Are you thinking about updating your bathroom, but don’t want to go through the hassle (and expense) of a full renovation? Tile resurfacing could be the perfect solution for you. With just a few days of work, you can transform your bathroom from dated and drab to modern and chic.
Here’s everything you need to know about tile resurfacing, from preparation to finding the right team for the job if you don’t want to bother doing it yourself.
1. What is tile resurfacing and what are the benefits?
Ceramic tile refinishing or tile resurfacing is the process of refinishing existing tile surfaces to give them a new look.
The benefits of tile resurfacing include renewing the look of old or damaged tiles, protecting against further damage, and increasing the value of your home.
Tile resurfacing can be a great way to improve the look of your bathroom without having to do a lot of work. Bathroom tile is often water-resistant and durable, so it can withstand a lot of wear and tear.
But if your tile is starting to look dated or damaged, tile resurfacing can be a great way to give it a new look.
There are a few different ways to resurface tile, but the most common method is to sand down the surface of the tile and then apply a new coating.
This can be done with a variety of materials, including paint, epoxy, or even ceramic tiles. The key is to choose a material that will bond well with the tile and create a smooth, even surface.
2. How to resurface your bathroom tile
- Remove all the old sealant or grout lines from the surface of the tile. This can be done with a grout removal tool or a utility knife.
- Sand down the surface of the tile with a fine-grit sandpaper. This will help to create a smooth surface for the new coating to adhere to.
- Clean the surface of the tile with a mild soap and water solution and prepare your tile refinishing kit.
- Apply a primer to the tile. This will help the new coating to stick to the tile.
- Apply the new coating to the tile. This can be done with a brush, roller, or sprayer.
- Allow the coating to dry completely before using the bathroom.
3. Tips for tile resurfacing
- Choose the right coating. Not all coatings are suitable for use on bathroom tile. Make sure to choose a coating that is specifically designed for use on bathroom tile.
- Follow the manufacturer's instructions closely to understand how tile refinishing kit acts. Each brand of coating will have its own set of instructions, so make sure to read them carefully before starting the project.
- Be patient. The coatings need time to dry completely, so be patient and allow adequate drying time before using the bathroom.
- Be careful when using sharp tools. When removing the old sealant or grout from the tile, be careful not to cut yourself on the sharp edges.
4. How do you know if your bathroom tile needs resurfacing or not?
Whether you need bathtub refinishing, or entire tile reglazing, there are a few ways to determine when the time has come. The easiest is to analyze the tiles. You can tell by looking at the age of your tile and how well they have been maintained.
A different way to check is if water is beading on top and staying there after a few minutes rather than being absorbed.
You can also touch the tile, if it feels very smooth, then it might not need to be resurfaced.
Bathroom tile that needs to be resurfaced will generally have a rougher feel to them.
5. When is the best time to resurface your bathroom tiles?
The best time to renew the surface gloss of your tiles is typically when they are starting to show signs of wear and tear. This can be due to age or damage.
If you wait too long, the tile may become too damaged and will need to be replaced rather than resurfaced.
It is also important to note that some types of tile are more difficult to resurface than others. For example, porcelain or ceramic tile is typically easier to resurface than natural stone tile.
So if you have natural stone tile in your bathroom, it might be a good idea to ensure the tile refinishing sooner rather than later.
6. tile resurfacing cost and how to save money on the project
The cost of tile resurfacing will vary depending on the type of coating you choose, the size of the bathroom, and the amount of labor involved.
You can save money on the project by doing some of the work yourself, such as sanding down the tile and applying the primer and new coating.
You can also try to find a coating that is less expensive but still has good quality (especially to be scratch resistant and corrosion resistant). Be sure to compare prices between different brands and retailers to find the best deal.
7. Choose a contractor that'll make your job easier
When resurfacing your bathroom tile, it is important to choose the right contractor for the job. Not all contractors are experienced in tile resurfacing, so make sure to ask for references and/or portfolios of previous work to get professionally refinished tile.
It is also important to get a written estimate from the contractor before beginning the project. This will help to ensure there are no surprises later on in the project.
8. How to prepare for the contractor's arrival
- Clear out any furniture or other objects that might get in the way.
- Remove all of the toiletry items from the bathroom.
- Make sure there is adequate ventilation in the room.
- Cover any flooring or surfaces that you don't want to get damaged during the project.
9. How long does it take to resurface bathroom tile?
The amount of time it takes to resurface bathroom tile will vary depending on the size of the room and the type of coating you choose. Typically, it will take 1-2 days to resurface the tile in a small bathroom. Larger bathrooms may take a little longer.
Be sure to allow enough time for the coatings to dry completely before using the bathroom. Most coatings require at least 24 hours to dry completely.
10. How to care for your newly resurfaced bathroom tile
- Avoid using harsh cleaners or abrasive scrubbers on the tile.
- Wipe up any spills quickly.
- Don't allow standing water to sit on the tile.
- Use a soft cloth to clean the tile.
Frequently Asked Questions
– It is a more affordable option than replacing the tile.
– It is a less invasive option than replacing the tile.
– It is a quicker option than replacing the tile.
– It can be a more environmentally-friendly option than replacing the tile.
Make sure the tile is not too damaged. If it is, it might need to be replaced rather than resurfaced.
– Consider the type of tile you have. Some types of tiles are easier to resurface than others.
– Get a written estimate from the contractor before beginning the project. This will help to ensure there are no surprises later on in the project.
– Clear out any furniture or other objects that might get in the way.
– Remove all of the toiletry items from the bathroom.
– Make sure there is adequate ventilation in the room.
– Cover any flooring or surfaces that you don’t want to get damaged during the project.
Tile resurfacing is a much more affordable option than replacement. It also typically takes less time to complete, and the results are usually just as good.
Additionally, tile resurfacing is a more environmentally-friendly option than replacement, because it doesn’t involve the waste and destruction of materials that come with replacement.
Finally, tile resurfacing can even improve the appearance of your bathroom by making the tiles look new and shiny again.
Conclusion
Replacing bathroom tiles can be a costly, time-consuming, and invasive project. Resurfacing bathroom tile is a more affordable and quicker alternative that can achieve similar results.
Additionally, resurfacing is an environmentally friendly option that doesn’t involve the waste and destruction of materials that come with replacement.
If you need a team to help you resurface your bathroom tiles, make sure to get in touch with us. We’re going to make your bathroom look like new again!