Glazed porcelain tiles are fast becoming the most popular flooring choice owing to their elegant appearance, moisture resistance, and ease of maintenance. However, despite these advantages, glazed porcelain tiles have one drawback-a tendency to scratch easily, causing concern for homeowners who look forward to keeping their floors looking brand new. These glazed tiles are more sensitive as the glossy surface of such a tile marks scratch or stain more than matte or textured finish tiles. To keep your tiles looking perfectly nice you will need to learn how to protect them from scratches, and repair them when the damage is done. Let’s find out some tips on how to prevent or remove scratches from your glazed porcelain tile in this blog.
Why are Glazed Porcelain Tiles Scratch-Prone?
Glazed porcelain tiles are more resistant than many other tiles, but they are not scratch-proof. These tiles are made by firing refined clay at extremely high temperatures, making them dense and hard. However, the glossy surface of glazed porcelain tiles is more vulnerable to scratches, especially in high-traffic areas.
Porcelain tiles, in general, boast considerable resistance to scratching, much more than ceramic tiles. When choosing glazed porcelain tiles, one needs to consider the PEI rating. Tiles with a higher rating from the Porcelain Enamel Institute, for example, would be PEI 3 or above and are more resistant to wearing away. Scratches, however, can still occur if not properly cared for, even in tiles rated higher.
Face-Impex has many glazed porcelain tiles of the best quality, durable, stylish, and easy to maintain.
How to Prevent Scratches on Glazed Porcelain Tiles
It is not possible to eliminate the risk of scratches, but there are some ways to prevent them from happening in the first place:
Use Furniture Pads
Furniture with thick legs or sharp edges easily scratches glazed porcelain tiles. Prevent this by attaching furniture or felt pads at the bottom of chairs, tables, and other furniture so that weight distribution is ensured and friction which causes scratches is reduced.
Daily Sweeping and Mopping
Dirt, dust, and grit can be like sandpaper on your tiles, scratching them over time. Regular sweeping or vacuuming of your floor will remove debris before it has a chance to scratch your glazed porcelain tiles. Using a damp mop with a mild, non-abrasive cleaning solution will also help keep your tiles clean without damaging them.
Avoid Sliding Furniture
Always lift heavy furniture rather than sliding it across the floor to prevent such scratches on glazed porcelain tiles, especially if there is debris or dirt underneath.
Use Rugs and Mats
Place rugs or mats at entryways, hallways, and high-traffic areas to minimize the dirt and grit that come into contact with your tiles. Rugs also provide a cushion that prevents scratches from objects or furniture.
Clean Spills Quickly
The acidic liquid from the wine or juice will not only stain your tiles but also make them slippery, increasing the likelihood of accidents that might leave scratches on the tiles. Clean up spills as soon as possible to prevent damage to the tile’s surface.
How to Remove Scratches from Glazed Porcelain Tiles
Even with the best precautions, there’s a possibility that scratches may still pop up on your glazed porcelain tiles. Fortunately, you have quite a few techniques for eliminating scratches and the return of your tiles’ former shine. Here are some effective methods:
Technique 1: Soapy Water on Light Scratches
In cases of light scratches that are not too deep, you can use soapy water to clean the area and make the scratch less noticeable.
Steps:
Dampen a soft cloth with warm, soapy water.
Gently rub the scratched area with this cloth, paying special attention to the scratch itself.
Use a clean towel to wipe the area dry; it should be free from any excess moisture.
This procedure works well for minor scratches to remove dirt and debris from a scratched area before applying one of the other methods.
Technique 2: Baking Soda Paste for Moderate Scratches
For deeper or more noticeable scratches, a baking soda paste can be used to gently buff the area.
Steps:
Combine a few drops of water with baking soda and create a thick paste.
Apply the paste to the scratched area using a damp non-abrasive pad or soft-bristled brush.
Rub the paste gently into the scratch.
Rinse the area with clean water and blot it dry with a towel.
This technique is good for slightly deeper scratches and can reduce their visibility.
Method 3: Toothpaste or Vinegar for Strong Scratches
When dealing with tough scratches or spots that the above techniques fail to erase, a more forceful application such as toothpaste or vinegar may be necessary.
Steps
Apply a few drops of toothpaste or vinegar onto the affected area.
Rub the product into the scratch using a clean cloth in small circular motions.
Allow the area to dry, then check if the scratch is less visible. Repeat if necessary.
Once the scratch is gone or significantly reduced, apply a layer of car wax to seal the area and protect it from future scratches.
These methods are effective for removing tough scratches and can help restore the surface of your glazed porcelain tiles.
How to Protect Your Glazed Porcelain Tiles from Scratches
Proper care and maintenance are necessary to ensure that your glazed porcelain tiles are maintained in top condition for years. Regular cleaning and applying preventive measures should be accompanied by an awareness of the factors that may affect the durability of your tiles. These factors include the tile’s finish, hardness, and installation.
Tile Finish
Tiles with a highly polished or glossy finish are more likely to reveal scratches than tiles with a matte or textured finish. If you are installing new glazed porcelain tiles, consider getting your tiles with a textured or matte finish so minor flaws and scratches will be easily camouflaged.
Check the Hardness of the Tile
It should, however, be noted that a very hard tile would imply a high susceptibility to scratch; instead, porcelain tiles with the highest PEI rating scores are suitable for heavy-use floors and areas, PEI 4 or 5.
Proper installation also ensures minimal scratches from the glazes of porcelain tiles.
Therefore, it is important to position and level the tiles at strategic locations to prevent rubbish build-ups between the tiles that lead to scratches during entry points by unwanted small dirt debris and particles.
Final Words
Regular maintenance is key to keeping floors scratch-free. On the other hand, Face-Impex tiles bring about the durability and beauty needed for your home. Face-Impex thus stands out as a viable solution to create a new home or upgrade your current one.