How to Repair a Chip in Tile
Find a tile to replace the broken tile with., Get some matching grout as well., Don some very important safety gear., Remove the broken tile., Create a smooth base surface by chiseling any remaining mortar from the subfloor. , Clean the surface with...
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Find a tile to replace the broken tile with.
You may have extras on hand from when the floor was installed.
You may need to go see a tile or flooring store to purchase another one of your tiles, or if that style is no longer available, you may need to settle on a complimenting style. -
Step 2: Get some matching grout as well.
The grout is available at tile or flooring centers.
Since there are so many varying shades of grout, if you do not know the name of the color, the best way to ensure a seamless tile repair job is to take home color swatches to compare with the existing grout.
Most stores have these handy reference tools available to take home to find closest match. , Gloves and safety glasses will protect your hands from any sharp edges and your eyes from dust and fragments. , Drill a line of holes diagonally across the broken tile.
The holes should be about 1 inch (2.5 cm) apart.
Make sure the drill is dressed with a masonry bit.
Use a chisel and hammer to split the tile.
Tap the top of the chisel gently with the hammer so you do not disturb nearby grout joints.
Loosen and pick up all tile pieces and fragments and its grout.
Your goal is to maintain the quality and integrity of the surrounding tiles.
Protect them by placing a thick layer of cardboard over them.
Do not use them for leverage while working with the chipped tile.
Slice through the grout line surrounding the broken tile using a grout saw.
You can then begin removing the tile using your hammer and chisel, breaking it into pieces and removing them from the work area.
Start at the corner or at the point of the break. ,,,, Place the tile in the center of the prepared space.
Rest a wood block on the tile and lightly tap the wood with the handle of your hammer to make the tile secure and level. ,, Use a grout float to spread the grout at a diagonal into the gaps. , The grout will leave a coating on the tile. , Wipe a damp towel across the face of the tile to remove the residue left by the grout.
After a few hours, wipe the area with a clean, dry towel. , -
Step 3: Don some very important safety gear.
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Step 4: Remove the broken tile.
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Step 5: Create a smooth base surface by chiseling any remaining mortar from the subfloor.
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Step 6: Clean the surface with a vacuum to eradicate debris and dust left over from the tile removal.
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Step 7: Use a notched trowel to apply mortar evenly over the entire prepared area.
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Step 8: Set the new tile in place.
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Step 9: Wait overnight.
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Step 10: Fill the spaces with grout.
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Step 11: Allow the grout time to dry.
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Step 12: Clean the surface of the tile.
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Step 13: Wait a full day before walking on the repaired floor.
Detailed Guide
You may have extras on hand from when the floor was installed.
You may need to go see a tile or flooring store to purchase another one of your tiles, or if that style is no longer available, you may need to settle on a complimenting style.
The grout is available at tile or flooring centers.
Since there are so many varying shades of grout, if you do not know the name of the color, the best way to ensure a seamless tile repair job is to take home color swatches to compare with the existing grout.
Most stores have these handy reference tools available to take home to find closest match. , Gloves and safety glasses will protect your hands from any sharp edges and your eyes from dust and fragments. , Drill a line of holes diagonally across the broken tile.
The holes should be about 1 inch (2.5 cm) apart.
Make sure the drill is dressed with a masonry bit.
Use a chisel and hammer to split the tile.
Tap the top of the chisel gently with the hammer so you do not disturb nearby grout joints.
Loosen and pick up all tile pieces and fragments and its grout.
Your goal is to maintain the quality and integrity of the surrounding tiles.
Protect them by placing a thick layer of cardboard over them.
Do not use them for leverage while working with the chipped tile.
Slice through the grout line surrounding the broken tile using a grout saw.
You can then begin removing the tile using your hammer and chisel, breaking it into pieces and removing them from the work area.
Start at the corner or at the point of the break. ,,,, Place the tile in the center of the prepared space.
Rest a wood block on the tile and lightly tap the wood with the handle of your hammer to make the tile secure and level. ,, Use a grout float to spread the grout at a diagonal into the gaps. , The grout will leave a coating on the tile. , Wipe a damp towel across the face of the tile to remove the residue left by the grout.
After a few hours, wipe the area with a clean, dry towel. ,
About the Author
Joshua Wallace
Brings years of experience writing about lifestyle and related subjects.
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