A small glazed bathroom
The joints are sound, clean, and still meant to be white, and you want a written method. The UniBond three-pack at about £12.60 is 4.1 from 20,843 reviews. Press hard and the nib shreds. It is a touch-up, not a new grout job.
Grout pen comparison 2026
The best grout pens, compared.
Top pick: UniBond grout reviver pen, white, pack of 3 – Largest review sample in the set, 4.1 from 20,843, plus a published method, at about £12.60 for a small glazed bathroom. Best value: QHSXMQ white grout pen, 8 with spare nibs – Best value white pack: eight pens and eight spare nibs at about £5.99, rated 4.1 from 46 reviews. Updated October 2026.
A grout pen is a water-based marker that coats an existing tile joint so stained or yellowed grout looks fresher. Most UK buyers are homeowners or renters refreshing a bathroom, a kitchen splashback, or a small floor, not people rebuilding a failed shower. You can tell a usable pen from a poor one by whether the nib draws a controlled line, whether the colour matches the joint, and whether the coating survives ordinary cleaning after the joint was clean and dry. The same faults show up across the set: no flow, leaks, soft nibs, and pens that arrive dried out. A pen does not replace regrouting, and it does not stop mould that is fed by a leak. Colour, nib, and where the pen will live are set out in the [grout pen buying guide](/hub/flooring-tools-and-accessories/grout-pen/sub/grout-pen-buying-guide). It is a cosmetic pass for sound, clean, dry grout that has yellowed or stained. It is not new grout in a bag, and it is not a brush-on colourant for a whole floor. Crumbling joints, loose tiles, or a leak behind the wall need a tiler. Black growth in silicone at a bath or tray is a different repair.
A grout pen is a water-based marker that coats an existing tile joint so stained or yellowed grout looks fresher.
42 products checked · 56 hrs invested · +16,800 readers
12 of 12: Best grout pens compared
Swipe for more
1-2 of 12Best overall
Best value
8.7/10
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8.1/10
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2.5/10
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∼ £13
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4.1(20,843)
4.1(46)
4.1(31)
3.8(1,747)
3.8(12)
3.8(11)
3.7(43)
3.6(367)
3.4(13)
1.0(1)
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Personal buying guide
Which grout pen fits?
Question 1 of 2
Where will you use it?
The best grout pens in detail
Our view
The UniBond three-pack is three 7 ml white pens from Henkel, listed at £12.60 with 4.1 from 20,843 amazon.co.uk reviews. Buyers who washed the joints first often describe a clear refresh on old bathroom grout, and one review says a single pen covered the tiles around a bath. A light hand is the difference between a line and a mess: press hard and the felt nib shreds, or the liquid pours and drips. The fill is small, so a modest room can still finish the spare pens. One buyer found all three dried out on arrival, and another who used four pens called the result short-lived. A floor review that mentions dogs expects the lines to need doing at least twice a year. One shower comment called the result fairly good, which is one household rather than a tray test. In this set it is the top pick for a small glazed bathroom because the review sample is large and UniBond publishes a method.
Pros
- 4.1 from 20,843 amazon.co.uk reviews
- Published shake, wipe, and second-coat method
- Mould-resistant claim on the 7 ml pens
- One pen covered a bath surround for one buyer
Cons
- Nib shreds or the pen drips if you press hard
- Little fluid, so a small room can use the spares
- Dried-out pens and short-lived results appear in reviews
- Floor lines with dogs were expected to need redoing
Best for: A small glazed bathroom where you want the white pen with the largest review count and a written method.
Less suitable: A whole floor, a shower tray, grey or black joints, or grout that is already crumbling.
Specifications
- Model
- UniBond grout reviver pen, white, pack of 3
- Brand
- UniBond
- Price
- ∼£13
- Customer rating
- 4.1/5(20,843)
- Colour
- White
- Pens in pack
- 3
- Waterproof
- Waterproof
- Mould claim
- Yes
- Shower use
- Reviews
Common questions
Does this UniBond pack say it is waterproof?
The amazon.co.uk listing marks water resistance as waterproof. The listing does not give a dry time.
Is a mould-resistant claim on the listing?
Yes. The included-component name is UniBond Anti-Mould Grout pen 7ml, and a bullet says the pen is mould resistant.
Are replacement nibs listed?
No spare-nib count is in the product data for this ASIN.
Our view
QHSXMQ’s pack is eight white pens and eight replacement nibs at £5.99, rated 4.1 from 46 amazon.co.uk reviews. One buyer said a single pen covered about 8 metres on 4 inch tiles, and short reviews mention toilet grout looking new. The listing does not mark the pens as waterproof, so a shower is not a stated use. Reviewers also say the tip is very hard and the liquid comes out too fast, and that felt tips fur up. The whitener can come off when you wipe excess, and one person saw it wash off in places after about a week. Another used four nibs on about 20 tiles, and some buyers stopped using the nib and brushed the liquid on. It is the best value white pack here if you want spare tips for a small wall and you accept a thin review sample. The missing waterproof line is the limit on where you should use it.
Pros
- Eight pens and eight spare nibs at £5.99
- 4.1 from 46 amazon.co.uk reviews
- One pen covered about 8 metres on 4 inch tiles in a review
- A buyer compared the pack with a single dearer pen
Cons
- No waterproof attribute in the spec block
- Hard tips, fast flow, and felt that fur up
- Colour washed off in places after about a week
- Some pens stopped drawing and were brushed on instead
Best for: A white wall or toilet surround when you want spare nibs and the lower price in this set.
Less suitable: A shower you need a waterproof claim for, or a job where a 46-review sample feels too thin.
Specifications
- Model
- QHSXMQ white grout pen, 8 with spare nibs
- Brand
- QHSXMQ
- Price
- ∼£6
- Customer rating
- 4.1/5(46)
- Colour
- White
- Pens in pack
- 8
- Spare nibs
- 8
- Floor use
- Yes
Common questions
Does the listing say these pens are waterproof?
No waterproof attribute is in the spec block. Do not treat them as a stated waterproof pen.
Are spare nibs included?
Yes. The title says 8 grout pens with 8 replacement nib tips.
Does the listing mention kitchen and floor tiles?
The item highlight names bathroom, kitchen, wall, and floor tiles.
Our view
Sinofort’s twelve light-grey pens are £4.90, with twelve replacement nibs in the bullets and 4.1 from 31 amazon.co.uk reviews. The title says grey and the colour attribute is light gray, yet one bullet still says white, so a daylight corner test matters before you do the room. A buyer doing floor tiles used only two pens from the twelve-pack and called it cheaper and quicker than regrouting for a bathroom touch-up. Several passes are often needed before the line looks different, and once the tip is pushed in as instructed the pen can flood, especially on narrow joints. Dried drips are hard to remove, extra ends go flat, and one review said the colour washes straight off. The waterproof wording sits in a general caulk bullet. The large pack is what made a worn-tip job possible for some buyers. It is a low-priced grey multipack with spares, on a small review sample.
Pros
- Twelve pens and twelve spare nibs at £4.90
- 4.1 from 31 amazon.co.uk reviews
- A floor job in one review used only two pens
- Wipes off the tile if you stray, in a positive review
Cons
- Bullets mix grey with the word white
- Floods and drips once the tip is pushed in
- Spare ends go flat and several passes are needed
- One review said it washes straight off
Best for: A light-grey floor or wall touch-up when you want the cheapest pack with spare nibs.
Less suitable: Narrow joints, a guaranteed white match, or a shower you are treating as proven waterproof.
Specifications
- Model
- Sinofort grey grout pen, pack of 12
- Brand
- Sinofort
- Price
- ∼£5
- Customer rating
- 4.1/5(31)
- Colour
- Light grey
- Pens in pack
- 12
- Spare nibs
- 12
- Tip
- Round and square
- Waterproof
- Waterproof
- Floor use
- Yes
- Shower use
- Yes
Common questions
Does this set include extra tips?
Yes. The bullet says 12 grey tile pens and 12 replacement nib tips.
Is a waterproof claim present?
Yes. The attribute says waterproof, and a bullet says the caulk is typically waterproof.
What colour should you expect?
The colour attribute is light gray. One bullet still says grout pen white, so check the option before you buy.
Our view
Flintronic’s light-grey pack is listed at £8.98 with 3.8 from 1,747 amazon.co.uk reviews, the largest sample among the grey pens here. The title and pack count say ten pens, while one bullet says six, so the box you receive needs a check. The attribute says water resistant, and showers are named on the page, but reviews say there is little flow unless the pen points down, and horizontal lines are harder than vertical ones. Buyers who chose the shade carefully report a strong change on a dirty floor that had been white grout, and one review mentions no fade after about three months if bleach cleaners were avoided. Tips split or wear before the pen is empty, and one comparison in the reviews calls the liquid watery and messier than UniBond. Spare nibs appear in some reviews and are missing in another. Colour fields on the listing do not use the same code. It is a workable light-grey option when the joint was never white and you can manage a runny marker.
Pros
- 3.8 from 1,747 amazon.co.uk reviews
- Light grey for joints that were never white
- Strong visual change reported on a dirty floor
- Some buyers praise a spare or reversible nib
Cons
- Title says 10 pens and one bullet says six
- Little flow unless the pen points down
- Tips wear out before the pen is empty
- Colour codes on the listing do not match
Best for: Light-grey wall or floor lines when you want a large review sample and can work with the pen pointing down.
Less suitable: A white joint, a neat horizontal line, or a buyer who needs the pack count to be unambiguous.
Specifications
- Model
- Flintronic light grey grout pen, 10 pack
- Brand
- Flintronic
- Price
- ∼£9
- Customer rating
- 3.8/5(1,747)
- Colour
- Light grey
- Pens in pack
- 10
- Spare nibs
- Mixed
- Waterproof
- Water resistant
- Mould claim
- Bullet claim
- Floor use
- Yes
- Shower use
- Yes
Common questions
What colour is listed?
The style name is #10 Light Grey 10PCS and the colour field is #07 Light Gray. They do not use the same code.
Does the listing say waterproof?
The attribute says water resistant. A bullet says caulk is typically waterproof and mouldproof.
Is it listed for showers and floors?
The surface recommendation includes floor, shower, tile, and wall.
Our view
AOOSU’s six white pens with replacement tips are £5.94, rated 3.8 from 12 amazon.co.uk reviews. The listing says waterproof, names an acrylic nib, and tells you to avoid strong tile cleaners. Buyers who got the flow going said the white blended in, that old bath stains looked cleaner after a few coats, and that the line was more uniform once dry. Flow depends on the angle of the pen, and one review says there is no pressure at some of the angles a joint needs. Larger areas take patience, and the result is described as a cosmetic refresh. One short review says not to waste the money. Twelve reviews is a small sample next to UniBond. The spare tips are the practical reason to consider it for a white bath surround if you can work slowly and keep harsh cleaners off the fresh line.
Pros
- Six pens plus replacement nibs at £5.94
- White blended on old bath stains after a few coats
- Decent control once the flow starts, in reviews
- Waterproof claim, with a warning against strong cleaners
Cons
- Only 3.8 from 12 reviews
- Flow depends on the angle of the pen
- Several coats on stubborn stains
- One review says not to buy it
Best for: A white bath surround when you want spare tips and can apply several light coats.
Less suitable: A large floor, a deep repair, or a routine that uses strong tile cleaner the next day.
Specifications
- Model
- AOOSU white grout pen, pack of 6
- Brand
- AOOSU
- Price
- ∼£6
- Customer rating
- 3.8/5(12)
- Colour
- White
- Pens in pack
- 6
- Spare nibs
- Yes
- Tip
- Round and square
- Waterproof
- Waterproof
- Mould claim
- Bullet only
- Floor use
- Yes
- Shower use
- Yes
Common questions
Does the listing mention showers?
Yes. Bullets name shower rooms and say the formula is for damp places such as showers and kitchens.
Are nibs replaceable?
Yes. The bullet says replacement tips are included and that round and square nibs are interchangeable.
What does the listing say about strong cleaners?
It says the formula can withstand daily cleaning, but to avoid strong tile cleaners if you want it to last.
Our view
Peaflew’s four white pens are about 14.6 cm long and £6.39, rated 3.8 from 11 amazon.co.uk reviews. The bullets say waterproof and mould resistant, touch-dry in 30 minutes, and bonded within two hours. Reviewers who pumped the tip report a solid line, and short comments say small tiles looked good as a temporary refresh. The tip wears down before the fluid is used, and the brush end splays if you press, so the line stops being neat. Flow is poor until you shake and press hard, which fights a light-pressure method. One buyer called it rubbish, and another said it was easier to grout properly. Spare nibs are not in the product data. Eleven reviews cannot settle a mould claim. It is a small white pack with a stated dry time, and the nib is the part that fails first.
Pros
- Stated 30-minute touch-dry and 2-hour bond
- Waterproof and mould-resistant claims
- A pumped tip gave a solid line in a review
- £6.39 for four pens, with small tiles looking tidy
Cons
- Only 3.8 from 11 reviews
- Tip wears out before the fluid is gone
- Pressing splays the brush and the line goes wide
- No spare nibs in the product data
Best for: Small white tiles when you will pump the tip and stop before the nib is shredded.
Less suitable: A long run of joints, a mould problem, or a job that needs spare tips.
Specifications
- Model
- Peaflew white grout pen, pack of 4
- Brand
- Peaflew
- Price
- ∼£6
- Customer rating
- 3.8/5(11)
- Colour
- White
- Pens in pack
- 4
- Tip
- Fine
- Waterproof
- Waterproof
- Mould claim
- Yes
- Floor use
- Yes
- Shower use
- Yes
Common questions
What dry time does the listing claim?
Touch-dry in 30 minutes, and it says the ink bonds within 2 hours.
Is a shower listed?
Yes. The scenarios bullet includes showers, kitchens, bathrooms, patios, walls, and floors.
Does the spec list spare nibs?
No spare-nib count is in the spec. Reviews say the tip wears before the fluid is gone.
Our view
PEAKTOP’s five silver pens are £4.98, with a replacement nib in the bullet and 3.7 from 43 amazon.co.uk reviews. The listing says waterproof. Buyers who had painted tiles grey said the silver looked right on the kitchen grout, and one review mentions a reversible nib plus an extra, with a single pen going a long way. The same people often say it is not easy: the liquid comes out in blobs rather than a controlled line. Vertical joints were easier for one buyer only after the pen was emptied into a pot and brushed on. Another review says it does not last forever and needs redoing after cleaning. A short review calls it useless. Silver is a contrast colour in this set, so it will stand out on a white or cream joint. It suits a small metallic line if you can live with blobs and a later top-up.
Pros
- Silver for a contrast line after grey tiles
- 3.7 from 43 amazon.co.uk reviews at £4.98
- Reversible nib plus an extra in one review
- One pen went a long way for that buyer
Cons
- Comes out in blobs rather than a fine line
- Vertical work pushed one buyer onto a brush
- Needs redoing after cleaning, in a review
- One review calls it useless
Best for: Kitchen or bath joints where you want a silver contrast and can tidy blobs.
Less suitable: White or cream grout, a neat pen-only line on a wall, or a finish you will not top up.
Specifications
- Model
- PEAKTOP silver grout pen, pack of 5
- Brand
- PEAKTOP
- Price
- ∼£5
- Customer rating
- 3.7/5(43)
- Colour
- Silver
- Pens in pack
- 5
- Spare nibs
- Yes
- Tip
- Replaceable
- Waterproof
- Waterproof
- Floor use
- Yes
Common questions
What colour is this pen?
Silver. The model name is Silvery.
Does the listing claim kitchen floors?
Yes. Bullets name kitchen, bathroom, walls, floors, porch, and patio.
Are spare nibs included?
Yes. The bullet says each set includes a replacement nib tip.
Our view
DRTRU’s five white acrylic pens are £9.99, with replacement nibs in the bullets and 3.6 from 367 amazon.co.uk reviews. The listing says waterproof, touch-dry after 30 minutes, and two hours for the better result. Some buyers liked having different tip sizes and said a bathroom looked refreshed, including one comment that the colour still looked right after about three months. The same review set is full of leaks: liquid follows gravity, so walls are harder than floors unless you hold the pen so the fluid runs down. Nibs are described as too hard for narrow grout or so soft they deform, and the white is often brighter than the grout already there. Several people found little product inside, with five pens used on a tiny floor patch, or pens that dried after a little liquid. A common workaround in the reviews is to pour the contents out and use a fine brush. At this price the review volume is useful, and the pen still reads as awkward on vertical joints.
Pros
- 3.6 from 367 amazon.co.uk reviews
- Replacement nibs and more than one tip size
- Waterproof claim, with 30-minute and 2-hour dry lines
- One review still liked the colour after about three months
Cons
- Leaks, and walls suffer because the liquid follows gravity
- Very bright white against existing grout
- Little product, and pens dry after a short run
- Buyers poured it out and used a brush
Best for: A small white floor patch if you can accept leaks and a colour that may look brighter than the old grout.
Less suitable: Narrow wall joints, a neat vertical line, or anyone who wants the pen to stay in the nib.
Specifications
- Model
- DRTRU white grout pen, pack of 5
- Brand
- DRTRU
- Price
- ∼£10
- Customer rating
- 3.6/5(367)
- Colour
- White
- Pens in pack
- 5
- Spare nibs
- Yes
- Tip
- Acrylic
- Waterproof
- Waterproof
- Floor use
- Yes
- Shower use
- Yes
Common questions
Can the listing be used on kitchen floors?
The bullets name kitchen floors, walls, shower stalls, porches, and patios. Reviews say walls are harder than floors.
How long does the listing say it takes to dry?
Touch-dry after 30 minutes, and the listing says allow 2 hours for best results.
Are replacement nibs included?
Yes. The package bullet says 5 pens with replacement nib tips.
Our view
Lumoia’s four white pens are £6.99, rated 3.4 from 13 amazon.co.uk reviews, with a waterproof attribute and a coverage claim of 150 feet of 2 mm grout. That coverage line is a listing slogan. Short reviews say it works well and call it good value, and one calls it excellent for refreshing tile grout. The critical reviews are blunt: pens arrived dried up, they ran out very fast, the colour was wrong, or they did not work at all. Several short comments simply say not to buy. Spare nibs are not listed. The cap may not match the grout exactly, and the listing itself says to test a small area. With 13 reviews, a dried-out arrival is the risk on the listing. The sample is too small to treat the waterproof line as settled.
Pros
- Waterproof attribute on four white pens
- Short reviews call it good value when it works
- Listing tells you to test a small area first
Cons
- 3.4 from only 13 reviews
- Pens arrived dried up
- Runs out very fast, with colour complaints
- No spare nibs listed
Best for: A tiny white test patch if you accept a 13-review sample and check the pens on arrival.
Less suitable: A whole room, a buyer who needs spare nibs, or anyone relying on the 150-foot coverage line.
Specifications
- Model
- Lumoia white grout pen, pack of 4
- Brand
- Lumoia
- Price
- ∼£7
- Customer rating
- 3.4/5(13)
- Colour
- White
- Pens in pack
- 4
- Waterproof
- Waterproof
- Floor use
- Yes
Common questions
What coverage does the listing claim?
Up to 150 feet of thin 2 mm grout. That figure is a listing claim.
Does it say to test the colour?
Yes. The listing says the cap may not be an exact match and to test a small area.
Are spare nibs listed?
No spare-nib line is on the listing.
Our view
Elixvane’s six white fibre-tip pens are £6.99, with reversible replacement nibs described in the bullets and a waterproof, quick-dry claim. The only amazon.co.uk review on the listing scores 1.0 and says the pens do not work and not to waste the money. There is no praise to quote because that is the only review. Touch-dry is described as minutes, without a minute count. Shower stalls, bath surrounds, and splashbacks appear in the bullets, which is a claim. The included-components field says no, while the bullets describe six pens, so the box contents are not cleanly stated. A single one-star review is too thin to settle the product either way. It is also too thin to treat the waterproof line as shown. If you want a pen with a real review sample, this listing does not offer one.
Pros
- Six white fibre-tip pens in the bullets
- Reversible replacement nibs described on the listing
- Waterproof and quick-dry claims, untested in this comparison
Cons
- 1.0 from a single review that says it does not work
- No praised points in the reviews
- Box contents disagree between the spec field and the bullets
- Shower use is a bullet, not a reviewed result
Best for: Only if you will open the box at once and return it when the pens are dead, given a single 1.0 review.
Less suitable: Any room where you want review evidence before you order.
Specifications
- Model
- Elixvane white grout pen, pack of 6
- Brand
- Elixvane
- Price
- ∼£7
- Customer rating
- 1.0/5(1)
- Colour
- White
- Pens in pack
- 6
- Spare nibs
- Yes
- Tip
- Fibre
- Waterproof
- Waterproof
- Floor use
- Yes
- Shower use
- Yes
Common questions
Does the listing claim a shower?
Yes. A bullet names shower stalls, bathtub surrounds, and splashbacks.
Are replacement nibs mentioned?
Yes. The bullet describes reversible replacement nibs.
How many reviews are on the listing?
One review, scored 1.0. The text says it does not work.
Our view
Jiyeo’s four black pens are £5.99, with a water-resistant attribute rather than a waterproof one. This listing has no customer-review line and no review text, so there is no star score to lean on. The bullet claims up to 120 metres of 2 mm grout per pen, which is a slogan this comparison did not measure. Another bullet names anti-bacterial agents against mould and mildew without naming an active, so that is not evidence the pen stops mould. Shower walls and kitchen splashbacks are listed as uses. The method in the bullets is to shake, press the nib, and draw with a fine felt tip, and no dry time is given. A question on the page asks whether it works on coloured grout, and the listing has no answer. It only makes sense if the joint is already black or very dark and you accept that nobody on this listing has reported how the nib behaves.
Pros
- Black, for dark joints rather than white ones
- Four pens at £5.99
- Fine felt tip described in the bullets
Cons
- No review line on the listing
- Water resistant, not a waterproof attribute
- 120 metre coverage is an unmeasured slogan
- Mould wording names no active substance
Best for: A dark joint on a wall if you will judge the pen yourself because this listing has no reviews.
Less suitable: White or light-grey grout, a shower floor, or any buy that depends on star ratings.
Specifications
- Model
- Jiyeo black grout pen, pack of 4
- Brand
- Jiyeo
- Price
- ∼£6
- Colour
- Black
- Pens in pack
- 4
- Tip
- Fine felt
- Waterproof
- Water resistant
- Mould claim
- Antibacterial
- Floor use
- Yes
- Shower use
- Walls
Common questions
Is this pen waterproof on the listing?
The attribute says water resistant, not waterproof.
What coverage does the bullet claim?
Up to 120 metres of 2 mm grout lines per pen. That is a listing claim, not a measured result.
Is there a star rating on the listing?
No customer-review line is on the listing, so there is no star score.
Our view
DCYQAIN’s pack is two white pens at £5.19, and it is the only listing in this set that states a 2 mm nylon tip. The bullet says the tip can be replaced, though it does not state how many spare nibs are in the box. The listing has no customer-review line and no review text, so the price and the tip width are what you can check. Waterproof water-based ink is claimed, including a layer against splashes, and no dry time is given. Kitchen, bathroom, shower, floor, hallway, and conservatory tiles are named in the bullets. A two-pack without a review sample is a small trial on a narrow joint. If the tip width is the reason you are looking, test one short line and keep the second pen capped. The shower bullet is not proof that the coating survives a tray.
Pros
- Only pack here that states a 2 mm nylon tip
- £5.19 for two pens
- Tip described as replaceable
- Waterproof claim on water-based ink
Cons
- No review line on the listing
- Spare-nib count is not stated
- No dry time in the captured listing
- A two-pack is a small job if a nib fails
Best for: A narrow white joint when the stated 2 mm tip is the detail you need and you can test one line.
Less suitable: A whole room, a buyer who wants reviewed nib life, or a shower tray.
Specifications
- Model
- DCYQAIN white grout pen, 2 mm tip, pack of 2
- Brand
- DCYQAIN
- Price
- ∼£5
- Colour
- White
- Pens in pack
- 2
- Spare nibs
- Yes
- Tip
- 2 mm nylon
- Waterproof
- Waterproof
- Floor use
- Yes
- Shower use
- Yes
Common questions
Can the tip be replaced?
The listing bullet says the 2 mm nylon tip can be replaced. A spare count is not given.
Is it listed for showers?
Yes. The bullet says the finish is for wet areas such as showers and bathrooms.
Is there a star rating?
No customer-review line is on the listing, so there is no star score.
How we compared
Twelve amazon.co.uk listings were compared on the star line, the review count, colour, nib and pack, the claims on the page, and the GBP shelf price saved on 19 October 2026. This is not a laboratory wear test. There is no separate scoring note for this set, so the top pick and the best value are the two awards already attached to these listings: UniBond, and the QHSXMQ eight-pack. A high score from a handful of reviews is weak. A missing review line sits at the bottom. Weights sum to 100.
1
Stars and review volume
30%The amazon.co.uk star line and the review count both count. 4.1 from 20,843 reviews is a different record from 4.1 from 31, and a missing review line is not treated as a pass.
2
Colour match
20%White, light grey, silver, and black do different jobs. White on a grey joint is the wrong coat. A short line in daylight comes before the rest of the room.
3
Nib and pack
20%Fine tips suit narrow joints. Spare nibs matter because tips splay or wear before the liquid is used. A two-pack with no spare count is a small job only.
4
Claims and where it will live
15%A published method is stronger than a waterproof bullet. Glazed wall joints are the fair case. Shower floors and busy kitchen floors wear a coating off in patches.
5
Price against the evidence
15%A lower GBP price helps when the pack is usable and the review line is real. A cheap multipack with one review, or none, does not collect this in full.
Independent review
Last updated: October 2026
8 sources checked
Grout pen buying guide
Match the colour and the nib before the star count. A grout pen only coats grout that is already sound, clean, and dry. In this amazon.co.uk set the shelf prices run from about £4.90 to about £12.60. White, light grey, silver, and black are different jobs. A published method is stronger than a waterproof bullet, and a high score from a handful of reviews is weak.
What is a grout pen?
A grout pen is a water-based marker that coats grout already in the joint. It is a cosmetic pass for sound, clean, dry grout that has yellowed or stained. It is not new grout in a bag, and it is not a brush-on colourant for a whole floor. UK buyers in this set are mostly refreshing a bathroom, a kitchen splashback, or a small floor. Crumbling joints, loose tiles, or a leak behind the wall need a tiler. Black growth in silicone at a bath or tray is a different repair. Colour is the first match.
Best for
- Sound, clean, dry wall joints that only need a colour coat
- A small bathroom when you want a published method
Not ideal for
- Crumbling grout, loose tiles, or a leak behind the wall
- A shower tray or a busy floor you will scrub every week
Mistakes to avoid
- 1
Painting damp or dirty grout
The joint has to be sound, clean, and dry. A coating on damp grout will not sit, and mould fed by a leak will come back. Black growth in silicone at a bath or tray is a different repair.
- 2
Pressing until the nib shreds
UniBond reviews say a hard press shreds the felt or pours the liquid. QHSXMQ tips are described as hard, with flow that comes too fast. Spare nibs exist because the tip often dies before the pen is empty.
- 3
White on grey, then bleach the next day
White covers grey with white. DRTRU reviews often call the white brighter than the grout already there. Chlorine bleach can damage cement grout and can lift a fresh coating. Test one line in daylight and keep strong cleaners off it.
What to weigh up
Colour, nib, and pack
HighStart with the colour you can see in daylight. White pens in this set are UniBond, QHSXMQ, DRTRU, Lumoia, Elixvane, Peaflew, AOOSU, and DCYQAIN. Light grey is Flintronic and Sinofort. Silver is PEAKTOP. Black is Jiyeo. A white pen on a grey joint is the mistake that shows from the doorway. Then look at the nib. Fine tips suit narrow joints, and DCYQAIN is the only pack that states a 2 mm nylon tip. Spare nibs matter because tips splay or wear before the liquid is used.
Where it will live, and what the claim is worth
HighGlazed wall joints are the fair case. Shower floors and busy kitchen floors wear a coating off in patches. UniBond publishes the method and a fungicide claim, and a retailer quoting the label limits that pen to fully glazed wall tiles, with about 60 metres on a 2 mm joint. QHSXMQ does not mark a waterproof attribute, so a shower is not a stated use. Several cheaper listings name showers, floors, and mould resistance in bullets.
Which option suits you?
Three typical situations, each with a recommendation from this comparison.
Spare nibs on a white wall
You want more than one white pen and tips you can swap, at the lower price. The QHSXMQ pack at about £5.99 is eight pens and eight spare nibs, rated 4.1 from 46 reviews. The listing does not mark them as waterproof.
Light grey, never white
The joint was never white, so a white pen will show. Flintronic light grey at about £8.98 has 3.8 from 1,747 reviews, the largest grey sample here. The title says ten pens and one bullet says six, so check the box.
Common questions about grout pens
Which grout pen is the top pick?
The top pick is the UniBond white three-pack at about £12.60. The amazon.co.uk line is 4.1 from 20,843 reviews, and UniBond publishes a shake, wipe, and second-coat method. Buyers who washed the joints first often describe a clear refresh on old bathroom grout. The nib shreds or the pen drips if you press hard, the fill is small, and some pens arrived dried out. It is for a small glazed bathroom, not a whole floor or a shower tray.
Which grout pen is best value?
The best value is the QHSXMQ white pack at about £5.99: eight pens and eight spare nibs, rated 4.1 from 46 reviews. One buyer said a single pen covered about 8 metres on 4 inch tiles. The listing does not mark the pens as waterproof, tips are described as hard, and one person saw the colour wash off in places after about a week. Use it on a small white wall, not as a stated shower pen.
How much does a grout pen cost on amazon.co.uk?
In this set, captured on 19 October 2026, shelf prices run from about £4.90 for the Sinofort 12-pack to about £12.60 for the UniBond three-pack. Most multipacks sit between about £4.90 and £6.99. Flintronic is about £8.98 and DRTRU is about £9.99. A single UniBond pen and a V33 pen were seen outside this set, and those prices are not in the table. The figures are the saved listing lines, not the price on the day you buy.
Can you use a grout pen in the shower?
Glazed wall joints are the fair case. Shower floors and busy kitchen floors wear a coating off in patches. Several listings name showers in the bullets, which is a claim, not a tray test. UniBond’s published method is for vertical joints on sound grout, and a retailer quoting the label limits that pen to fully glazed wall tiles. Black growth in silicone at a bath or tray is not a grout-pen job. A leak to the room below needs a tiler, not a marker.
What if the grout pen arrives dried out?
Dried-out pens show up on cheap multipacks and on the branded pen. One UniBond buyer found all three dried out on arrival, and Lumoia reviews include pens that arrived dried up. Consumer Rights Act 2015, section 9, says goods must be of satisfactory quality, including durability, judged against the description and the price. A pen with no usable product sits in that conversation. The 30-day right if a tool arrives faulty is the consumer-rights note for that fault.
Will a white grout pen cover grey grout?
White covers grey with white. It does not turn a grey joint back into a matching grey. This set has light grey from Flintronic and Sinofort, silver from PEAKTOP, and black from Jiyeo. Test a short line in daylight before you do the room. Bright white on cream grout is a common mistake, and DRTRU reviews often call the white brighter than the grout already there. If the joint was never white, start with a grey pen.
When should you call a tiler instead of using a grout pen?
Call a professional when grout powders away, tiles are loose, mould keeps returning in the same place, or a shower leaks to the room below. A pen does not replace regrouting and it does not stop mould fed by a leak. Painting damp grout, pressing until the nib shreds, and using bleach the next day are the mistakes that waste the coating. There is no British Standard for how long a grout pen lasts.
Our verdict
The top pick is the UniBond white three-pack at about £12.60. It has the largest review sample in this set, 4.1 from 20,843, and UniBond publishes a shake, wipe, and second-coat method for sound vertical joints. The nib shreds or the pen drips if you press hard, and some buyers found the pens dried out. The best value is the QHSXMQ white eight-pack at about £5.99, with eight spare nibs and 4.1 from 46 reviews. That listing does not mark the pens as waterproof. The other ten have no award. None of these scores is a laboratory wear test, and a pen does not stop mould that is fed by a leak.
Best overallView offer
UniBond grout reviver pen, white, pack of 3
Largest review sample in the set, 4.1 from 20,843, plus a published method, at about £12.60 for a small glazed bathroom.
Best value
View offer
QHSXMQ white grout pen, 8 with spare nibs
Best value white pack: eight pens and eight spare nibs at about £5.99, rated 4.1 from 46 reviews.
Editorial
Editor
Flooring toolsGrout pensDIY & tools
Peter F. is the editor for DIY & tools at productscompared.co.uk. Comparisons in this category are checked against amazon.co.uk listings, review evidence and public UK sources.
Updated: October 2026
8 sources checked
Guides to grout pens
Guides on what to look for, how to use a product, and common mistakes.
Grout pen buying guideColour, nib, pack, and whether a pen fits the joint.Best grout penOne top pick, one best-value pack, and who should skip them.How to use a grout penClean, dry, coat, wipe, and the faults that wreck the line.Grout pen in a showerShower walls against shower floors, and what a mould claim is worth.Grout pen vs grout paintA marker, a brush-on colourant, or regrouting.
Related comparisons
Sources
Public UK sources used for this comparison. Listing prices, stars and review counts are the amazon.co.uk figures saved for these 12 ASINs on 19 October 2026.
- UniBond Triple Protection Grout Reviver Pen (retrieved 19 October 2026)
- UniBond label details via McGrocer (retrieved 19 October 2026)
- ASDA: UniBond grout reviver pen 7 ml (retrieved 19 October 2026)
- Consumer Rights Act 2015, section 9 (retrieved 19 October 2026)
- HSE: Treated articles (retrieved 19 October 2026)
- Bromley Tilers: How to clean grout (retrieved 19 October 2026)
- Homebuilding: Cleaning grout (retrieved 19 October 2026)
- Ideal Home: Grout colouring with a grout pen (retrieved 19 October 2026)
This page contains affiliate links to amazon.co.uk. If you buy through them, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Prices, stars and review counts are the UK listing lines. We did not run a lab test.