Porcelain Tile is known to be a very strong flooring option. Compared to other materials, it is very durable and lasts for many years. But in some circumstances, it will also likely get cracked and chipped. So here, the good news is that we can repair the cracked or chipped porcelain tiles easily.
You can do it yourself with the right materials, tools and process. We will walk you through the process. This guide is about the steps to fix cracked and chipped porcelain tiles. So you keep your floors and walls looking their best.
Step-By-Step Guide To Fix Cracked & Chipped Porcelain Tile
Step 1: Clean the Area
Before you start fixing, make sure the area is clean as a whistle. Give the spot around the cracked or chipped porcelain tile a good scrub. Use acetone and a rag to wipe away any dirt, grime, or bits of stuff hanging around. This helps the repair stuff stick as best as possible.
Step 2: Prepare the Surface
After cleaning up, grab some painter's tape and stick it around the damaged spot to shield nearby tiles. Then, take some 120-grit sandpaper and gently rough up the cracked or chipped area. This step helps the fix-it stuff stick better to the tile.
Step 3: Fill in the Crack or Chip
Now, let's fill in that crack or chip. Grab your touch-up glaze and spread it over the damaged area with a putty knife. Make sure to cover the crack or chip entirely and smooth out any extra glaze with the knife.
Step 4: Sand the Surface
Once the touch-up glaze is dry, grab your 400-grit sandpaper and gently sand down the repaired area until it gets smooth. Take your time and be gentle so you don't accidentally damage the surrounding tile.
Step 5: Apply Spot Epoxy
After smoothing out the repaired spot, use a small paintbrush to apply a thin layer of spot epoxy. This will seal and protect the repair, making sure it stays in place for a long time.
Step 6: Let It Dry
Once the spot epoxy dries completely, follow the instructions from the manufacturer. After it's dry, carefully take off the painter's tape from around the fixed area. Your cracked or chipped porcelain tile should now look as good as new!
Step 7: Evaluate the Repair
Once the spot epoxy is dry, take a close look at the repair. Check to see if it blends in well with the rest of the tile and if the colour and texture match up.
Step 8: Perform Final Touches
If needed, do some final tweaks to the fixed spot to make sure it blends perfectly with the rest of the tile. Smooth out any rough spots with fine sandpaper, and if the colour doesn't match, you can touch it up with paint or glaze.
Step 9: Maintain the Repair
To keep your fixed porcelain tile in top shape, clean and take care of it regularly. Stay away from rough cleaners or tools that could harm the repair. Instead, use a mild cleanser and a soft cloth to wipe the tile when necessary.
Follow these steps and look after your fixed porcelain tile to keep it beautiful and make it last a long time.
Conclusion
Fixing cracked and chipped porcelain tiles may seem daunting, but with the right materials and tools, it's a straightforward process that you do yourself. By following these steps, you repair damaged tiles and keep your floors and walls looking beautiful for years to come. This simple process saves you the cost of buying new tiles and installation.
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