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How to Glue Ceramic Tiles by Injecting Epoxy

Loose ceramic floor tiles can be unsightly and annoying, and they can also present a potential safety hazard. A loose tile may eventually become completely detached, increasing the likelihood of someone tripping and falling. Loose tiles also promote mold growth and can lead to the nicks and chips accumulating on neighboring tiles. However, if a loose tile is still in good shape, it does not necessarily need to be replaced. Loose tiles can be securely reattached by injecting epoxy. You can accomplish this project in a few hours.

Things You'll Need

  • Broom
  • Sponge
  • Carbide-tip drill bit
  • Safety glasses
  • Drill
  • Nitrile rubber gloves
  • Two-part epoxy
  • Cardboard scrap
  • Putty knife
  • Construction syringe
  • Golf tee
  • Tile grout
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Instructions

    • 1

      Sweep the area around the loose tile thoroughly, and clean around the edges of the loose tile with a damp sponge until all debris and grout dust have been removed. Allow the area to dry thoroughly before continuing.

    • 2

      Measure a carbide-tip drill bit by holding it alongside the grouted area between two tiles. Select a bit that is slightly smaller in diameter than the grouted seam.

    • 3

      Put on a pair of safety glasses, and drill two holes into the grouting -- one hole on each side of the loose tile. The holes should be just deep enough to reach the underside of the loose tile.

    • 4

      Put on a pair of nitrile rubber gloves, and mix equal parts of a two-part epoxy (epoxy resin and hardener) on a piece of cardboard scrap. Use a putty knife to thoroughly mix the epoxy. Load the mixed epoxy into the back of a construction syringe with the putty knife.

    • 5

      Set a golf tee into one of the drilled holes, and firmly place the tip of the construction syringe into the other hole. Fill the hole with epoxy until the golf tee is displaced.

    • 6

      Wipe up any excess epoxy with a sponge, and allow the epoxy to dry for 24 hours. Patch over the epoxy-filled holes with tile grout after the epoxy has dried.