How to update the tile in the bathroom: replacement of cracked, seams, stickers, painting

The bathroom tile is one of the best materials that not only has a nice appearance, high strength, but also a long service life. He steadfastly withstands temperature changes and is loyal to water on it. But even the tile can run out of service.

Over time, tile becomes duller. Cracks or chips may appear on it. One way to solve this problem is to replace the tiles. But doing a complete renovation in the bathroom is an extra expense of money and time. There are other ways to update the tiling, which will be discussed below.

For many people, the situation is familiar, when tiles have burst from overly strong mechanical action or cracks along it. For the sake of one or more damaged tiles, it is not necessary to start repairs, because it's enough just to replace the damaged tiles.

It starts with the selection of suitable for color and style tiles. If after repairs you have materials left, it's wonderful. Then you can simply replace the damaged element with the whole. But what if there is not exactly the same tile left?

Procedure:

• If the damaged element is located in a place that hardly anyone will look closely, you can find a tile that more or less matches the color and exactly matches the size of the defective one.
• If the tile is cracked in the open, and you can not find the same in any way, you can cheat a little. Instead of a damaged part, you can use some decorative element of the same size. If it looks strange in a single copy, then replace several whole tiles with the same decorative details. Yes, it's a little more expensive and troublesome, but what can I do?
• Finally, you can replace a cracked tile with a tile of the same size, but close it with a vinyl sticker.

The next important question is how to remove the damaged tile and not spoil the rest?

• A grout should be completely removed with a scraper around the damaged part.
• Several holes are drilled in the center of the damaged part.
• Next to the holes you need to install a bit and strong, but careful strokes to split the tile.
• The fragments are also retracted by the chisel, moving from the central part to the edges.
• The composition on which the tile has been glued is carefully removed from the wall.

Actually, that's all, you can install a new tile. There is a risk that the new part will catch your eye.

To avoid this, do the following:

• apply glue to the surface of the wall and level it with a trowel over the entire area;
• on the empty space, install a new tile, and on the joints leave the mounting crosses( then the seams will be the same thickness);
• if the tile slightly protrudes forward, then tap it lightly to make it stand in place;
• when the glue froze, remove the mounting crosses and fill the seams with grout.

Sometimes the overall picture depends on the type of interlacing seams. For example, the tile looks wonderful, but the seams have darkened or turned yellow, they have appeared chipped, and due to this the bathroom gets neglected.

To return the seams the former well-groomed look will help renew the grout. To do this, remove the old grout with a spatula using an

• spatula. Work should be done with great care, as you risk damaging the tile. You can use the store tools to remove the grout. After applying a special liquid, the composition softens, and it becomes very easy to clean the seams from the old grout;
• to prepare a new trowelling compound. It is recommended to choose a color for the tone of the tile. But you can also try to beat the contrast;
• apply a new compound with a rubber spatula;
• when the grout withers, its excess is removed with a damp rag or sponge. The tile should be well polished.

The algorithm for replacing several tiles, which for some reason are damaged, is the same as for replacing one tile. The only difference is that you have to remove several tiles. It is easier if they are located next to each other, but if they are uneven, then remove them must be extremely accurate, so as not to damage neighboring elements.

To have the tiles on the same level as the others, use the mounting crosses. They guarantee the same width of the joints and allow the installation of a new tile exactly.

Vinyl stickers are a simple, quick and cheap way to produce a cosmetic upgrade of a tile. Now manufacturers provide a huge selection of stickers in various color variations and with drawings, so you can easily pick up something in the tone of the tile.

It should be noted that vinyl stickers will not last long. Over time, they exfoliate and require replacement. But at the same time, it is not only a drawback, but also a virtue, because you can periodically change the design of the bathroom.

We talked about the fact that you can use vinyl stickers. But when tiling the result will be more resistant. In this case, you will be able to show some creative abilities. You can simply completely repaint the tile, and you can apply a picture to it. Let's consider both ways.

If the tile has aged and lost its presentable appearance, then it is easier to repaint it completely. To obtain an effective result, thorough preparation of the surface is required, as well as a competent choice of the paint.

With this solution, the work steps will be as follows:

• , first the tile is cleaned with detergents and then thoroughly washed with running water;
• the surface of the tile must be degreased. Acetone or alcohol will help. Simply clean any of these substances with a tile;
• it is necessary to remove the glossy layer, so the tile is ground with fine-grained sandpaper;
• a layer of epoxy primer is applied to the surface, which dries up during the day;
• tiles again grinded;
• after the prepared preparation it is possible to apply epoxy paint or special coloring compounds for tile;
• the first layer must be dried for at least 12 hours. After that, the second layer is applied. If you use a paint of light tones, you will have to wait until the second layer dries and apply a third one.

If you do not have a stencil, try creating geometric patterns. They are most simple in execution and always relevant. You can use painting tape instead of a stencil. The stages of work are as follows:

• , mark on the tile a drawing by hand or with a pencil, ruler and triangle( for example, if the pattern is geometric);
• on all contours stick a usual painter's scotch. It is important to be careful that the tape is exactly along the lines. If it was not immediately able to glue it right - it does not matter, you can always try again;
• with a brush and sponge apply a primer over the surface with a pattern;
• at least a few hours can be applied a coat of paint. Allow the primer to dry naturally. Using a hair dryer, you risk contributing to the ingress of dust on the surface;
• as soon as the paint is completely dry, a second coat is applied. If the paint is lighter than the tile, then another layer may be required;
• at least a day( once the paint has dried completely), the adhesive tape can be peeled off.

Use preferably paint with a water resistant compound. Ideal use of epoxy paint, then even tile cleaners without abrasives will not be scary.