The aesthetic appeal of ceramic tile can be a major selling point in your home. They are both practical and stylish, adding a stylish and modern look to kitchens, bathrooms and other spaces. They are composed of clay and durable minerals, often coated with a glaze to add color and design. This composition makes them moisture resistant and relatively easy to care for. However, although the tiles look durable, they are not immune to scratches. Surfaces, especially unglazed ones, are more susceptible. Over time, wear and tear can leave unsightly marks and degrade the original surface. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to fix those pesky tile scratches, from sandpaper to scratch repair paste. Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it may take some experimentation to find the one that works best for your situation.
        Different methods are also suitable for different types of scratches. While sandpaper is best for small surface scratches, for deeper marks you may need something stronger like oxalic acid. Before you worry about the cost of replacing tiles or having less-than-perfect flooring, remember that there are many scratches that can be fixed in your home.
        Baking soda is primarily composed of sodium bicarbonate, a compound that acts as a mild abrasive. This will eliminate scratches on the tiles. When you make a paste of baking soda and water and rub it on a scratched surface, the particles help smooth out tiny imperfections.
        To use it properly, first mix baking soda with a little water in a container to make a paste. The consistency should be thick enough to stick, but still spread easily. Dip a damp, non-abrasive pad or soft-bristled brush into the paste and gently apply it to the scratched area using gentle, circular motions. Do this for about three minutes. After application, rinse the tile and dry the area. Repeat this process until you get the desired results. Please note: Baking soda is slightly abrasive. While it’s generally safe for tile, you may cause more scratches if you scrub too hard or for too long. Always test a small, inconspicuous area first.
        So you’ve tried several remedies, but the persistent scratches are still staring back at you. Oxalic acid is a powerful organic acid commonly used in professional cleaning products. This is a gentle but effective way to remove scratches that won’t go away. For example, it’s the main ingredient in Bar Keeper’s Friend, which buffs out scratches on everything from china to stainless steel sinks.
        Start by making sure your tiles are as clean as possible. For this step, use a suitable tile cleaner and make sure the tiles are dry before proceeding. Now take a sponge and apply oxalic acid to the tiles and then gently rub the scratched area. The trick here is to apply enough pressure so that the oxalic acid penetrates the scratch, but not so much that it damages the tile. Circular motion is best for homogeneous applications.
        When finished, wipe the area and examine the scratch to see how much it has lightened or completely disappeared. If you are not satisfied, you can do another course of oxalic acid treatment. However, be careful. The last thing you want is to accidentally remove the varnish or finish from your tile. Be sure to read the manufacturer’s recommendations and apply the acid to an inconspicuous test area first.
        Believe it or not, a tube of toothpaste in the bathroom does double duty: it not only fights tooth decay, but is also a handy tool for removing scratches from tiles. Want to know how it works? Toothpaste contains a mixture of abrasives, moisturizers and detergents. Abrasives—usually calcium carbonate or silicates—play a major role here, gently eating away at the rough edges of a scratch, thereby reducing their appearance.
        Remember, it all depends on the technique and type of toothpaste you use. Choose a non-gel toothpaste and squeeze out about half the amount you would normally use on your toothbrush. It doesn’t take much time to pull off this trick. Apply toothpaste directly to the scratch and wipe gently with a damp cloth. As mentioned earlier, the abrasives in the toothpaste do all the work, so make sure you give them enough time to smooth the surface. Small circular motions work well here to ensure even coverage and prevent further damage.
        However, keep in mind that too much use or too much rubbing can cause the surface to become dull, requiring a separate application of a brightening polish such as Rejuvenate All Floors Restorer to restore the tile’s original shine. However, if all the glaze is worn off, it cannot be restored. You will have to re-glaze or replace the tile instead, so be careful.
        Brass polish is often used to add shine to metal surfaces and can be a great solution for removing scratches on tiles. This versatile product combines fine abrasives such as persulfates and nourishing oils such as tall oil fatty acids. The abrasive does the initial hard work, smoothing out the scratch, and the oil fills it in, leaving a smooth, blemish-free surface.
        To remove scratches, take a rag and soak it in brass polish. Now rub the scratched area using moderate pressure. The key is to be firm but gentle. After massaging the polish, apply a second coat. Wash it off and the scratches will disappear. WARNING: There is a slight risk in using brass polish on tile. If your tiles are white, they may leave marks or change color. Since brass polish is designed specifically for metal, it is best to test it on a small area first.
        Small chips in tiles, especially around the edges, can be irritating to the eye. This is especially true for dark tiles where the lighter ceramic or porcelain underneath becomes very visible. Here’s an unconventional but effective remedy: nail polish. The nail polish is made of solvent-based polymer and can effectively fill small imperfections in tiles.
        First, clean the problem area with soap and water. Make sure it is dry before continuing. Now choose your nail polish. Try to find a color very similar to the color of the tile. Gently apply a coat of nail polish to the stain. Let dry and then rate. If a chip or scratch is still visible, immediately apply another coat. Continue this process until you are happy with the appearance.
        But what if you’re dealing with a more durable chip? This is where epoxy resin comes to the rescue. Fill the chip with a tile-compatible epoxy resin, such as Gorilla Clear Epoxy Adhesive, and let dry. Once it’s ready, paint it with nail polish so it blends in with the surrounding tiles.
        Tile repair filler is a specialized product designed to repair chips, cracks and other defects in all types of tiles, whether ceramic, porcelain or stone. It acts as a special sealant that protects and improves the appearance of the tiles. Brands like MagicEzy offer products that use nano-coating technology to provide a durable, thin layer of protection on the surface of the tile. This coating not only creates a waterproof layer; It is also effective in removing scratches and minor surface imperfections. When you use this product, the formula’s nanocrystals bond directly to the ceramic material, filling scratches and creating a smoother surface.
        This product usually comes in a tube for ease of use. To use, squeeze a small amount of putty onto a putty knife or similar tool and carefully apply it to the damaged area. Be sure to apply enough product to completely cover the chip or crack, but avoid over-applying to avoid an uneven surface. Once applied, smooth out the filling using a spatula or flat-edged tool. This ensures that the product is flush with the tile surface. The putty will usually begin to harden within a few minutes, but check your instructions for exact curing times.
        Sometimes, despite your best efforts, traditional methods simply won’t solve the problem. In such cases, it may be time to get out the big knife: a specialized scratch repair kit, such as the Faber Scratch Repair Kit, designed specifically for ceramic tiles. Unlike tile repair fillers, these kits do not use nanotechnology. However, this is no ordinary cleaning solution. They are designed to remove scratches on various tile surfaces.
        First, make sure you choose a kit that matches the type of tile you have. Ceramic, porcelain and natural stone tiles have their own unique needs. These kits include cleaning and restoration products – everything you need in one convenient package, so choosing the right product is important. Once you receive your kit, all you have to do is spray and wipe. Manufacturer’s instructions must be followed. Before adding the repair product, use the pads included in the kit to add the cleaner to the tiles and clean them properly. Let it soak in for 15 minutes, then wipe off. Then apply repair paste and spread it over the tiles. Next, take the tile polisher, place it on the polishing pad that comes with it, and use it to polish the tile until it cracks, using a straight back and forth motion. Do this until the tiles are completely dry, rinse off any residue and wipe with a cloth.