How to repair and replace damaged porcelain stoneware tiles

Porcelain stoneware is a natural stone with a reputation for being highly resistant to knocks, scratches and wear. However, despite its robustness, this covering is not immune to accidental damage over time and with use. Tiles can crack, split or even break completely. Far from being prohibitive, this localised damage does not mean that your floor or credenza has to be completely replaced. There are various techniques you can use to repair or replace just the damaged parts, and restore your porcelain stoneware floor to its former glory.

Follow the correct procedure

Before any work is carried out, the extent of the damage needs to be accurately assessed. Are they fine superficial scratches, deeper cracks or completely broken tiles? The nature and extent of the damage will determine the repair or replacement process. Find out more at https://gres-porcellanato.com/.

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Fine superficial scratches only affect the surface layer of the tile and generally manifest themselves as light marks or shallow scratches.

Cracks are larger breaks that penetrate the surface of the tile, but do not cause it to fragment. They can be fine and inconspicuous or larger and deeper.

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When the damage reaches the stage where the tile is broken into several pieces, it becomes imperative to replace it entirely.

Repairing scratches and small cracks

To remove small scratches, use a tile renovation product. Applied to the marks with a soft cloth, this special binder fills them effectively.

For cracks that are more pronounced but do not go through the entire tile, you will need to use a patching product. This should be applied with a spatula after dusting and cleaning the cracks.

Superficial scratches and shallow cracks can generally be repaired using specific products such as epoxy resins or renovation sealants.

In the case of broken tiles or major cracks, replacement becomes the inevitable solution to guarantee the integrity and aesthetic appearance of your surface.

Replacing one or more tiles

Sometimes the damage is too extensive to be repaired alone. In these cases, you need to replace the entire tile or tiles concerned.

Remove the tiles to be replaced 

Armed with a chisel, carefully remove the damaged area by hitting it with a hammer until the tile comes away. Take care not to damage the surrounding tiles.

Preparing the new location 

Once the old tile has been dislodged, carefully scrape and dust its old location to ensure the new tile adheres perfectly.

Cut the new tiles if necessary 

Depending on the location and configuration, you may need to cut the new tiles to fit them precisely. Use a tile cutter or angle grinder fitted with a diamond disc.

Laying the new tiles 

Apply a binder to the entire surface to be tiled, in the direction of the existing joints. Then lay the new tiles, pressing them firmly into the fresh binder. Smooth and clean the joints.

Call in a professional for large-scale jobs

If the surfaces to be tiled are very large, it may be wiser to call in an experienced professional tiler with the right skills and equipment.

With the right techniques and products, it is entirely possible to repair localised damage to porcelain stoneware tiles yourself. A repair or partial replacement will restore the original shine for a long time to come.