How to Reglaze Colored Tile
Colored ceramic tiles that have become worn and dull can be restored to their original shine, with the proper preparation. Polyurethane gloss, which is normally used to provide the shine to wood floors, can do the same for tile floors or walls, adding glaze while leaving intact the original color. The trick is getting the gloss to stay on the hard, slick tiles. Sanding the tiles with aluminum oxide sandpaper can dull them just enough to make it work. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Vibrating hand-held sander
- Fine-grit aluminum oxide sandpaper
- Polyurethane
- Foam brush
- Extra fine regular sandpaper
Instructions
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1
Use the vibrating sander and fine-grit aluminum oxide sandpaper to dull the shine of the tile. Run the sander over each tile separately, in a consistent directly. The sandpaper won't take off the whole finish or affect the color of the tile, but the tiles should look de-glossed by the end. (Note: Sand only the tiles, not the grout in between.)
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2
Use a foam brush to apply a thin, even coat of polyurethane over the tile surface. Keep it in the tiles, not the grout, brushing it in the same direction. Coat each tile completely.
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3
Allow the polyurethane to dry for 12 hours.
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4
Hand-sand the polyurethane with extra-fine regular sandpaper, dulling the shine. Wipe off the dust.
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Apply a second coat of polyurethane in the same manner as the first. Let it dry, dull it with sandpaper, and apply a third layer. Let the third layer dry for 24 hours.
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