Tile finishing is a quick and easy way to refresh ceramic tiles without replacing them completely. With this process, you can get the most out of the tiles you already have and still get a whole new look for your bathroom. The process is quite simple and the impressive results are undeniable.
Repair of ceramic tiles: from start to finish
Step 1 - The consultation
Finishing ceramic tiles begins with a consultation with a tile and countertop finishing company. Although it is possible to buy DIY tile repair kits, the results are not comparable. The chemicals in these kits don't last as long as the professional-grade chemicals (primer and top coat) because they just aren't that strong. More importantly, kits are expensive (if you consider your time) compared to professional finishing, so you won't save a lot of money trying to do it yourself.
Schedule a consultation with a tile restoration company like Fort Worth Refinishing and we'll give you a free quote for your tile repair. We can schedule the most convenient departure time for you and can complete the project in a few hours.
Step 2: Preparing the room
Whether it's a bathroom, kitchen, laundry room, or any other space in your home, you need to be prepared to restore the tiles. We tape the areas that will not be restored and remove dirt and debris from the surfaces that will be restored. We have set up our ventilation system to direct odors into the air outside the home. These will dissipate quickly, so you won't have to worry about them once we're gone.
Step 3: Repair the damaged tiles
One of the biggest benefits of ceramic tile refinishing is the fact that we can repair damaged tiles before resurfacing them. If you have small chips or cracks in your tile, we can fill and smooth them. If you are missing the tiles completely, we can replace them with any tile of the same size. We will also fill in any grout that has flaked or shrunk over the years. The goal is to make your tile look freshly laid, even if it has been there for decades. When the top coat is applied, the tile will look like it's in great condition.
Step 4: Etch the tile
Engraving ceramic tiles are similar to sanding wood before painting or staining it. This removes some of the old finish from the tile and allows the primers and glazes to better adhere to the surface. This is one of the most crucial steps in the process because it determines how long the tile finish will last. If the surface is not properly prepared, the top layer will peel off in a short time.
This is another reason why it's important to stay away from DIY kits because they don't include the proper engraving tools. Your new surface will be full of scratches before you know it. The professional tile finish is nearly as durable as the original tile surface, giving you years of fun with a small investment.
Step 5: Prime
Again, think about restoring the tiles like painting a piece of wood. After you are done sanding (or etching), you should prime so that the paint adheres well to the surface. With the tile finish, special primers are available that create an ideal surface for the adhesion of finishes. These primers can be applied by brush, but the brushstrokes will appear through the top coat. We use a special airbrush machine to create a smooth, even surface that looks as close as possible to the original coating.
Step 6: top coat
The top coat is the last step in finishing ceramic tiles. This is a glossy outer layer that looks and feels like a ceramic glaze. Many people use the term tile glazing to refer to tile finishing, but it's a misnomer. The only way to truly glaze the tiles is by re-firing them in an oven, which would involve removing the tiles from the house and taking them somewhere for them to resurface. The main goal of tile finishing is to avoid costly and time-consuming demolition, so glazing would not be a good option. The top coat will take at least a day to fully cure, but you should be able to see the finished product in a few hours. Just be sure to avoid splashing water on the surface to allow the layers to settle and dry. Your tile restorers will provide you with the next care instructions so you can preserve your new tile surface. Follow these instructions and you'll have a beautifully remodeled room to show off in the future. The quality and process of applying the top coat is another thing that distinguishes professional services from the do-it-yourself solution.