How to repair cracked or chipped tiles

October 2021 – Ceramics, limestone, porcelain, and other materials from which tiles are made are commonly used as floor coverings, countertops, shower enclosures or sinks. Although the tiles are solid and have a long lifespan, sooner or later we find tiles in certain places that are cracked or slightly chipped. Replacing damaged tiles can be an expensive or often a time-consuming project, sometimes even a combination of both. Fortunately, there are affordable options for repairing tiles in a way that they look just like new.

First, thoroughly clean the surface of a cracked or chipped tile with mild soap and lukewarm water. Avoid aggressive chemicals in this process, as they can be absorbed into the porous parts of cracked tiles and prevent effective bonding and consequently the repair of damaged tiles. Clean the tiles with a soft bristle cleaning brush and a pre-prepared cleaning mixture. Continue cleaning the damaged tile until there is no residue of dirt or grease on the tile. Then rinse the cleaning mixture from the surface of the tile with fresh warm water. Now, wait for the tile to dry completely. You can also speed up the process with a hair dryer: when you see that the tile is dry, let the heat continue to permeate the area where you will be repairing the tile surface for at least another 15 minutes.

Apply a small amount of primer, which is available in small bottles in the ‘Do It Yourself’ stores, with a thin brush or a cotton swab directly to the chipped or damaged surface of the tile. Be sure that you cover only the cut or damaged surface. Avoid applying to other surfaces of the tile, as the latter may cause discolouration or a glossy appearance that will stand out among the other tiles and indicate that the tile has been repaired.

Allow the primer to dry for about two hours, then prepare a mixture of pure waterproof epoxide putty Neostik EPOXY PUTTY. Epoxy kneading compound Neostik EPOXY PUTTY is suitable for gluing, repairing and sealing cracks in the ceramic tiles and at the same time in the pipes. It can also be used for quick repairs of pipelines, radiators, tanks, even for underwater repairs such as aquariums or swimming pools, and for anchoring screws. Neostik EPOXY PUTTY hardens materials well even on wet surfaces and under the water. The hardened layer is resistant to both fresh and salt water, oil, and various solvents. It bonds metal, wood, stone, marble, porcelain, polyester, and concrete, but is not suitable for gluing elastic materials, PE, PP, Teflon and silicone.

Press the mixed epoxide putty into the pore or joint or on the cut part of the tile with your fingers, using a quantity that completely fills the cracked surface. The putty is completely hardened in 15 minutes, after that period you can fully load the repaired tile.