How to restore old ceramic tiles?

[bsaberton]

Hi, I'd like to know if cleaning 1920s subway tiles has failed, can I remove the glaze,clean and reseal?

 

[Jewelleryrescue]

Hi @bsaberton 

It is hard to tell in picture but i think i see the grout lines varying in colour so using a strong steam cleaner and or a pressure washer (with gentle care of the tiles)  I would probably use something like domestos first and scrub it in and let it sit overnight, letting the cleaning  chemical do its work.

Cleaning agents like jif and ajax have mild abrasives in them to assist in cleaning.

Basically if the glaze is removed all you will see is scratches and the underneath colour of the tile base and it won't be nice.There are reglazing services available to avoid any demolition

Yes you can remove the glaze off the tiles this will clean it and then re seal it or paint the substrate if I understand your intentions correctly.

Or you can remove the tiles completely   or tile new ones over the top as  options.

Did  I read your questions  right.

[bsaberton]

Thank you, I want to restore them (keep them) and cleaning with jif and bleaches hasn't worked. It's like the glaze has discoloured because it's all yellow like grease but nothing is coming off, so I'm sure the seal is damaged. Maybe it's epoxy and I could scratch a bit off in a unseen area (it's in the oven / fireplace . So how do you get glaze/seal off? Thanks for your help  

[Jewelleryrescue]

Hi @bsaberton 

The glaze is bake in an oven like pottery and the only way to take it off is to use a machine like and angle grinder with an abrasive disk that will destroy them.  They  didnt have epoxy back in 1920s  its just kiln glaze.

They are old tiles, and the discoloration is called patina (Meaning  old stuff that is dirty a bit.)

It won't hurt to try the domestos thick bleach it will help remove and whiten the yellowing if anything can. But not 100% Brush it on a few hours apart and leave it overnight.    Try doing a patch area if you like and see if it helps you gave nothing to lose.

Or tile new subway tiles over the top is the easiest alternative.

[bsaberton]

Thank you, 🙏 I'm really sad about losing them, so if they don't clean up, I'm just going to live with them the way they are.

[EricL]

Hello @bsaberton 

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's sensational to have you join us, and thanks for sharing your question about your ceramic tiles.

Theoretically that would be 100+ years of cooking oil and grease that's been laying on the surface of that tile. If you are not in a hurry, I suggest doing a chemical test on a few of the tiles using CLR 750ml Bathroom And Kitchen Cleaner, Selleys 500ml BBQ Tough Grease And Grime Cleaner and Krud Kutter 946ml Cleaner And Degreaser. If you do decide to use bleach, please make sure to dilute it to prevent staining the tile. 

Leave the chemicals to soak for at least 30 minutes before you wipe them away. You should be able to see which of them is the most effective at cleaning the surface of the tile.

Please make sure to wear personal protection such as gloves and goggles when spraying chemicals 

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

[bsaberton]

Thanks Eric, that's so helpful 😊