Cutting ceramic tiles can lead to sharp and serrated edges. These edges require smoothing for both safety reasons and aesthetic appeal. Here is how to soften the edge after cutting ceramic tiles.
What you’ll need
- Protective eye wear
- Work gloves
- Low grit sandpaper
- High grit sandpaper
- A power sander
- A low grit file
- A high grit file
- Cement/concrete slab
Step 1 – Safety
Put on your protective eye wear and work gloves.
Step 2 – Sanding the Edges by Hand
The type of sandpaper used to smooth the tiles will depend on the roughness of the edges. The rougher the tile edge, the more abrasiveness needed on the sandpaper. Begin with a sixty grit sandpaper. Use the sandpaper to dull the rough and serrated edges on the tile. Continue the sanding process with finer sandpaper, moving up to a four hundred grit level. The finest sandpaper should be used to smooth and polish the tile edges.
Step 3 - Power Sanding the Edges
A rotary sander works well with curved tiles and a belt sander is best with flat edged tiles. Use a low grit sandpaper. Connect the paper to the power sander. Gently sand the tile edges. Stop to check the edges often to be sure you are not removing more tile than you would like. Once the sharp edges are dull, polish them with a four hundred grit paper.
Step 4 – Filing the Edges
Use an abrasive file to begin filing the sharp edges of the tiles. Once the edges are dull, use a finer file to continue the process until the edges are smooth and polished.
Step 5 – Other Smoothing Techniques
Concrete and cement can be used to smooth straight edges if you are unable to locate any sandpaper or files. Hold the tile securely. Gently slide the tile edge along the concrete or cement. This process may not produce a polished texture to the edge, but it will reduce any dangerous sharp edges.
Source: www.DoItYourself.com
