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How to Make Ceramic Tile Shine

Josh Nuttall

Many beautiful tile colors are not shiny. But don't worry. You can make them shiny after they are installed and treated with a high-quality penetrating grout and tile sealer. Be sure to treat the tiles regularly to maintain the shine you desire.

Shiny Tile

Tip

To maintain a shiny appearance, glossy sealer must be reapplied regularly.

Warning

Some tile sealers will add a slightly yellow color to the tile.

  1. Clean the tile thoroughly before applying the glossy tile sealer.

  2. Place a disposable paint tray into a paint pan and pour glossy tile sealer into the paint tray.

  3. Thread the lambs wool mop head onto the end of a threaded mop stick and place the mop head into the sealer.

  4. Begin spreading an even coat of sealer over the entire surface of the tiled floor using a linear mopping motion. Allow the floor to dry 1 to 2 hours in between coats.

  5. Apply 2 to 3 coats of sealer. For a heavy, low-maintenance layer of sealer, apply 4 or more coats of sealer. This kind of sealer sits on the surface of the tile like polyurethane sits on the surface of wood. For a thicker finish layer, apply additional coats of sealer. Allow the sealer to dry 4 to 6 hours before allowing surface traffic on the sealed area.

The Drip Cap

  • Many beautiful tile colors are not shiny.
  • For a thicker finish layer, apply additional coats of sealer.
  • Allow the sealer to dry 4 to 6 hours before allowing surface traffic on the sealed area.