Installed correctly, tile floors are an attractive and long-lasting addition to any home. It's true that tile isn't impenetrable to cracks. Installation problems, extreme temperature swings, too much weight, or even dropping a heavy object in the wrong place can all cause floor tiles to crack. As it turns out, it's simple for homeowners to fix minor floor tile imperfections with a few simple tools, including a toothpick and a chemical compound known as epoxy. A cracked floor tile can be repaired without replacing it entirely using the following steps, which include best practices for cracked tile repair.

• Time required: 2 hours to a full day, depending on dry times

• Difficulty: Beginner

• Cost: $10-$40 approximation

Tools & Materials

• Dish soap and water or rubbing alcohol

• Paper towel or microfiber cloth

• Popsicle stick or toothpick

• Cardboard

• Gloves

• Face mask

• Oil – or urethane – based paint

• Detail paint brush

• Urethane sealer

How to Repair a Cracked Floor Tile Without Replacing It

• To mix the epoxy, use a cardboard surface.

• Spread the epoxy with a popsicle stick or, if the crack is small enough, a toothpick. 

Considerations for Safety

• When mixing and applying tile crack repair epoxy, use proper personal protective equipment such as gloves and a mask.

• Request that family members and other house members avoid the area while you work on how to repair cracked floor tile.

STEP 1: Remove any debris and clean the damaged tile thoroughly.

Clean the tile floor thoroughly before beginning the repair of cracked tile without removing it. In order to get the best results and a flawless finished product, it is best to clean the surface before applying epoxy as much as possible. The floor can be cleaned with dish soap and water or rubbing alcohol on a paper towel. Before beginning, make sure the floor is completely dry to ensure that the epoxy will adhere properly. In order to remove excess moisture, you can simply wipe the surface with a microfiber cloth or paper towel.

STEP 2: Epoxy should be mixed in accordance with the manufacturer's directions. 

Epoxy combines resin and hardener to form a paste that bonds and secures the two tile pieces in place Two-part epoxy can be purchased from a hardware store or from the internet. The price of two-part clear epoxy kits varies from brand to brand, but the majority of them are below $10. When working with epoxy, it's best to mix it on a piece of cardboard first and then work from that surface. When preparing an adhesive mixture, make sure each bottle's solution is thoroughly mixed. Open the windows and put on protective gear during this phase, too. Before it cures, epoxy is still workable, but if it is left alone for an extended period of time, it will become rigid and inflexible, so it is best to move quickly during this process.

STEP 3: Apply the epoxy to the crack and wait for it to cure.

Using a toothpick or a popsicle stick, apply a small amount of epoxy to the crack, depending on the size of the hole. A toothpick is better suited to filling in small cracks because of its accuracy, whereas a popsicle stick is better suited to transferring more product to a larger crack. Apply a thin, even coat of epoxy to the crack. Avoid the grout by applying epoxy at least half a centimeter on either side of the crack. About 10 to 15 minutes after applying the epoxy, it should be completely dry. After 15 minutes, check the epoxy with a gloved hand to make sure it is dry and firm to the touch.

STEP 4: Use paint to match the existing tile color and seal the color once it's dry.

Apply an oil- or urethane-based paint that matches the existing tile color to the epoxy after it has dried, using a fine paint brush. To dye epoxy, you can also use a powder dye that is specifically designed for this purpose. However, this substance may be more difficult to match to the tile, and you may also need to paint over it. Once the final product has dried, apply a coat of urethane sealer to keep it safe.

STEP 5: Consider hiring a professional to repair large cracks or replace tiles.

To fix a cracked tile, use the method described above. There may be no other option but to replace the tile if it has been broken or has a large crack. With the help of a professional, homeowners can avoid having to buy new Hanse tile by repairing large cracks. Contact a tile repair contractor or a handyman to find out how to fix the issue.

Cracked tile can be repaired using epoxy, which has been around for a long time. Contact a professional if you are unsure if the crack in your tile is too large for epoxy repair and want to get the process started as soon as possible. While the epoxy is drying, be sure to use gloves and a face shield and keep the area clear of family members, especially children and pets.