What kind of sandpaper do you use on tile?

Author: Ethelyn Ward  |  Last update: Monday, January 19, 2026

Lightly sand the tiles with 180 to 240 grit sandpaper, scuffing the surface to remove the glaze. You can use 80 or 120 grit to sand off any surface with a build-up of crud. Remember to don protective gear such as eyeglasses and a mask when sanding the tiles to avoid breathing the dust.

What sandpaper to use on tiles?

Use an orbital sander and sandpaper with a fine grit. 220 grit is recommended to sand ceramic tiles.

Do I need to sand tiles before painting?

Yes, it is generally recommended to sand tile before painting to ensure better adhesion of the paint. Here's a step-by-step guide:

What grit sanding block for tile?

60# is used for general slate and floor tiles. Usually used for sanding all solid surface materials/countertops such as granite, concrete, marble, stone, tile, etc.

Will sandpaper damage ceramic tile?

1. Keep the sandpaper moist: When using sandpaper to sand and polish ceramic tile, it is crucial to keep the sandpaper moist throughout the process. Dry sandpaper can easily cause premature damage to the tile surface and uneven polishing.

Sanding Technique and Grits - 2 Minute Tuesday

Which sandpaper for ceramic?

The grit sizes include:
  • 60 grit (coarse) sanding pad for rough heavy clay or glaze.
  • 120 grit (medium) sanding pad for general purpose.
  • 200 grit (fine) sanding pad for smoothing.
  • 400 grit (extra fine) sanding pad for further smoothing.
  • 800 grit (ultra fine) sanding pad for polishing.

What is the best way to rough up ceramic tile?

Use a Coarser Grit: Start with a 60 or 80 grit sandpaper to see if that breaks through the glaze. Consistent Movement: Keep the sander moving at a constant speed to avoid heat buildup. Use a Power Sander: If you're not already, consider using a power sander to get a more consistent result.

What type of sand is used for tiles?

Tiling sands

River Sands Tile and Bedding Sand is a washed, coarse, silica tiling sand ideal for mixing with cement to make grouts, renders and floor screed.

What is the best grit for porcelain tile?

It is important with the lowest grit (70 grit) to remove all the cutting marks from the tile edge. As you move up the grit levels you go from sanding to polishing, and the final 3200 grit will really smooth and darken the polished edge.

How do you sand tile by hand?

If you decide to sand your ceramic tiles manually, keep in mind that the rougher the surface of the tile, the lower the grit of your sandpaper should be. In case you find a chipped tile, it is a much better idea if you utilize 60-grit or 80-grit sandpaper to smoothen the sharp edges.

Why is paint not sticking to my ceramic tile?

Most tile is finished with a layer of glaze for protection. For paint to adhere to tile, the glaze must be removed. Use a minimum of 100-grit sandpaper to hand-sand, or machine-sand tile with a sander before painting it.

How much to sand tile before painting?

You'll need to create a perfectly flat finish to accentuate any added color which is done by lightly sanding your tiles with some fine-grit sandpaper. We recommend using 240-600 grit sandpaper for the best results. Make sure to wipe away any dusty powder that's left from sanding before beginning to paint.

What paint will stay on tiles?

Water-based paints disintegrate, and ordinary wall paint won't stick to the surface. Epoxy paint is a good option because it's highly resistant to abrasion and cleaning solutions. Alkyd urethane, enamel paint, and silicone-based paint are commonly used to paint tile.

How to use wet and dry sandpaper on tiles?

When dry, lightly sand surface with #240 grit wet & dry sandpaper and wipe area with a clean, lint-free cloth to remove any dust. Ensure the surface is clean, dry and free from dust, dirt, mildew, and other contaminants before painting.

Is sanded or non sanded better for floor tile?

Because sanded grout is stronger, denser, and generally more durable than unsanded grout, it's the preferred grout for tile floors. First, tile floors typically have wider joints, which require sanded grout.

How effective is liquid sandpaper?

Unlike regular sandpaper, it just removes gloss; it can't be used to smooth the surface, correct imperfections or as a paint primer. Liquid sandpaper is also referred to as deglosser and wet sanding. The advantage of using liquid sandpaper instead of regular sandpaper is that it's easier to apply and safer to use.

Can you use sandpaper on tile?

Lightly sand the tiles with 180 to 240 grit sandpaper, scuffing the surface to remove the glaze. You can use 80 or 120 grit to sand off any surface with a build-up of crud. Remember to don protective gear such as eyeglasses and a mask when sanding the tiles to avoid breathing the dust.

Does sandpaper damage porcelain?

Jon notes that sanding will not damage porcelain or enamel-coated bathtubs, but that fiberglass bathtubs require care when sanding. Debris is removed with wet towels, while dust is removed with a damp shammy and tack cloth.

What do you use to sand porcelain?

With green porcelain (or porcelainous clay like BMix), I usually sand the whole pot when it's completely dry with green scrub pads. If the pot needs extensive sanding, I'll start with an 80 grit silicon carbide sanding screen to remove material more quickly and then use a green scrub pad to make the surface smoother.

Can tile floors be sanded?

After the tile is clean and dry, you'll want to do light sanding. This enhances the adhesion of the new surface coating and removes minor surface imperfections. Use fine-grit sandpaper or a sanding block to gently remove the existing finish and create a rough texture for better bonding.

What is the dirt between tiles called?

Grout is used to fill spaces, cracks, joints or gaps in materials like tile. Without it, a space or gap could allow the surrounding material to move and shift, causing damage to the either side of the space. Grout adds stability. Though there are some other uses, grout for tile is the most common use case.

What is sharp sand used for?

Sharp sand is best for making concrete and screed due to its larger, more angular particles that bond together better and provide more strength when dry. It's also best for use in garden and landscaping projects, adding bulk to clay-heavy types of soil to improve drainage and aid moisture retention.

Should tiles feel rough after sanding?

The tiles should look scratched and feel rough when you are done. Then use the brush and vacuum to clean up the debris created by the sanding process.

How to make tile surface rough?

Lightly sand the surface of your tiles to create a rough texture that will help the paint adhere better. Wipe away any dust with a damp cloth and let the tiles dry.

How to sand old tiles?

It's worth sanding the tiles first to make sure the surfaces are as well prepared as can be. Use a random orbital sander with very fine sandpaper (240 grit) or a fine sanding fleece. Make sure that the entire surface is roughened evenly.

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