How to Reglaze or Refinish Ceramic Tile

Ceramic tile is a beautiful and long-lasting home decor addition for floors, walls and backsplashes. But like any material, it can begin to look rough after many years of exposure to kitchen spills and splatters or bathroom humidity.

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Replacing ceramic tile is a costly and time-consuming task, but you can achieve beautiful results by simply refinishing or reglazing your ceramic tiles.

What Does It Mean to “Refinish” Ceramic Tile?

Various terms are floating around out there in connection with re-doing ceramic tile. Refinishing or reglazing involves applying an epoxy or resin coating that dries to create a hard finish. You’ll prep the tiles before the process, which will ideally make your ceramic tile last longer. And you’ll end up with a kitchen or bathroom that looks like new.

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Should I Refinish My Ceramic Tile?

Before getting started, consider carefully whether your tile can be refinished or if it’s best to replace it altogether. Are your tiles severely cracked, or do they have significant water damage? Refinishing probably isn’t possible in this case because the prep process requires sanding the tile’s surface. If the tile is already damaged, sanding it may cause it to crack or crumble even more. If your tiles have been previously refinished, the old finish must be removed before applying the fresh finish. Older tiles might not be able to stand up to this extra pressure. Finally, your tiles may simply be too old, and in that case, refinishing could damage the tile’s surface.

Things You’ll Need

• Heavy-duty tile cleaner
• All-purpose powder cleaner
• Commercial tub and tile refinishing epoxy
• A tack cloth
• Painter’s tape
• Sponge
• Foam paint roller
• Paint tray
• Foam paint brush
• Fine-grit sandpaper
• Metal putty knife
• Eye goggles
• Gloves

Refinishing or reglazing kits are also available and will most likely contain nearly all the supplies you’ll need. If you decide to get a kit, make sure to carefully read the instructions, and before you start the project, purchase any tools or materials not included.

Refinishing your tile will take a few days, mainly due to drying time. Be sure to plan for this, using a different bathroom or keeping off the kitchen floor until the reglazing process is completely finished.

Part One: Prepare the Tile

Step 1: Prep the Space

Remove everything that might be in the way of your project. For example, if you’re reglazing the bathroom tile, remove the shower curtain, pack up the shampoos, etc. You want an empty and clear workspace.

Step 2: Make Sure the Area Is Well-Ventilated

Open a window and use fans. This is because of the chemicals you’ll be using, but also to ensure a timely drying process. If you live in a humid region, plan to do your reglazing project in a time of year when the humidity is low. Very humid weather could affect the drying process. Throughout the process, be sure to use appropriate safety protection, like eye goggles and gloves.

Step 3: Clean the Tile

Using a putty knife, scrape off any attached debris or mildew from the tiles. Then, clean them thoroughly with a tile cleaner or all-purpose powder cleaner. If you are using a kit, use the cleaning products it provides or recommends. Once all the debris is loose, scrub the tile to remove dirt and soap residue. Don’t forget to rinse well. Any leftover particles could prevent the reglazing material from properly adhering.

Step 4: Sand the Tile

Sand down the tile using a fine-grit sandpaper, and again, rinse thoroughly when finished. Don’t neglect this step. Proper sanding will result in a smooth and durable finish. Make sure to use fine-grit sandpaper so you don’t damage the tiles.

Step 5: Let the Tiles Dry

Leave the tiles to dry completely. Apply painters tape to areas that touch the tile. Use plastic to protect fixtures like shower heads or kitchen faucets. Protect your floor and nearby unmovable objects, such as a toilet, with a drop cloth. Finally, wipe the tiles with a tack rag. This will remove any remaining dust or other bits.

Step 6: Prime

Now, apply a primer specifically designed for ceramics, and leave it to dry for the time specified in the manufacturer’s instructions.

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Part Two: Refinish the Tile

Step 1: Mix the Epoxy

The substance you need to reglaze the tile combines a color and hardener. Mix them according to the directions. The instructions will probably require a period of time for the formula to sit. Once it’s ready, pour it into your paint tray, and using a foam brush, apply it first to small spaces, like corners, where a paint roller can’t reach. Once these have been covered, use the roller to coat all the tiles evenly.

Step 2: Wait

Allow the first coating to dry for the time specified in the instructions. Once dry, apply a second coat in the same manner: First, using a brush for the corners, and then the roller. Be sure to apply the formula evenly and in the same direction as the first coat. Let sit to dry. If you are making a substantial color change in your tile, you may need to apply a third coat.

Step 3: Seal

You may also choose to apply a clear sealer or polyurethane coating. This will add durability and help make your tiles last longer.

Step 4: Wait Some More

Leave the painter’s tape on for at least 45 minutes after applying the final coat. Once this is done, leave the tiles to cure for the entire time indicated in the directions. If you need to recaulk, wait until this final drying period is over.

Step 5: Clean Up

Once the hardening time has passed and your caulk is also thoroughly dry, you can clean your beautifully reglazed tile with a non-abrasive cleaner.