Refinishing tile floors is a fantastic way to restore worn or outdated surfaces to their former glory without the need for a costly replacement.  

However, achieving a professional, durable, and beautiful finish relies on meticulous preparation and careful application.  

In this blog, we’ll walk you through the critical steps of tile refinishing using NAPCO’s advanced coating products, from surface preparation to final touch-ups and maintenance tips. 

Step 1: Surface Preparation

Proper surface preparation is the most crucial step in any tile refinishing project.  

Failing to prepare the surface correctly can lead to premature coating failure, which may result in chipping, cracking, or peeling. These kinds of mistakes not only require rework but also hurt your reputation as a refinisher. 

Cleaning the Surface

Start by thoroughly cleaning the tile floor with NAPCO’s Polyclean Tub & Tile Cleaner or a comparable cleaning agent.  

This industrial-strength cleaner effectively removes dirt, grease, oil, and soap scum—common contaminants commonly found in the bathtub that can interfere with coating adhesion. For optimal safety, wear gloves and safety goggles when handling Polyclean, as it contains phosphoric acid. 

Wet the surface of the tile floor with water, apply the cleaner in the center of the tile, and scrub the entire surface using a 3M scrub pad or sponge. For extra cleaning power, you can sprinkle a powdered cleanser, such as Ajax or Bar Keepers Friend, onto the tiles and continue scrubbing for three to five minutes.  

Rinse the surface with cool water and dry it thoroughly with towels to ensure no moisture remains. 

Removing Contamination

In bathrooms or kitchens, silicone caulk is often found around the edges where the tile meets walls or fixtures.  

Silicone can cause issues with primer or topcoat application, leading to a phenomenon known as “fish eyes”—gaps where the coating does not adhere. Use a razor blade to cut out any existing caulk outside of the bathtub, then carefully remove any residue by sanding the area with 80-grit wet/dry sandpaper.  

Be sure to inspect the surface with your fingers to feel for any remaining contamination, as some residues can be hard to see. 

Repairing Surface Damage

Once the surface is clean, assess it for any cracks, chips, or nicks. These imperfections should be repaired using NAPCO’s White Water Resistant Chip Filler.  

Mix the filler with a hardener according to the package instructions, then apply it to the damaged area using a spreader or spatula. Make sure the filler is slightly overfilled to avoid any indentations after sanding. Allow the filler to cure for about 15 minutes before sanding the area smooth.  

For faster curing, you can use a heat gun, but be careful to avoid overheating and damaging the filler. 

Step 2: Priming the Tile Surface

With the surface repaired and contaminant-free, the next step is to apply a primer.  

NAPCO’s Gorilla Grip Wipe-On Primer or High Build Primer works well for tile surfaces. If refinishing natural stone, you’ll first need to sand off any sealer coat using 180 or 220 grit sandpaper. After cleaning up the sanding debris, apply the primer using a lint-free cloth, making sure to cover the entire surface evenly. 

Priming is crucial as it promotes adhesion between the surface and the topcoat, ensuring a longer-lasting finish. The Gorilla Grip Wipe-On Primer flashes off in less than two minutes, meaning it dries quickly, so it’s important to be ready to spray the topcoat immediately after the primer flashes. 

Step 3: Applying the Topcoat

Once primed, it’s time to apply our Semi-Gloss Tile Floor Coating.  

Using an HVLP spray system with your air pressure set to roughly 5 PSI, tweak your gun to minimize or eliminate overspray by testing on a masked surface. Hold the spray gun 18 to 20 inches from the surface, and apply the first coat in a light, even mist. This "insurance coat" ensures that the prep work has been successful and that the surface is free of contamination. 

After waiting a few minutes for the first coat to dry, apply a second, heavier coat, making sure to cover the entire surface thoroughly.  

For the third and final coat, maintain the same distance, applying a wet layer that leaves behind a smooth, semi-gloss finish. Each coat should have a drying time of five to seven minutes between applications. If any dirt or imperfections appear during the process, use tweezers or masking tape to remove them before proceeding with additional coats. 

tile floor refinishing -Before-After

Tile Refinishing Before-After

 

Step 4: Curing Time and Final Touches

After applying the final topcoat, the tile floor will be fully cured and ready for use in 24 hours. What this means is your clients can quickly return to their regular routines without extended downtime. 

Once the surface is fully cured, it can also be buffed using a walking buffer for an extra-smooth finish. Regular cleaning can be done using a tile floor cleaner such as a Swiffer Wet Jet or Bona Hard Surface Floor Spray with water.  

This helps maintain the floor’s appearance without risking damage to the coating. 

Step 5: Preventing Common Issues

While accidents are rare, it’s important to take precautions to avoid spills during the refinishing process.  

When mixing primer or topcoat, do so in your work vehicle to prevent accidental spills inside the client’s home. If you do spill primer or paint on wood furniture, clean it immediately with On-the-Spot Gun Cleaner. For carpet or wallpaper, use 100% Isopropyl Alcohol, but always test on an inconspicuous area first to make sure there’s no color fading. 

By following these steps and using NAPCO’s high-quality refinishing products, you can master the art of tile refinishing and achieve a flawless, durable finish. From meticulous surface preparation to perfect topcoat application, each step plays a crucial role in delivering professional results that will leave your clients satisfied and coming back for more. 

About NAPCO

Since 1979, NAPCO, Ltd. (North American Polymer Company) has provided products, supplies, and training to professional bathroom and kitchen refinishers. NAPCO is headquartered just outside of Chicago, in Skokie, IL and services all 50 states and 5 foreign countries.  

For more information on NAPCO and our products, call (800) 888-1081 today.