How to Repair Tile With Epoxy
Ceramic tile is a versatile and beautiful material, and under most conditions it is quite durable as well. However, ceramic tile is not immune to wear and tear, and over time you may notice that a few of your tiles have become chipped. Fortunately, you can make minor repairs in ceramic tile with epoxy, protecting the tile from further damage and saving the cost and labor of re-installation. With a little patience and the right preparation, you can create a lasting repair with epoxy that very few people will notice.
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Obtain high-gloss oil paint to match the color of the surrounding tile. Most specialized paint shops can create an exact color match from a sample in a few days. If possible, drop off a spare tile at the paint shop.
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Wash the chipped tile area with a soapy sponge, removing all traces of dirt, mold and debris. Rinse the area thoroughly.
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Dry the repair site with a hair dryer. Once the area looks and feels dry, continue drying for 15 minutes; chipped ceramic tile can absorb water very well.
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Apply an oil-based primer/sealer to the chip with a small brush, being careful to keep the primer off of the glazed tile surface. Allow the primer to dry for two hours.
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Paint a coat of matched high-gloss oil over the primer, and allow it to dry for 24 hours. If the color is too thin or needs to be changed, apply a second coat and wait 24 hours for drying.
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Mix two-part epoxy on a scrap of cardboard. Squirt a small, equal amount of each part onto the cardboard, and mix well with a toothpick.
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Drip the epoxy over the painted repair with the toothpick. Add enough epoxy to raise the level of the repair to match the surrounding tiles. Let the epoxy set for 24 hours.
References
Warnings
- Always ensure adequate ventilation when working with oil-based primers and paints.
Writer Bio
Fred Samsa has been writing articles related to the arts, entertainment and home improvement since 2003. His work has appeared in numerous museum publications, including program content for the Philadelphia Museum of Art, and he was awarded a Presidential Fellowship in 2005. He holds a Master of Arts in art from Temple University and a Bachelor of Arts in philosophy from Brown University.
Photo Credits
- ceramic tile floor or wall texture image by Ana de Sousa from Fotolia.com
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