How To Make Matte Floor Tile Glossy? (Steps to Follow)

Porcelain tiles retain a shiny appearance and an extremely smooth surface on installation. With time, changes take place, and the tiles may become dull.

So, how can you make matte porcelain tile glossy? Let’s get down to business and polish your floor.

Can You Make Matte Tiles Glossy?

Yes, just simply apply a gloss fluid all over the floor—clean the tiles before glossing, then gently apply thin layers of the liquid. Your flooring will be shiny by the time the coating dries. Ensure you’re cautious during this thorough process.

Steps To Make Matte Floor Tile Glossy

Glossy, matte porcelain tiles are a sight to behold. However, you must put in some work to achieve their clean state. Good news: it takes a shorter time to do this than the duration it takes for grout to dry before sealing.

The pieces of equipment required are:

• Broom or vacuum
• Mops
• Wax applicator or foam brush
• Clean bucket
• White vinegar
• Rubber gloves

You can begin the work after assembling everything.

Step 1: Determine if Your Tiles are Glazed or Unglazed

First, you have to determine whether or not to use a gloss fluid. Some porcelain tiles have a glass cover on top—this may prevent you from applying the gloss.

You can add the shine you desire on unglazed tiles. Always assess the porcelain tile to discover whether it’s glazed or not.

Step 2: Empty The Room

To run things smoothly, clear all the furniture from the floor. Sweep or vacuum the porcelain flooring carefully to eliminate residual debris or dust.

Step 3: Be Safe

Your safety is key, so put on gloves that are resistant to chemicals—the same ones used during the removal of grout haze.

Wear safety glasses to shield your eyes from spills like chemical solutions.

When working with chemicals, steer clear of inhaling fumes. Ventilation is critical, so make sure the space is well aerated: open the windows and doors when working and after completing the process. 

Step 4: Make Sure Everything is Clean Prior to Gloss Application

Clean the tiles before glossing. Add a quarter cup of white vinegar to a bucket filled with two gallons of warm water.

Use a mop to clean stains or scum from the tiles which are not glazed with the cleaning mixture. You don’t have to scrub your shower; just polish it.

If you have no option but to scour the tiles, get an abrasive pad or a scrub brush. Before scrubbing, soak the brush or the cleaning pad into a cleaning solution for wiping off porcelain tiles.

After rinsing, leave the tile to dry. Repeat the steps to get rid of stubborn stains. Proceed to the subsequent step once the stain is gone.

Step 5: Follow Instructions to the Letter

Go through the directions before using the gloss fluid. Work in line with what the particular circumstances require, like a perfect room temperature. For good results, follow the guidelines strictly.

Step 6: Apply a layer of Gloss Fluid

Pour a small quantity of the fluid into a pail. Get a scrub brush with sturdy bristles and polish the tiles. Alternatively, you can use a wax applicator, mop, or foam rubber brush.

A light layer of gloss is the most appropriate choice. Make sure the application or coat is clear as you proceed. Don’t forget to wipe off any splashes that appear on the porcelain floor.

Step 7: Allow it to Dry.

Well done so far. Now, allow the tiles to dry—accelerate the drying process by using a fan that’ll spread a current of air over the flooring. Around 30 minutes is enough time for the floor to cure completely.

Step 8: Get Another Coating

Apply the subsequent coat of gloss fluid after the floor dries up sufficiently. Ensure the layer is uniform to achieve a perfect look. Otherwise, it’ll be terrible.

Step 9: Let the Coat Dry

Let the coat dry well and observe the quantity of gloss on the flooring.

If you’re unsatisfied with the amount of shine and require more, proceed with the process and apply the third coat for more shine.

Remember to give every coat sufficient time to dry before the next application. You can also use this procedure with marble floors, as the tiles may lose sparkle after cutting them.

That’s it. After this process, your flooring should be sparkling. Cleanse your floor regularly to keep your tiles glossing. Wipe them just like you clean your ceramic tiles—both types have a similar cleaning process.

What Can Damage Porcelain Tile?

Frequent application of corrosive chemicals can erode the surface of tiles and increase the rate of water absorption.

These chemicals can also erode grout, loosening the tiles and allowing water to accumulate beneath the tiles leading to dampness. Use a mop and warm water for daily cleaning of porcelain tiles.

Water damage can cause your tiles to loosen up over an extended time—the presence of excess moisture will slowly damage the adhesive holding the tiles into position.

One of the primary things to do when trying to follow proper tile care is to prevent the accumulation of water on top of the tiles for a long time. Wipe off the floor immediately after any spill or messes before water seeps down beneath the tiles and deteriorates the tile and subfloor.

Practice caution when caring for your tiles. The tiles will retain a glossy appearance for a while with proper care.

Act fast when you find out that one or two tiles are loosening up. Remove them to determine the kind of damage that has occurred beneath them. The most common damage is rotting of the lower floor—a critical issue that needs urgent fixing.

To be on the safe side, fix up any water leaks and take proper care of every tile damaged by water. In several cases, the neighboring tiles will also be affected, even without showing signs of being loose.

Can I Use Baking Soda To Clean Stains?

Yes. One of the best products to use when pretreating even the most stubborn stains is baking soda paste. You only need baking soda and water to make a baking soda paste.

It’s very simple to make—mix it in the ratio of one to two of warm water and baking soda in a small tin. The paste removes stains as it dries.

Alternatively, you can make a paste of one part water mixed with two parts baking soda. After mixing, apply it to the stain and allow it to stay overnight. Use a soft nylon brush to scrub the stain, then rinse the spot with hot water after finishing.

Baking soda works better than regular soap for some things. Even though both are basic, soap has fat molecules making it less harsh. On the other hand, baking soda is abrasive—this accords it the grit to remove stains and dislodge particles from several surfaces.

What Should I Use on Porcelain Tiles For Regular Cleaning?

Use a mop and warm water for daily cleaning of porcelain tiles. After every few weeks, use a mild detergent in warm water to clean the tiles.

Only use chemicals when there’s no option, for instance, when removing stubborn stains. Where possible, clean up with a low-concentration detergent.

Consider slightly higher concentrations when cleaning textured tiles. Pour the cleaning solution on a section of the floor and let it stay for five minutes. Clean the area using a mop. Don’t let the cleaning product dry.

Mop the section again with clean, warm water to remove detergent residues and prevent powdery marks or water spots.

Does Vinegar Shine Tile Floors?

Yes. To save money and energy, opt for a natural cleaner like vinegar. Although vinegar doesn’t have the best smell, it can make your tiles sparkle. 

The plain truth is that tiles become grimy and dirty quickly. Vinegar is the ideal eco-friendly product to use when cleaning the ceramic and porcelain tiles in the kitchen or bathroom. Most importantly, it’s safe to use around children and pets. 

Its smell may be distinctive, but it’s neither harmful nor overwhelming, and it disappears in no time when there’s proper aeration.

Furthermore, vinegar works wonders with hard water stains and grease and disinfects numerous hard surfaces. The gist is that it leaves a neutral and fresh scent behind when it dries.

Frequently Asked Questions