carry them.> also a grout saw helps along with the bits.
you will go through bits, so buy several! you can always take em back...or easily get frustrated if one goes in the middle of the job!

it sounds like the grout is old and crumbly, so it should'nt be too bad. a 5-1 painters tool also helps to scrape and break it up.

you might want to practice/start in an area hat might be "hidden" like under the microwave.

best of luck!

Just looked at a product a few hours ago to change the grout color. It was Colorfast Colorant w/teflon. It is supposed to seal and protect when applied. I was looking to lighten some tile on a kitchen counter top and kitchen floor that was dirty and a too dark color for my daughter's home. I'm hoping that using this product will work for a few years until the kitchen is redone. It will be a lot easier and cheaper to try this before regrouting. Let me know if it works.

Grout colorants are fine and work well. Just be sure that there is no existing sealer on the grout or the new colorant wont adhere. Most tile stores carry the colrants or you can get them online at tile supply stores. One would be http://www.groutdye.com