Reglazing simply means cleaning and painting a new protective coat on your tiles.
Rather than replacing, tile reglazing, resurfacing or refinishing is an easier and cost-effective alternative if you would like your bathroom interior have a refreshing look without a full bathroom renovation and it is an especially good option to go if you have a set of ceramic tile you would like to keep for a little longer .
Clay and ceramic tiles are porous. If the grout is dark brown, it indicates that the tile has been stained by soap scum, body oils, soaps or other household cleaners. Tiles should be reglazed if what used to be white grout around them is now discoloured and dirty looking. You can also use the opportunity to spruce up the whole space and install new bathroom mirrors.The process of a proper tile reglazing job takes a few days, it can restore your tiles and even the whole area of your home a refreshing new look - as long as you start with an initial clean tile surface.
Remove all soap scum stains from both the surfaces and grout, especially in areas around the tub, before beginning to work on your DIY home project. Start off by removing any loose bits of old caulk (if there is some) at joints and space between tiles with a pointed paring knife. This will allow you to create a better seal between the new caulk and the tiles. Don't be afraid t reach out to a professional tiler, as it is a difficult job. Tilers in New South Wales may have to be licensed, but check with your local area.Whether it is the bathroom wall or floor tiles, it is important to use the correct materials for refinishing tiles. Shops usually have kits like tile refinishing kits, spray applications and special cleaners available.
The first step to ceramic tile reglazing is removing all grout from both the tile and between them where they meet, as well as areas where it connects to your sink or the bathtub. You can either use a sharp chisel or, if it seems easier, just scrape off the grout with an old plastic card or something similar would also work.
Next, you need to clean your tile with warm water and mild cleaning detergent. Use a scrubbing brush to remove the remaining stains on the surface of the tile as well as dirt and other deposits in the grout lines. Rinse thoroughly to remove all soap residue before proceeding any further.
Next step - mixing the resurfacing compound per instructions. Then you are ready to apply the glaze or paint with an artist brush or sponge. This might be an obvious one but it is important to make sure every part of the surfaces is covered in order to seal them properly.Let the coat dry for a few hours or overnight, depending on the instructions on the compound you use. You should let dry overnight between each coating.
If properly done, resurfacing grants bathroom tile long-lasting durability and bond strength, it should last for years. The grout lines will not be as dark and dingy as they were before, a little touch up with a toothbrush every now and then to remove food stains or other deposits should keep the tiles looking good. You can even finish your resurfacing project by applying an extra clear polymer topcoat if you want, although this really isn't needed. To remain the bathroom wall tiles and floor tiles in their best condition, you must clean them regularly to remove any soap residue that might make its way into joints in between during cleaning. Use a damp sponge or rag dipped in soapy water as mildew can cause serious problems if not cleaned up promptly.
It is not advisable to mix colours when reglazing because the results may vary.
If you want to change hues for a different look and style of the room, thoroughly rinse the tile first with plenty of warm water and mild detergent. Then, apply a new colour glaze directly over your existing one.
Be careful not to get any paint onto grout joints as it will stain them permanently and mess the refinishing job. Also, it is important to allow the coating to dry properly - at least 24 hours between coats for proper drying before another coating over the top by following the manufacturer's instructions on the product container. You can try to match all tiles, like those on the floor or shower.Reglazing or resurfacing tile in bathrooms is easy, yet the rule of thumb is to ensure that all soap scum is removed from both tiles and grouts before proceeding with your DIY tile refinishing projects, or the appearance of the new glaze will be ruined immediately by dirt getting into the residue left behind.