How To Fix Tile Problems: Chips, Scratches and Cracks

If you experience a chip, scratch or crack with your wall or floor tiles, don’t worry! We’re here to show you how to make those tiles as good as new with these guides on How To Fix Tile Problems…

When it comes to decorating a wall or floor space, you can’t go wrong with tiles. They’re sturdy, long-lasting, and easy to install. However, as robust as floor tiles are, like with anything, if they’re being constantly trodden up, or if dining chairs are constantly being dragged over them, you may experience the occasional chip, scratch or crack. If you do, don’t panic – we’re here to help! The guides below will help you get your wall and floor tiles looking fighting fit again!

1) How to fix small chips and scratches

The most common problem with floor tiles is small chips, which can occur around the edges. They appear more visible on darker tiles, and they expose the lighter ceramic or porcelain underneath. There’s a simple trick for covering up tile chips – and it’s probably sitting in a drawer in your house right now. Nail varnish!

Simply find a matching shade (or mix two colours together to find the right hue) and then paint it onto the chip! As time goes by, the nail varnish may darken. If this is the case, simply apply a little nail varnish remover, and re-apply the original mix. This tip also applies to scratches!

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2) How to fix larger chips or holes

If you’ve really been giving your floor tiles a battering, and they’ve accumulated larger chips that can’t be fixed with nail varnish, then you’re going to need to up your solution. You can buy ceramic filler online. It’s similar to plasticine, and dries completely solid. It comes in a variety of different colours.

Simply mix two shades together until you have a matching colour, and then work it into the chip or hole, and leave it to set. However, depending on the tile, it may be cheaper to replace the whole thing, according to the guidelines below.

Above: Metro 300×100 Tiles

3) How to fix a broken or cracked tile

If the breakage goes beyond the cosmetic appearance of the tile – if the whole piece has actually broken in two – then your best option is to replace it. We do suggest ordering 10% more than you need to allow for cut pieces and spares. So hopefully, you’ll have some spares sitting out in the shed. If you don’t, however, then Walls and Floors are your best bet for finding a match – with more than 6,000 tile designs in stock.

You can either order one full-size sample tile or a whole square metre, if you’d like to be on the safe side and have plenty of spares for future usage. Once you have your replacement tile, score around the broken tile with a chisel, and prize up the broken pieces. Scrape away any residue left beneath the tile, apply fresh adhesive, and sink the new tile into the hole, before grouting the joints with a matching tile grout.

4) How to fix a loose tile

If your grout has worn thin around a particular tile, and it feels loose as you step across it, then you need to reapply both adhesive and grout. Using a chisel, prize the tile up. Work loose as much grout and adhesive from the edges and underside of the tile as you can – as well as any residue left on the flooring. Re-apply adhesive to the back of the tile, and set it back in place. Replace the grout joint around the edges of the tile.

Above: Icaria Plus Ocre Porcelain Paving Slabs

5) Out-dated floor tiles

If your floor tiles are generally out of date, and you’re not happy of them, why not replace the whole floor? Don’t worry – that’s not as daunting a proposition as it sounds. If your floor tiles are sound, sturdy and level, you might not have to rip them up. You might be able to simply lay your new floor tiles over the top! Give the old layer a good scrubbing, and then leave it to completely dry. This will ensure there’s no dirt present to affect adhesion.

Once it’s dry, you’re ready to apply new adhesive, and install your new floor tiles! If you’d rather remove the old tiles first, here’s a handy guide: How to remove old tiles.