Wednesday, March 12, 2014

How to Repair a Hole in Ceramic Bathroom Tile

The ceramic bathroom tile is considered to be a durable and long lasting finishing material. Bathroom accessories and fixtures are usually drilled on previously untouched surfaces, therefore creating unsightly holes that ruin the overall look of the finish. It is easy to repair a hole in a ceramic bathroom tile and all you need are simple materials that can be purchased at any hardware store. Auto body repair filler is the preferred material of choice in covering holes in ceramic bathroom tiles. You can also use silicon caulk or pre-mixed grout to cover the holes on ceramic tiles.

What you'll need
Auto body repair filler
Silicone caulk and caulk gun
Pre-mixed grout
Putty knife
Sandpaper

Sponge

Step 1 – Preparation

Inspect the holes and remove any debris that may hinder the bond between the filler of choice and tiles. Use a vacuum cleaner or pressurized air to remove any dirt that may remain inside the holes.

Step 2 - Apply the Filler of Choice

When deciding to use auto body repair filler, it would be best to follow the instructions stated on the packaging. Mix the resin with the hardener until achieving a smooth, even consistency and apply immediately using a putty knife. You may also use pre-mixed auto body repair filler to take off the guesswork in the mixing process. Fill the holes and press firmly with the putty knife to ensure the holes are completely filled. Let dry for a few minutes until a rubbery consistency is achieved. Scrape off excess material using a putty knife or razorblade. You may need to sand the area to achieve a smooth consistency.
When using silicone caulk, it would be best to use a caulk that is of the same color as the tile. Attach the cartridge to the caulk gun and press the trigger firmly to dispense the caulk and fill the holes on ceramic tiles. Press on the hole firmly with a putty knife and wipe off excess caulk using a wet sponge. Let dry.
The same procedure applies when using pre-mixed tile grout. Similar to silicone caulk, you can buy pre-mixed grout in the same color as that of the ceramic bathroom tile. Fill the hole with grout with a putty knife and wipe off any excess with a wet sponge.

Step 3 – Clean Up

Remember that auto body repair filler can prove extremely difficult to remove when completely dry. Sanding the surface is the only way to remove any excess filler.
Silicone caulk and pre-mixed grout should be immediately removed on unaffected surfaces. Wipe clean with a wet sponge before the mixture gets a chance to dry completely.
Bathroom fixtures and accessories that come with suction cups will help prevent the accumulation of holes in your ceramic bathroom tiles. Purchase bathroom accessories that negate the use of screws and drills during installation. There are a lot of available bathroom accessories that use suction-type devices to facilitate installation.