How Do I Apply a Smooth Finish on Textured Tile Flooring?
- 1). Scrub each textured tile aggressively with ceramic tile cleaner or mild tile soap with a scrub brush. Don't forget to clean the tile's grout as well; apply a generous amount of specially formulated grout cleaner to the grout, and allow it to set for 10 minutes.
- 2). Go over the grout once more with an oxygen-bleach solution. Rinse and then allow the grout to dry for a few hours before proceeding to sanding.
- 3). Use 400-grit sandpaper on a sandbelt to de-gloss the textured floor, being careful not to strip it. Go over each tile individually with slow, smooth strokes--at least two times--before proceeding to the next tile.
- 4). Apply a polyurethane solution to the tile. Use a foam roller or medium-size paint brush and apply a light coat of polyurethane onto the tile. If using the brush, dip it into the polyurethane up to 1/3 of the length of the bristles to prevent excess dripping. Avoid coating grout with polyurethane. Allow tile to dry for 10 hours
- 5). Add a second or third layer of polyurethane until the tiles appear smooth and glossy. Let the tiles dry for an addition 10 hours. Use a floor buffer to smooth the tile and improve sheen. Start buffing from the farthest corner of the room, towards the room's entrance.
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