Saturday, July 4, 2009

Notebook on Projects

We purchased our home about eight years ago and the moment I saw this cobalt blue tile counter I felt like crying. It was beautiful. I wanted to cook and bake here.

It's my favorite color. It makes me feel alive. I never, ever tire of this color or this tile.



The only problem is the obvious one.

In the beginning I would scrub and scrub this grout -never able to get it clean. Until one day, I realized that the former owners actually painted over the original brownish colored grout with one of those white paint sticks and that's what began to peel off. Looks gross, doesn't it?

Wanting to attack the grout, I went to Home Depot and under the advice of one of their experts, bought a hand grout grinder cleaner. I worked hard and got as far as this center island. Then I went back, thinking there must be another option and . . .



sure enough. . . .


. . . and so, while I wait for our bathroom faucets and lighting to come in to complete our bathroom redo, I thought I'd randomly start another project today.

So, here I go. Can't wait to share the finished project with you!


Posted by at 10:21 AM
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7 comments:

  1. Saw your question on twitter: DARK. You do NOT want to be scrubbing those grout lines all the time. Also, go for 1/16th spacers, nothing bigger. I did tile on a counter top once: If I could have, I would have eliminated all grout and just butted them up against each other, but the experts warned me off that saying they would buckle. I did slate tiles, black grout, 1/16th lines. It was gorgeous.
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  2. Oh...Babette...do you have a picture...and thanks for sharing. This is quite the project. What do you mean 1/16th spacers?
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  3. Hi dear. On the spacing suggestion in the above comment, that is a great idea but since you are not redoing the tile you cannot space them any closer together! I always have my tile put really close together so the grout is tiny. But when you are working with existing tile you cannot change that.

    So, with that said, as far as what color to use, I can't see the rest of your kitchen so it is hard to say what would be best. Even though white grout can get dirty, you can seal it and keep it clean with a bleach solution. Sealing the grout makes a huge difference.

    Blue tile with white grout could be very European and pretty I think! But if blue and white is not your color scheme, you could use a darker grout to mimimize the checkerboard effect.

    It just depends on what look you are after...I think a blue and white kitchen would be fun.

    Have fun with your project!
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  4. I agree with Melissa. The blue and white scheme is VERY French Country and beautiful. You can add yellow or red without ANY problems.

    The white grout can be a problem but not if you use the grout I mentioned before (Spectralock). It is pre sealed and has anti-bacterial agents built in. I used it on my back splash and on the seam between the counter and splash. No issues after 16 mos- even behind the sink which gets a TON of water/dirt/gunk on it. My grout is a light cream so if it had issues with mold or staining I would have seen it by now.

    The tiles are beautiful and my mind is rushing with decoration ideas. How fun for you!
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  5. Melissa - Blue and white is my theme. Dark walnut floor and bright white cabinetry. Andrea - it's a French country theme :-) ...So, Spectralock is the grout you recommend? Oh...I always love to hear ideas!

    I'm still grinding away...love my little dremel!

    Thanks ladies for your wonderful suggestions. Lylah
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  6. Spectralock is all I use. It costs more but is SO worth it. I have had no issues with mine.

    Make sure you are wearing a mask while grinding. The dust can be very harmful.
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  7. These are such a lovely color. I can see why you love them so much. I hope your project turns out well.
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Thanks for visiting my French home and garden. I'm always delighted when my friends leave a comment. xoxo Lylah

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