How to Glaze an Old Countertop

Glazing is a protective coating over ceramic tile.

Old tile countertops are usually made of ceramic tile covered in a protective glaze. Old countertops lose their glaze because of erosion from wear and tear. Fortunately, the glaze protects the ceramic tile so you can simply refurbish the tile by removing the old glaze and applying new glaze to the tiles.

Things You'll Need

• Belt sander
• Medium grade sandpaper
• Abrasive cleaner
• Nylon bristle brush
• Polyurethane
• Paintbrush
• Sanding block
• Tack cloth

Instructions

1. Sand the surface of the ceramic tile with a belt sander equipped with a medium-grade sand paper. Use grit between 300-grit and 600-grit.

2. Clean the surface of the tile and the grout with an abrasive cleaner and a bristle scrub brush. Rinse the tile with water and allow at least 24-hours drying time before moving on

3. Brush on a layer of polyurethane in thin even strokes. Use a bristle paintbrush to avoid air bubbles in the polyurethane. Allow 24-hours drying time.

4. Buff the surface of the polyurethane with a sanding block to remove the shine from the surface. Wipe the surface clean with a tack cloth and then apply a second coat of polyurethane. Again, allow 24-hours drying time.

5. Sand the second coat of polyurethane with the sanding block and add a third coat of polyurethane. Allow 72-hours drying time before using the countertops again. This will ensure enough time for the polyurethane to harden.

Tips & Warnings

• You can substitute polyurethane for glazing compound. Follow the directions on the compound for drying times but the prep and application process is the same. Polyurethane is a cost effective alternative to costly glazing compounds.

References

• Ask the Builder: How To Paint Ceramic Tile; Tim Carter