Quick answer: This guide will show you how to repair broken tiles by:Assessing the damageGathering tools, supplies, and materialsPrepping the tileFixing the crackApplying new grout

The tiles we use for backsplashes, in our bathrooms, and as a type of flooring are very strong, but they aren’t impervious to damage. If you have a cracked tile somewhere in your home, it doesn’t mean you have to replace your entire floor. Learning how to fix cracked tile is a simple kitchen or bathroom repair, but it can be a time-consuming and difficult process if you’ve never done it before. 

In this guide, the Denver Home Repair® team will show you the steps to take to perform a glass or ceramic tile repair. With a few supplies and some time, you’ll be able to take care of your broken tile.

Step 1: Assess the Damage

If you’re weighing ideas for a new bathroom floor or kitchen backsplash but you have some cracked tiles, repairing them can help make your space look better again while you’re deciding.

Before you try to fix a cracked tile, you’ll need to figure out what caused it to crack in the first place. If an impact caused the damage, you can repair it without worrying about fixing underlying issues. But if the surface the tile is adhered to is damaged or uneven, fixing the tile will only be temporary. If water damage has warped a subfloor, contact a plumbing professional for help addressing the root of the problem. 

Hairline cracks in a tile are usually the easiest to fix—you may be able to fix them without removing the tile. Repairing larger cracks or more extensive damage is possible, but the results won’t look as good as replacing the tile. If large sections of the tile are cracked or smashed, you may be looking at replacing the tile in your space. 

Step 2: Gather Tools and Materials

If you’ve decided that the damaged tile can be fixed and the underlying surface is sound, it’s time to gather your materials and tools. Place your tools in the area around the broken tile or set up a space in a well ventilated place with an outlet like your garage or outdoors for the messy parts. 

Supplies: 

• Tile adhesive or epoxy
• Grout
• Sealant
• Paint

Tools:

• Goggles
• Gloves
• Tile saw
• Grout saw
• Grout float
• Hammer
• Chisel
• Paint roller

The kind of grout, adhesive, and paint you need will depend on the kind of tile you’re fixing and how you’re using the space. If you don’t have a saw for cutting tile, a local home improvement store may be able to help.

Step 3: Prepare the Cracked Tile for Repairs

If you’re dealing with a larger tile or group of tile that has extensive damage, use a grout saw for removal. Go back and forth along the grout until you can lift the damaged tile out. Note that your kitchen tile grout may react differently to the saw than shower grout, so take your time. 

If you’re dealing with a small tile, use a chisel and hammer and work along the grout line. 

Be extra careful during this step—if you have to use the chisel to pry out tile, go slowly to avoid damaging neighboring tile. 

After you’ve removed the tile, clean the underlying surface with the broom and vacuum. Remove any adhesive so the surface is even.

Step 4: Carefully Fix the Crack

Once the tile is free, use the adhesive or epoxy to stick the pieces back together like it was a puzzle. If there are multiple cracks or heavily damaged areas, use the epoxy as a cracked tile filler to fill in gaps as best as you can. 

Use clamps to hold the tile together from the sides, and place weights on top of the tile until the adhesive cures. A heavily damaged tile might not be in its original shape or size, but when you reinstall it, some additional grout will fill in the space between tiles.

Step 5: Apply New Grout

After your repair tile has cured, mix the grout and apply it to the work area with the grout float. Replace the tile (making sure that the replaced tile aligns with your tile pattern), finish the grout, and let it dry. 

Sand the adhesive down until it’s even with the rest of the tile. Clean up any dust with a cloth. Paint over the epoxy and then apply the sealant. If you are replacing a shower tile, use water-resistant grout, paint, and sealant. 

How To Fix a Cracked Tile Without Replacing It

Replacing a broken floor tile or backsplash with a new one is usually faster than trying to repair a badly damaged tile. But if your tile has a small crack, you may be able to repair it without removing the tile, fixing it, and then reinstalling it (or replacing it with a new tile). 

For hairline cracks: 

1. Sweep the area on and around the cracked tile. 
2. Wipe the tile with a clean rag. 
3. Mix the epoxy according to the manufacturer’s directions and apply a thin coat over the crack. 
4. Let the epoxy cure (it could take several hours), then gently sand it down until it’s even with the tile’s surface. 
5. Paint over the epoxy and let the paint dry. 

If you have difficulty with this process, hiring a professional to repair your floor or backsplash could save you a lot of time and frustration. It’s also good to discuss bathroom tile ideas with an expert, whether you’re planning to remodel your shower or install a new backsplash.  

Tips for Fixing Cracked Tiles

Every cracked tile is different, but there are some best practices that can help make your DIY tile repairs better. 

• Use the right kind of paint on tiles: Oil paint usually won’t adhere.
• Hammer gently: Use a tile hammer or small mallet to help remove a tile.
• Don’t get rid of extra tiles: Accidents happen. Keep leftover tiles from the original installation. Patterns are often discontinued and finding matching replacements is often hard or even impossible.
• Check if other tiles are affected by the crack: It could mean there’s a problem under the surface.
• Clean up under the tile: Remove any adhesive, dirt, or debris to make the tile lay flat.
• Be patient: Let the epoxy cure completely before reinstalling a tile.

It’s important to know your limitations when working on tile. While you might be able to handle a hairline crack in a ceramic floor tile, repairing a break in a glass tile backsplash could be more complicated. Contact a service professional like Denver Home Repair to learn about your options, especially if you’re thinking about a large bathroom remodel project.