How to Add Sheen to Glazed Porcelain Tiles for Shine

Porcelain tiles aren't naturally shiny, but are usually made that way with a baked-on finish. If that finish has become worn over the years or was never as shiny as you wanted it, you don't have to live with it and you don't have to replace it. You can boost the shine of porcelain and other types of tiles using polyurethane, as long as you do the proper preparation first. Don't do this in a shower stall, as the will quickly wear off the gloss.

Vibrating pad sander
Aluminum oxide sandpaper (fine grit)
Polyurethane
Paintbrush
Regular sandpaper (extra-fine grit)

Instructions

- 1
  Use your pad sander and aluminum oxide sandpaper to dull the surface of the porcelain. Brush off the dust.
- 2
  Spread polyurethane onto the tiles using your paint brush, applying it in a thin, smooth layer. Brush in the one consistent direction over each tile. Don't coat the grout lines between the tiles.
- 3
  Let the polyurethane dry for 12 hours.
- 4
  Dull the surface of the polyurethane using extra-fine standard sandpaper, with quick light strokes. Brush off the dust.
- 5
  Add a second coat of polyurethane. Let it set for 12 hours.
- 6
  Sand the polyurethane by hand again, de-glossing it. Add a third coat. Let the third coat set for 24 hours before walking on it.

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