How to reglaze floor tiles

Reglazing tile is the perfect way to complement new furniture. Applying a fresh coat of glaze to your tile can give the room a whole new look. As with most home-improvement projects, doing the job yourself can save you quite a bit of money. Reglazing tile isn't difficult, as long as you know what you're doing and have the right equipment. This simple do-it-yourself fix is an easy way to freshen up your home.

Clean the floor thoroughly by mopping it with a mixture of chlorine bleach and warm water. Mop the floor a second time with warm water to remove any chemicals from the bleach. Scrub the hard-to-reach crevices with a toothbrush. Wait until the floor is completely dry before you proceed.

Remove the caulking completely, with a putty knife and silicone digester. Any leftover caulking can ruin the look of your new glaze. A utility knife is a useful tool, and it makes it easier to remove large areas of silicone or caulk. Wipe the area clean with a damp towel and allow it to dry.

Protect the areas around your tile by taping them off. This prevents overspray from damaging walls and cabinets.

Etch the tile with hydrofluoric acid.This allows the tiles to accept the glazing. To ensure your safety, wear gloves during this process.

Use a solvent degreaser to clean the area. The degreaser neutralises and removes the acid used in the etching process. Let the area dry completely before proceeding.

Prime the tile with an epoxy primer. Spray two to three coats of primer, depending on how much it takes to completely cover the surface. Use consistent, even strokes and keep the sprayer the same distance from the tile throughout the entire job to ensure proper coverage. The primer is necessary for proper adhesion of the paint and clear coat.

Paint the tile with the colour of your choice. You will need to apply several layers of paint to completely build up the finish. The paint needs approximately 30 minutes to dry between coats. Allow the paint to dry completely after the final application.

Apply several layers of polyurethane clear coat to protect the fresh paint. The clear coat gives the tile its shine, and it adds to the durability of your tile.