How can i fix damaged tiles without replacing them?

[astridb]

Pictured, closeups and zoomed out of tiles   

thank you

 

[MitchellMc]

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @astridb. It's wonderful to have you join us, and many thanks for your question about repairing tiles.

I presume these are ceramic tiles? If so, the best repair method will depend on the extent of the damage. Small chips or surface imperfections, you could try filling the damage with an epoxy putty or just painting them. Once the putty has dried and been sanded smooth, being careful not to damage the surrounding tiles, you can apply a colour-matched paint to replicate the tile's finish and help blend the repair into the surrounding tiles.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell
 

[astridb]

Thank you Mitchell

Yes these are ceramic. What would you recommend smoothing them with? If sandpaper what grain?

And what type of paint over them once they’re sanded?

DIY newbie here.

thank you

[MitchellMc]

You can sand the putty smooth with 180-grit sandpaper @astridb.

There is a range of tile paints that could be used to touch up the tiles. You could use standard paint, but it is hard to determine how long it will last on a floor.

Mitchell

[astridb]

Thanks for the putty recommendation, this worked great. I may have oversanded on the largest area unfortunately.

Am yet to get the paints, there are so many colour variations on each tile so not sure which of the tile paints to get.

If I can’t fix it I may have to source the tile and have a professional replace it as I’m in a rental.

This is where I am up to.  

Hallway area

Closeup of bottom mark in hallway

Closeup of top larger mark in hallway

Kitchen

 

[MitchellMc]

Great work @astridb.

You'd want to use at least two different greys, one lighter and one darker, on each area to try and match a similar effect. Any solid grey you apply is going to stand out.

Mitchell