How to repair cracked bathroom tile?

[ziucqea]

Hi guys. Need help with tile repair. I just noticed a cracked tile in my bathroom today. Not sure when and how caused the damage. I'm a bit clueless how to repair. Do I just use a repair kit (like a tube?) Or Do I need to put epoxy on top or something else? 

Thank you for your help!

[EricL]

Hello @ziucqea 

If you are not yet ready to dig out and replace the damaged tile, I suggest using Selleys 50g Knead It Aqua Epoxy Putty to repair the surface of the tile. My best advice is to make sure that the putty is totally mixed in your hand to activate it properly. I recommend spreading it evenly on the damaged surface to prevent water from penetrating the tile. You can paint the surface of the putty to match the colour of your tile, but it will be necessary to replace the damaged tile at your earliest convenience. 

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

[ziucqea]

Thank you Eric @EricL . Just wondering, as this seems just damage to the glaze/ceramic layer, what would realistically happen if I don't replace the tile? 

[MitchellMc]

Probably not a whole heap @ziucqea. The tile might continue to deteriorate over time, but you'd have a waterproofing membrane behind it that stops water leaks. What you could do is take some white wet area silicone and a scraper and smear it across the face of the damage, filling the cracks. That would improve the look of it and hopefully help prevent water ingress behind the tile.

Mitchell