How To Fix Cracks In Ceramic Tiles?

A ceramic tile is a great option for homeowners looking for a durable and low-maintenance surface. These tiles are crafted from hard ceramic or porcelain and are designed to resist high temperatures, foot traffic, and impact from heavy objects. But sometimes, these materials can develop cracks that need to be repaired. 

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Fortunately, there are several ways to repair cracked ceramic floor tile and get your home back in working order again. Regardless of whether your cracks are hairline or larger, these DIY fixes can help you avoid costly repairs and replacements. 

1. Fill a hairline crack with epoxy

If you have small hairline cracks in your ceramic floor tile, you can quickly and easily fix them using epoxy. Epoxy is a professional binding glue that works well to close off the gap in your tile. The process is relatively easy and involves a few simple steps. 

First, clean the area surrounding your damaged ceramic floor tile. This helps you avoid damaging the epoxy or paint that you will use to repair it. If there are any stains or dirt around the cracked areas, wipe them off with warm water and dish soap. Then, dry the area thoroughly with a soft cloth before moving on to the next step of your ceramic tile repair project. 

2. Apply paint over a hairline crack

If your crack is smaller than a hairline, you can use a toothpick to apply epoxy or paint over it. Then, let it dry for about 20 minutes before checking to see if it is completely dry. If not, you can use a cotton swab or Q-tip to clean up any excess paint that might have been left over. 

3. Fill in chips and wide cracks with epoxy

If the chip or wide crack is not too deep, you can often repair them by filling them with liquid epoxy. This will prevent the crack from becoming indented on the tile’s surface. Once you have the crack filled, sand the area with fine-grit sandpaper until the surface is smooth again. 

  1. Seal a large crack or chip in your tile

The final step in your DIY repair of a ceramic floor tile is to seal the repair area. This can be done with a urethane sealer or another type of paint that will match the tile color. If you decide to use paint, be sure to choose one that is waterproof so that the epoxy and grout don’t become discolored or damaged by moisture. 

5. Replace broken tile

If you need to replace a large chunk of your floor or backsplash, it might be best to call in professionals to complete the job. However, if you have other floor or wall tiles that you can also use as replacements, then the DIY repair techniques listed above might be enough to keep your ceramic tile in good shape. 

Despite being strong and durable, both ceramic and porcelain tiles can crack if they are subjected to too much pressure. This can be caused by a variety of issues, including incorrect installation or exposure to extreme temperature changes. If you aren’t able to determine the cause of your cracked tile, you should consider replacing it with new tiles that are more resistant to cracking.