How to Repair Chipped Tiles

You can easily perform tile chip repair yourself, as long as you have the right materials. Read on to learn how to fix both small chips and larger holes.
Written by Cheryl Knight
Reviewed by Carrie Adkins
A chipped tile on a floor or wall can detract from the look of the entire area. That is why it is important to repair chips on your tile as soon as possible.
In addition, repairing a chipped tile as opposed to replacing it entirely can save you money. But if the tile is damaged beyond repair, then you should definitely replace it with a similar one. You can do this yourself or call in a professional.
So,
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How to repair small chips and scratches in a tile

Materials Needed
  • Hair dryer
  • Oil-based primer/sealer
  • Paint (in the color of your tile)
  • Piece of cardboard
  • Small paintbrush
  • Toothpick (or other small instrument)
  • Two-part epoxy resin

Step 1: Clean the area

Start by cleaning the area with the chip or scratch using soap and water. This step will help remove any dirt and oils. Rinse with clean water and allow it to dry. You can use a hair dryer to help speed up the drying process. If you only have a scratch, you can skip step 2 below and proceed to step 3.

Step 2: Apply the epoxy

Mix the two-part epoxy resin on a piece of cardboard using a toothpick or other small instrument. Fill in the chipped area with the epoxy using a toothpick or other small instrument. Keep applying the epoxy until the chipped area is level with the surrounding tile.
Allow the epoxy to cure according to the manufacturer's specifications. Avoid touching the area for at least 24 hours.

Step 3: Apply the primer/sealer.

Next, apply the oil-based primer/sealer to the chipped or scratched area using a small paintbrush. Add only a small amount of primer/sealer to prevent pooling. Allow the primer/sealer to dry according to the manufacturer's recommendations.

Step 4: Apply the paint

After the primer/sealer has dried, apply paint to the area using a small paintbrush. Allow the paint to cure for at least 24 hours.
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How to repair larger chips and holes in a tile

Materials Needed
  • Lacquer
  • Paintbrush
  • Putty knife
  • Sandpaper (180- to 200-grit)

Step 1: Mix the ceramic filler

You may need to mix two separate colors to get a match for the color of your tile.

Step 2: Fill in the chip or hole

Pack the filler into the large chip or hole in the tile using a putty knife. Do this until the filler in the chip or hole is even with the rest of the tile. Allow it to dry.

Step 3: Sand the filler smooth

Use a fine sandpaper of 180- to 200-grit to sand the surface of the dried filler until it is smooth and even with the rest of the tile.

Step 4: Apply the lacquer

Using a paint brush, apply lacquer over the top of the smoothed and sanded ceramic filler. Allow it to dry completely.

Why should I fix a chipped wall myself?

Fixing chipped wall and floor tiles yourself can save you money, especially if you use the easy-to-follow steps presented above. When choosing your paint or ceramic filler, you should take a piece of the tile with you, if possible, when you travel to the store. If you're buying items online, purchase various shades of the color you need and mix until you get a good match.

FAQs

How can I get professional help?

Sometimes the hard work you put in by yourself may not suffice. It may take someone more experienced to ensure that your floors and walls are safe and look the part. There are a number of websites, such as Mr. Handyman, that can call in professionals to make sure you're all sorted—hopefully at a good price, too.

Will my insurance cover tile damage?

Perhaps! It depends on what kind of insurance package you have. If you can prove that the damage was the product of natural wear and tear, or some sort of "act of God", then your insurer might step in. Of course, they might not cover things.
In that case, you should look into getting a more comprehensive insurance package. Trying to find a new plan can leave you feeling like a chipped tile yourself though. What to do?
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