How to Darken the Color of Porcelain Tiles

Porcelain is made from a blend of crushed stone and clay that has been compressed, cut into pieces and fire-baked. The finished tile is then coated in thick glaze that seals the surface of the tile, protecting it from exposure to ultraviolet radiation, moisture, dirt, dust and grime. Although this glaze helps create a flooring material that is hard-wearing and durable, it also makes it difficult to alter the appearance of the tiles. To darken tiles and change the look of a room, the protective glaze must first be removed, and then the underlying materials must be treated with a substance that will bind to the stone, giving the final product a darker, deeper tone.

Laundry detergent
Clear ammonia
Nylon bristle brush
Paper towels
Acetone-based nail polish remover
Coffee, tea or powdered drink mix
Stone sealant

Instructions

- 1
  Wash the tiles with a solution made from pouring 1 cup of laundry detergent and 1/2 cup of clear ammonia into 1 gallon of hot water. Scrub gently with a nylon bristle brush, rinse with clear water, and pat dry with a clean towel. This should remove most of the protective waxes and sealants.
- 2
  Cover any remaining glaze with several layers of paper toweling. Carefully pour acetone-based nail polish remover over the towels until the material is completely saturated. Leave the towels in place for 15 minutes; then, rinse and wipe dry.
- 3
  Sponge freshly brewed coffee or tea over the tiles. Wait for the tiles to dry, then wipe with a clean cloth to remove any excess fluid, and repeat, until the desired color has been reached. For a reddish stain, use powdered soft drink mix, tomato paste, red wine, or unsweetened fruit juice.
- 4
  Brush a thin layer of natural stone sealant over the tiles to preserve the new color.

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