DIY Tile Reglaze
Most clay-based tile that you buy (ceramic or porcelain, for example), will have a clear glaze baked over tile surface to seal it from moisture and give it a shiny look. That glaze can wear down over time, making the tile look dingy. You can't re-bake the glaze on, but you can top it with polyurethane to restore that glazed look. The biggest challenge is getting the new gloss to stick to the tiles. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Belt sander
- Medium sandpaper
- TSP (Trisodium phosphate) powder
- Bucket
- Rigid scrub brush
- Polyurethane
- Paintbrush
- Fine sandpaper
Instructions
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1
Load your belt sander with medium-grade sandpaper. Sand the entire tiled area, to remove all grime and surface impurities. De-gloss the tile as much a possible.
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2
Mix one cup TSP in a gallon of water. Scrub the tiles well with a rigid scrub brush. Rinse and let dry for 24 hours.
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3
Brush polyurethane onto the tiles, starting at one corner of the tiled area and working your way across. Apply the polyurethane in a smooth, thin coat, with the strokes all going in one direction. Let it dry for four hours.
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4
Sand the surface with fine sandpaper, buffing it very lightly, just enough to dull the shine of the dried polyurethane. Wipe up the dust.
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5
Brush on a second layer of polyurethane using the same procedure. Let it dry, hand-sand it lightly and clean the dust.
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6
Apply a third and final coat of polyurethane. Let it dry two to three days before resuming use of the area.
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Tips & Warnings
Don't attempt to re-glaze tile in a shower or other high-moisture area as the polyurethane may not stick to the tiles.
